April 25, 2023: Arrived in Lumbini

Good morning, and here is the report from here, which currently is not in remote Tsum on the Tibetan border at -2C but rather Lumbini on the Nepali plains at +40C. The helicopter ride from remote Tsum was visibly beautiful as the pilot flew high in clear but windy weather.

After a day of details in Kathmandu, it was time to fly on a prop plane to Lumbini, birthplace of the Buddha. After several hours of delay due to Kathmandu weather, arrival at Lumbini airport was delightful, welcomed into the VIP lounge by the Campus Chief of Lumbini Buddhist University and one of the instructors, whom I had met at Tsum last October. 

Next, after meetings with faculty in Lumbini Buddhist University and attending a graduate student’s thesis presentation, it was out to delicious dinner in a local Nepali Thali restaurant. 

The next morning, it was my lecture to the monastic audience beginning at 7:30 AM and going on for three hours. 

The lecture was well received and there was lengthy discussion following it.

We then enjoyed visiting Buddhist temples built by diverse countries, around a large pond of lotus flowers.

We visited Thrangu Monastery Lumbini, and met with friends. 

After returning to Lumbini Buddhist University, I met with the librarian and was impressed with the multi-lingual collection and preservation measures.

We discussed the possible uses of their planned art gallery space.

The evening was a long walk to the MahaDevi Temple where the historic Buddha was born. This temple and the surrounding meditation gardens are a serious pilgrimage sites for Buddhists from around the world. 

Tomorrow is another day in Lumbini until a late afternoon return to Kathmandu, in time for three Embassy appointments the following day!