Kathmandu, July 27

US Ambassador to Nepal Randy Berry said that a peace sanctuary, which is being built in Lumbini, would be a sacred gift to humanity. He also said it would be a universal destination for all peace lovers.

After inaugurating a contact office of Mahasiddha Sanctuary for Universal Peace in the capital today, the American envoy also urged all to support the project that provided an opportunity to spread Lord Buddha’s message of peace around the world.

MSUP, which was envisioned by Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche, an American Buddhist scholar and author, is being built in Lumbini at the cost of more than 600 million rupees.

On the occasion, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu Dr Ajay Kumar said everyone should support this project as the sanctuary would be a pilgrimage for people of all races, colours and creeds.

According to Rinpoche, the sanctuary’s stunning and modern infrastructure will have a main hall, a museum, a print and digital library (containing a complete collection of Buddhist literature till date in all languages), a retreat centre, conference facilities and accommodation for monks and nuns.

“It will also have traditional Buddhist symbols — a lotus flower, a butter lamp, a mandala and a stupa.

The government had provided land for the project in Lumbini in 2013. Rinpoche said the sanctuary would help attract more tourists in the country and support the country’s economic development.

“It will serve as a focal point for everyone to channel their energies towards the great purpose of universal harmony and happiness,” he added.

The foundation stone of the Mahasiddha Sanctuary was laid in 2017. Rinpoche further appealed everyone to chip in for the project as per their capacity.

The project is also supported by Rangrig Yeshe Inc, Wencheng Gongzhu International Foundation and Bhrikuti Himalayan Foundation, he informed. Construction of MSUP will be completed by 2023.