In the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lumbini, Buddhist leaders have called on the international community to focus on achieving global peace. The fourth Tripitaka recitation ceremony, organized by the All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangh, is being attended by nearly 2,000 monks and Buddhist leaders from 16 countries, including Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, China, Korea, and Japan.
The event, which started on February 20, aims to promote religious tourism and spread Buddhist literature both nationally and internationally. The Tripitaka, a collection of Buddha’s teachings, is being recited during this ceremony to promote peace, compassion, and the welfare of humanity.
The Tripitaka, written in Pali, consists of three main sections: the Vinaya Pitaka (monastic rules), the Sutta Pitaka (Buddha’s teachings), and the Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical analysis). The recitation of these texts is seen as crucial in fostering peace and understanding among nations. The ceremony is expected to enhance the spiritual and cultural significance of Lumbini, attracting pilgrims, scholars, and tourists alike. The event is also a reminder of the importance of Buddha’s teachings in promoting peace, non-violence, and purification of the mind.