Lumbini, Nepal – Lumbini Buddhist University recently marked the 5th anniversary of the sacred Prajna Stupa with a serene and meaningful ceremony attended by faculty, students, and dignitaries. The event, which took place on 26 Mangsir 2081, included prayers, meditation, the lighting of lamps, and the traditional circumambulation of the stupa, offering an opportunity for reflection on the profound teachings of the Buddha.
The ceremony was organized by the university’s Faculty of Buddhist Studies in collaboration with the Department of Bhot Buddhist Studies. Key figures in attendance included Dr. Nir Bahadur Gurung, Campus Chief of the Central Campus, Dr. Sharada Paudel, Chief Librarian of Lumbini Buddhist University, and Dr. Nyima Sherpa, HOD of Bhot Buddhist Studies. Also present were faculty members, staff, and students from the university.
The Prajna Stupa, a symbol of deep spiritual significance, houses sacred relics of the Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. These relics were originally excavated by British archaeologists in the 19th century at Kusinagara, the site of Buddha’s death. The relics were later entrusted to a Myanmar general, who, with great devotion, preserved and cared for them. The third-generation descendant of the general’s family, Prof. Dr. Saw Htut Sandar, donated the relics to Lumbini Buddhist University in 2019, following the efforts of Dr. Manik Ratna Shakya, Dean of the Faculty of Buddhist Studies.
The relics were enshrined at the Prajna Stupa on 26th Mangsir 2076 (December 11, 2019) in a grand ceremony presided over by the then-President of Nepal, Rt. Hon. Bidya Devi Bhandari. Since then, the stupa has become a revered site for visitors and pilgrims alike, including former prime ministers of Nepal and international dignitaries who have visited Lumbini Buddhist University.
For Buddhists worldwide, the relics of the Buddha are a powerful symbol of his presence and teachings. The Prajna Stupa serves not only as a physical monument but as a spiritual space for meditation and contemplation of the Buddha’s teachings. In his address during the anniversary ceremony, Dr. Nir Bahadur Gurung emphasized the relevance of the Buddha’s message in today’s world, particularly in promoting global peace and harmony.
“The teachings of the Buddha are as relevant now as they were centuries ago,” Dr. Gurung stated. “In times of conflict and division, we must return to the core values of compassion, wisdom, and peace, which are the foundation of his teachings.”
The anniversary was not only an occasion to honor the history of the Prajna Stupa but also a time for the Lumbini Buddhist University community to reflect on the importance of Buddhist principles in fostering unity and tranquility in the modern world. Faculty, staff, and students took part in prayers, meditation, and offerings of light, renewing their commitment to the ideals of peace and understanding.
The Prajna Stupa continues to be a beacon of spiritual practice, drawing Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike to the teachings of the Buddha. Its presence within Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, underscores the university’s mission to advance Buddhist studies and contribute to global dialogue on peace and harmony.
As the ceremony concluded, the participants took part in a collective circumambulation of the stupa, walking slowly around the sacred structure while reflecting on the timeless teachings of the Buddha. For many, it was a moment of profound connection with the Buddhist tradition and the larger goal of cultivating peace and compassion in the world.