Lumbini: Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chang Maoming, has described Lumbini as “an epitome of peace in the journey of human civilization,” highlighting its growing relevance in a world increasingly marked by conflict and uncertainty.
Speaking at the International Meditation Day held on Friday as part of the ongoing Third Lumbini International Peace Festival, Ambassador Maoming addressed a gathering at the Maya Devi Temple premises, where hundreds of monks, practitioners, and participants had assembled for a mass meditation session.
Amid rising global instability and geopolitical tensions, the ambassador stressed that peace is no longer just an ideal but a fundamental necessity for humanity. “In today’s challenging world, peace is not only a shared aspiration of humankind, but a core value of civilization itself,” he said.
Referring to Lumbini—the birthplace of Lord Buddha—Maoming noted that the site has evolved beyond a religious destination to become a universal symbol of peace. “Lumbini now belongs to all humanity. It represents the path of peace, coexistence, and compassion,” he stated.
The ambassador also reflected on the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and philosophical ties between Nepal and China, shaped over centuries through Buddhist traditions and ancient trade linkages. He emphasized that the Chinese philosophy of harmony and respect for diversity, combined with Nepal’s Buddhist values of compassion and equality, offers a shared Eastern wisdom to address contemporary global challenges.
Highlighting the significance of meditation, Maoming described it not merely as a spiritual exercise but as a means to achieve inner stability and global peace. “When the mind is at peace, nations remain peaceful; when the mind is secure, all beings are secure,” he said, adding, “the essence of meditation is awareness, and the essence of peace is action.”
The meditation program, organized jointly by the Nepal Tourism Board, Lumbini Development Trust, and the Embassy of China in Nepal, is part of a broader effort to position Lumbini as a global center for peace and spiritual tourism, according to NTB Senior Manager Surya Thapaliya.
Ambassador Maoming expressed confidence that the festival—featuring meditation, cultural performances, and sports events—will bring together people around shared values such as peace, development, equality, and justice. He also voiced optimism that Nepal-China friendship will continue to deepen through such initiatives.
The festival will conclude on Saturday with an International Peace Marathon, aimed at promoting unity and harmony through sports on a global scale.
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