Buddha's teachings are crucial for resolving globally escalating conflict, violence: PM Oli

Lumbini, May 12: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the teachings of the Buddha are important for resolving the increasing unrest and conflict throughout the world.     

Addressing the 2569th Buddha Jayanti and Lumbini Day-2082 Main Ceremony at Buddha's birthplace, Lumbini today, PM Oli stated that the teachings and lessons of Buddha are significant for the world over time.     

He expressed the belief that the growing conflicts and violence in the world can only be stopped by imbibing the message of peace obtained from wisdom, rather than by the power of weapons.     

Prime Minister Oli expressed happiness that both sides have been restrained at the request of the international community, including Nepal, in the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, and as a result, war has been averted and damages have been avoided.     

Stating that there was tension between the neighbouring countries India and Pakistan a few days ago, he thanked both sides for their restraint and not allowing the situation to escalate beyond that.     

"We said from the beginning that the situation of tension should not turn into a conflict, and we talked to them as well. They expressed their commitment not to engage in conflict," said PM Oli, adding that the message of peace from Buddha is needed always and everywhere.     

"The importance of the Buddha's message is for the peace of an individual's mind, for family peace, and is equally relevant everywhere," he said.     

He mentioned that the ongoing production and stockpiling of a large number of arms and ammunition in the name of warfare in the world is a dangerous issue for human existence, stressing the need to stand again in favour of world peace to be free from such dangerous things.     

Recalling all those who contributed to the development of Buddha's birthplace on the occasion, Prime Minister Oli expressed his gratitude towards them.     

Expressing gratitude towards Professor Kenzo Tange for making a significant contribution by preparing a master plan for the development of Lumbini, he mentioned that there is still work left to complete the master plan and that the government is focusing on accomplishing the master plan as soon as possible.     

PM stated that it is essential to spread Buddha's message around the world, embracing the teachings of peace, humanity, and compassion. He maintained that for the existence of humanity and the protection of the Earth, it is essential for every person to embrace the teachings of the Buddha, which emphasise friendship and compassion.     

Prime Minister Oli stated that the main objectives of Buddha's teachings are peace, humanism, and compassion, emphasising on internalising Buddha's teachings and ideals.     

Stating that a Buddhist university has been established to spread the teachings and messages of the Buddha, he mentioned that the university should focus on research and inquiry.     

While appreciating the contributions of Buddha's disciples, PM Oli said that they have played a significant role in promoting values such as peace, love and compassion.     

Remembering the contribution of Bhikkhu Ananda in the compilation and propagation of the teachings of Buddha, he stated that the Tripitaka was recorded on birch bark paper and preserved. The PM also said that the first document written by Bhikkhu Ananda after going to Taxila is still preserved in the Patna Museum in India.     

On the occasion, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and LDT Chair, Badri Prasad Pandey, said the works are in progress to improve the sound system of a meditation centre in Lumbini. As he said, the government is committed to completing the Lumbini Master Plan and implementing plans for the greater development of Lumbini.     

He pledged to ensure the ownership of the Lumbini folks in any endeavours concerned with the area, adding that the regular operations of Gautam Buddha International (regional) Airport, along with the Pokhara International Airport, are the priority of the government.     

Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Chet Narayan Acharya, said the significance and relevance of the Buddhist philosophy have been increasing day by day, and it is needed to further extend the Buddha's teachings to a wider part of the world. He stressed the need to guarantee the regular operation of Gautam Buddha Airport.     

LDT Vice Chair Dr Lharkyal Lama underscored the need to promote the Buddha's teachings additionally at the international level to encourage the masses to end violence and war.     

India's ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, said our histories dating back to Gautam Buddha are a testament to the deeper historic, archaeological and cultural ties between Nepal and India. (RSS)