Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, has begun hosting the Second International Buddhist Recitation Program, bringing together Buddhist monks, nuns, scholars and practitioners from different countries. The seven day spiritual gathering began on Sunday under the leadership of renowned Buddhist teacher Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche. The programme is being held at Pal Thubten Shedrub Ling, also known as the Thousand Golden Buddha Temple, in Lumbini. Participants are gathering to collectively recite the teachings of Buddha in several languages, including Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, Vietnamese and English. The event aims to connect different Buddhist traditions through a shared spiritual practice and highlight the universal relevance of Buddha’s teachings.
The international gathering is expected to further highlight Lumbini’s importance as a centre of Buddhist heritage, religious learning and spiritual practice. By bringing together followers from different countries and Buddhist traditions, the programme provides a platform for cultural and spiritual exchange. It also focuses on preserving, studying and sharing Buddhist teachings with a wider international audience. The event is organized in connection with Lhabab Duchen, an important festival in Tibetan Buddhism that commemorates Buddha’s return to Earth after delivering teachings to his mother and celestial beings. Through collective recitation and prayer, the program seeks to spread messages of peace, compassion and non violence.
International Buddhist Communities Gather in Lumbini
The seven day programme has attracted Buddhist monks, nuns, scholars and spiritual practitioners representing different countries and Buddhist traditions. Under the guidance of Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, participants are taking part in collective recitations of Buddha’s teachings at the Thousand Golden Buddha Temple. The sessions feature multiple languages, including Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, Vietnamese and English, reflecting the international character of the gathering. Bringing different communities together through a common spiritual activity is one of the program’s central objectives.
The organizers aim to strengthen connections among Buddhist traditions while encouraging the preservation and wider understanding of Buddha’s teachings. The gathering also provides an opportunity for participants to engage in shared spiritual activities and exchange knowledge about Buddhist philosophy and practices. Through the participation of people from different cultural and religious backgrounds, the program highlights the continued international reach of Buddhism. Its activities are centred on promoting the values of compassion, peace and harmony among communities.
Recitation of Ancient Buddhist Teachings in Multiple Languages
A major part of the programme involves the collective recitation of Buddhist scriptures from different linguistic and religious traditions. Participants will recite teachings from the Kangyur, an important collection of Buddha’s words in Tibetan Buddhism. The collection contains various texts related to Buddhist sutras and tantras and holds an important place in Tibetan Buddhist religious practice. Its recitation is intended to preserve and promote the teachings while allowing participants to engage with an important part of Buddhist literary heritage.
For the English language recitations, the program will use translated texts prepared by 84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha, an international non profit organisation. The organisation works to translate Tibetan Buddhist texts into modern English and make them accessible to readers around the world. Including these translations allows the teachings to reach participants and audiences who may not understand the original languages. The multilingual approach also reflects the organiezrs’ aim of sharing Buddhist knowledge beyond geographical and linguistic boundaries.
Lhabab Duchen Adds Spiritual Significance to the Programme
The event is being organised to coincide with Lhabab Duchen, one of the four major sacred festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. According to Buddhist tradition, the festival commemorates Buddha’s descent to Earth after visiting the realm of the gods, where he delivered religious teachings to his mother and celestial beings. It is observed on the 22nd day of the ninth month of the Tibetan calendar and holds particular importance for followers of Tibetan Buddhism. Buddhist communities mark the occasion through religious ceremonies, prayers, meditation and other spiritual activities.
Buddhist traditions place special importance on reciting sacred teachings, making offerings, practising meditation and performing acts of generosity during the festival. The international program in Lumbini connects these religious practices with the significance of Buddha’s birthplace, creating a gathering centred on shared devotion and spiritual reflection. Collective prayers are also being offered for world peace, compassion and the welfare of all living beings. The program aims to carry Buddha’s messages of peace, loving kindness and non-violence to a wider global community.
Lumbini’s International Importance as a Buddhist Destination
Hosting an international Buddhist gathering further highlights Lumbini’s role as an important destination for Buddhist pilgrimage and spiritual activities. As the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, Lumbini holds deep religious and historical significance for Buddhist communities across the world. Events that bring together monks, scholars and practitioners from different countries provide opportunities to showcase its spiritual heritage and cultural importance. The recitation program also demonstrates how religious gatherings can connect international Buddhist communities through shared traditions.
The seven day event is expected to strengthen awareness of Lumbini’s importance as a place for religious learning, reflection and spiritual exchange. By bringing together different Buddhist traditions and encouraging the collective study of sacred teachings, the program contributes to the wider promotion of Buddhist heritage. Its emphasis on peace, compassion, friendship and non violence also gives the gathering a message that extends beyond religious boundaries. Such international spiritual activities help reinforce Lumbini’s identity as a significant centre of religious and spiritual tourism in Nepal.
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