Lumbini, the revered birthplace of Lord Buddha in Nepal, has long been a symbol of peace, compassion, and renunciation. This sacred site, nestled about 250 kilometers west of Kathmandu, holds immense spiritual significance for over 500 million Buddhists around the world. Yet, in recent years, Lumbini has become a battleground for political maneuvering, strategic interests, and foreign influence, with its sanctity increasingly compromised by power plays and profit-driven agendas.
A Holy Site Turned Battleground
Lumbini, once envisioned as a global secular pilgrimage site, has witnessed several controversies in recent years. One of the most notable was the cancellation of the fourth Nobel Laureates conference in March 2024. The event, scheduled close to the Tibetan Uprising Day on March 10, was abruptly called off due to Chinese government concerns over a perceived pro-Dalai Lama agenda. Despite assurances from the event organizers that the conference had no political motive, China’s suspicion was enough to derail the gathering.
This incident reflects the broader geopolitical struggles playing out in Nepal, with Lumbini at the center of the storm. China’s growing influence in the region has become a point of tension, particularly as the political landscape in Nepal shifts. In March 2024, the Nepali Congress and Maoist Centre coalition fell apart, leading to the formation of a new government under K P Sharma Oli, supported by the UML and Nepali Congress. China’s initial optimism about this political change soon dissipated as the complexities of Nepalese politics became clear.
Chinese Influence and Lumbini
The strategic importance of Lumbini for China cannot be understated. In November 2024, the city, along with Kathmandu, was chosen as the venue for the Nanhai Buddhism Round Table, attended by hundreds of monks from mainland China. Speculation arose that the Panchen Lama, who is recognized by the Chinese government but rejected by Dalai Lama supporters, would attend the event. This sparked protests in Nepal, revealing the deep-rooted tensions between China’s political interests and the religious sanctity of Lumbini.
China’s interest in Lumbini is not new. Back in 1995, the Chinese government recognized Gyancain Norbu as the Panchen Lama, a figure second only to the Dalai Lama in the Gelug hierarchy of Tibetan Buddhism. Norbu’s first international appearance in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, would have been highly significant, symbolizing China’s deepening influence in Nepal’s religious and political spheres. However, growing resistance from local Buddhists and international activists halted the Chinese government’s efforts to solidify its presence in the region.
Lumbini’s Master Plan: A Vision at Risk
The original vision for Lumbini, initiated by Nepal’s King Mahendra and UN Secretary-General U Thant in 1967, was to create a global pilgrimage destination centered around the Maya Devi Temple, the sacred site of Lord Buddha’s birth. Japanese architect Kenzo Tange developed the Lumbini Master Plan in 1978, which outlined a framework for monasteries, cultural zones, and infrastructure within an eight-kilometer radius of the temple. The goal was to preserve Lumbini’s spiritual heritage while promoting it as a destination for pilgrims from around the world.
However, political instability in Nepal after 1991 hindered the implementation of this plan. The Maoist party’s rise to prominence in 2006, and Nepal’s transition to a republic, further complicated the situation. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the Maoist leader and then prime minister, sought to bring religious sites like Pashupatinath and Lumbini under government control. His attempts to appoint a Nepali priest at the Pashupatinath temple, traditionally managed by Indian priests, backfired after widespread protests, reflecting the sensitive nature of Nepal’s religious politics.
Dahal’s attempts to influence Lumbini’s development were similarly controversial. In 2011, the Asia Pacific Exchange and Cooperation Foundation, a Chinese-backed NGO, pledged $3 billion for the comprehensive development of Lumbini, including the construction of an international airport, roads, monasteries, and a Buddhist university. This proposal bypassed the Lumbini Development Authority (LDA) and the Kenzo Tange plan, sparking protests and accusations of Chinese interference in Nepal’s sacred land.
Protecting Lumbini’s Sacredness
Despite these challenges, many Nepali leaders and religious figures continue to fight for the preservation of Lumbini’s sanctity. In November 2024, a new Buddhist temple built by the respected monk Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche was inaugurated in Lumbini. During the ceremony, Rinpoche emphasized the spiritual importance of the site, declaring, “This monastery is my modest attempt to spread Lord Buddha’s teachings. The responsibility to preserve Lumbini lies with Hindus and Buddhists, not with political or foreign agendas.”
This sentiment echoes the frustrations of many within Nepal’s religious community, particularly the Lamadom, who argue that Lumbini is being commercialized and politicized. The LDA, once a bipartisan body, is now dominated by politicians affiliated with the ruling party, raising concerns about the future direction of development in the city.
Recent efforts by politicians to lease holy land near Buddha’s relic to private developers were met with protests, underscoring the tensions between profit-driven investments and the need to maintain Lumbini’s spiritual significance. The rapid flow of Chinese tourists and government officials to the city in recent years has also fueled concerns that Lumbini may become a pawn in broader geopolitical games.
A Global Responsibility
Lumbini’s significance extends far beyond Nepal’s borders. As the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the site holds immense value for Buddhists worldwide. The international community, particularly countries with a strong Buddhist heritage like India and South Korea, have taken a keen interest in its preservation. In May 2022, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for an Indian monastery in Lumbini, reinforcing the cultural ties between the two nations. South Korea has also played a role in Lumbini’s development, with the South Korean architect Kwaak Young Hoon leading efforts to create a World Peace City master plan.
The future of Lumbini depends on a delicate balance between development and preservation. While economic investments are necessary to support infrastructure and tourism, they must be carefully managed to avoid undermining the spiritual essence of Lord Buddha’s birthplace.
For more interesting contents click here.
