Buddha, born in Nepal, spread his teachings throughout Asia, with followers of Buddhist philosophy now found worldwide. Interestingly, Europe's first Buddhist temple is located in Saint Petersburg, Russia's former capital. On the eve of Buddha Purnima, I visited the Russian Buddha Temple under construction in Lumbini, accompanied by the Society for Cooperation and Friendship with Nepal (SCFN) team from Moscow. We arrived in Lumbini on May 18, landing at Bhairahawa airport at noon. Despite the scorching 39-degree Celsius heat, we proceeded directly to the construction site in the Lumbini complex. The heat was intense, but it didn't dampen our spirits. It was inspiring to see people from a country known for its long winters building a temple in this sacred land, symbolising Russia's inclusion in the global village of peace. It's a source of great joy that Nepal's long-time friend, Russia, and Buddhist devotees from the Russian Federation are constructing this monument to their faith in Lumbini, initiated by the SCFN.
Background
In the 1980s, we learned that the Soviet Union occupied one-sixth of the world's land area. Today, though the USSR has dissolved into 15 countries, Russia still covers about one-tenth of the globe. Russia boasts the world's deepest lake (Baikal), Europe's highest peak (Elbrus), and Europe's longest river (Volga). Its vast expanse means that when the sun rises in St. Petersburg, night falls in Vladivostok.
Buddhist communities have long existed in various Russian regions. The Autonomous Republic of Kalmykia is predominantly Buddhist, while significant Buddhist populations exist in Buryatia and Tuva near Lake Baikal. Buddhism spread rapidly in Buryatia due to cultural similarities with Mongolia, with dozens of Buddhist temples built around Lake Baikal by 1701.
Russian temple
On January 28, 2017, NRN NCC Russia hosted a goodwill dinner for representatives of the SCFN and the Federation of Migrants in Russia (FMR), where a Memorandum of Understanding was signed. Subsequently, SCFN President Mikhail Nekrasov shared his impressions of Lumbini's temples with Russian Ambassador Rishiram Ghimire and NRA Russia Chairman Dina Nath Rajbhandari.
In July 2017, Nekrasov proposed building a Russian Buddhist temple in Lumbini. SCFN, with Nepali partners and the Buddhist Traditional Association of Russia, began a feasibility study for the project. August 2017 saw a delegation visit Buryatia to seek support for the temple project. In May 2018, Nekrasov met with the Russian Ambassador to Nepal regarding land availability. A historic agreement was signed in September 2019 between SCFN and the Lumbini Development Fund for land allocation. On April 28, 2021, construction officially began, led by RCSC director Yulia Androsova. In September 2021, an SCFN delegation presented the detailed temple plan in Ulan-Ude, Buryatia. The foundation stone was laid on November 12, 2023. The Lumbini Kalachakra Temple, proposed by FCML founder Dmitry Morozov, is designed as an architectural replica of the Datsan Gunzechoinei Temple in St. Petersburg.
Tour to Lumbini
A month ago, our visiting team, led by SCFN Vice President Boris Vershinin and including Irina Akimova, Professor Tamara Patyomkina, and myself, was pleasantly surprised by the construction progress at the site. Despite challenges like swamps and groundwater during foundation work, significant advancements had been made in just seven months. Vershinin symbolically sprinkled Volga river sand on a tree in the temple complex, highlighting the spiritual connection between Russia and this holy land.
A highlight of our visit was meeting Grigory Pashchenko, the St. Petersburg-based project manager. The Nepali company CE Construction is handling the project, seemingly a wise choice by the procurement unit.
Given Nepal's history of construction delays and disputes, the progress and management of this Russian Buddhist Temple project could serve as a valuable case study for engineers and designers. Pashchenko's cheerful demeanour and military background as an air force navigator pilot appear to contribute significantly to the project's efficient progress.
During our tour, we visited the new Lotus Stupa complex. An information board there describes it as a gift from the people of Kalmykia and the Oleg Vartunov family, dedicated to world peace. It mentions the Kalmykians, a Mongolian-origin people from southern Russia, as devoted Buddhist disciples. The morning experience in the serene Lotus Stupa Park, enjoying the beautiful surroundings, was particularly memorable.
And finally
A Sri Lankan colleague once challenged my view of Buddhism as a philosophy, asserting it as a science. This perspective highlights the depth of Buddhist thought. In 2018, I visited a Russian Buddhist temple in St. Petersburg, an experience that opened my eyes to Russia's rich Buddhist traditions.
Lumbini has become an international garden and open museum, showcasing diverse arts and cultures from Buddhist nations worldwide. The Russian Federation's contribution adds another dimension to this global platform. As adherents to the principles of universal happiness and global unity, we should welcome this development.
Despite technological advancements and material prosperity, modern society often grapples with spiritual emptiness. Buddha's teachings offer vital insights for uplifting the human spirit. Buddhist philosophy has become a subject of worldwide study and research, reflecting its continued relevance. Our Lumbini mission can be a source of national pride, promoting global brotherhood, reconciliation, and peace. It's a cause we should all support. May peace spread throughout the world! Glory to Nepal, the Land of Buddha! Long live the friendship between Nepal and Russia!
(The author is an engineer.)
