Nepal Conservation Research and Training Center (NCRTC)

The Nepal Conservation Research and Training Center (NCRTC) was established on the outskirts of the Royal Chitwan National Park at Sauraha in 1989. The Center was originally created with the objectives of natural resource conservation, applied research on the ecology of both flora and fauna and the development of human resources, through in-country training, in wildlife techniques, community participation techniques, community forestry, conservation education, nature guide and hotel management. Over the years, the Center has adopted a holistic approach with more emphasis on community-oriented programmes. In addition to wildlife research and training, the Center is involved in the areas of wildlife habitat extension and improvement, buffer zone management, community forestry, community development, women development and micro-enterprises development.

NCRTC Activities:
RESEARCH
Scientific study of natural flora and fauna is essential for the development of proper management plans for biodiversity conservation. Since the beginning, KMTNC has been involved in and is supporting various scientific research studies on wild animals and plants both within and outside the protected areas of Nepal.
The major scientific research and monitoring activities are as follows:
Tiger Census
Rhino Monitoring/ Rhino Poaching Database
Bird Monitoring
Ungulate Monitoring
Vegetation Survey
Tourism Survey
Socioeconomic Survey
TRAINING
The second important focus of NCRTC is to provide in-country training opportunities for park personnel and conservation workers.
NCRTC has been providing training in various fields, such as:
Wildlife Techniques, Community Participation Techniques and Community Forestry Training for Parks, Wardens, Rangers and Game Scouts.
Conservation Education Training for Army Officers working in Parks and Wildlife Reserves.
Nature Guide Training for locals working in hotels and lodges on the fringes of RCNP.
Hotel management training for hotel and lodge owners from in and around the protected areas.
Basic Wildlife Field Techniques course for Certificate Level forestry students.
Ecological Research and Field Techniques courses for the graduate and Master students of Tribhuvan University and Institute of Forestry. Besides these, NCRTC also conducts some unstructured training programs.
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Conservation and development should be complementary to each other. NCRTC believes that conservation efforts will not succeed without addressing basic human needs. Thus, the Center has been involved in many sustainable community development programmes aimed at raising conservation awareness among local communities adjacent to the RCNP and also fostering local guardianship in biodiversity conservation and habitat management of endangered species.
Some of the activities in which NCRTC works together with the active participation of the local people are:
Conservation Awareness Program
Habitat Extension and Improvement Program
Community Forestry Program
Micro-enterprise Activities
River Embankment Program
Women’s Development Program
Vegetable Cooperatives Program
Conservation Education and School Support Program
Health Support Program

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)

The King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation launched the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the first and largest conservation area in Nepal, covering 7,629 sq. km in 1986 as an innovative concept in the protected area management system of the country. The conservation area embraces a multiple land use principles of resource management that combines environmental protection with sustainable community development. Traditional subsistence activities are woven into a framework of sound resource management, supplemented by conservation, development and alternative energy programmes to minimize the negative impacts of tourism and enhance the living standards of the local people.
The biological diversity of the Annapurna Region is equally rivaled by its rich cultural diversity. Since the first trekker came to the Annapurna area in 1957, the natural and cultural features of ACAP have made it the most popular tourist destination in Nepal, drawing more than 60 per cent of the country's total trekkers. ACAP follows the three grassroot philosophy of maximum peoples participation, sustainability, and its role as at ca atalyst (facilitator) whereby the local people are involved in all aspects of the conservation and development processes, both as principal actors and prime beneficiaries.
ACAP is spread out in 5 districts of the Western Development Region of Nepal and covers 55 Village Development Committees. ACAP is divided into seven unit conservation offices located in the field - Jomsom, Manang, Lho Manthang in the Northern Program section and Bhujung, Lwang, Sikles and Ghandruk in the Southern Program section. While the focus of Jomsom, Manang and Ghandruk, which are also popular areas for trekking, is on integrated tourism management and agro-pastoralism, the programme priorities for Bhujung, Sikles and Lwang are poverty alleviation and integrated agriculture and livestock development, agroforestry, and community development respectively. While the focus in Lho Manthang, Upper Mustang, which came under the jurisdiction of ACAP in 1992, has been on managing controlled tourism on a sustainable basis, and promoting heritage conservation which is the major tourist attraction along with alternative energy, resource conservation and community development programmes. The Conservation Education and Extension Project (CEEP) is being implemented in the entire ACA and forms the backbone of all its conservation efforts in the region.
ACAP has completed and is implementing the recommendations of its Management Plan. that emphasizes building the capacity local institutions to carry out and continue ACAP’s present activities. The ultimate goal of KMTNC is to see that Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) is managed by the local people themselves with minimal intervention from the Government and/or other institutions. The legal framework for ACA is provided by the Conservation Area Management Regulations (CAMR), 2053 B.S., which is approved by His Majesty's Government of Nepal. The Conservation Area Management Committee (CAMC), which is formed under the CAMR in each village development committee, is entrusted with the responsibility to manage, utilize, and protect all the natural resources within its own respective VDC.
ACAP Activities:
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
Forest management activities
Soil and water conservation
Wildlife management
Training for local nursery workers, forest guards and leaders
Promotion of alternative energy and fuel-efficient technologies
Restoration of sites of historical, culture and archaeological importance
Research and surveys (e.g., biodiversity, wildlife census)
Formation of local institutions; Conservation Area Management Committees(CAMCs) and sub-CAMCs

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Repair, improvement and construction of schools, bridges and trails
General health and sanitation; health clinics and family planning, toilet and rubbish pit construction
Programmes targeted specially for women, youth groups and people considered economically and socially deprived
Adult education and income generation for women
Agroforestry and agriculture extension through training, demonstrations, and seed and seedling distribution

TOURISM MANAGEMENT
Formation of local Lodge Management Committees
Brochure and publicity materials
Information posts, visitor centers
Search and rescue, e.g, arrangement for an emergency helicopter evacuation for visitors
Hotel and lodge management training courses for lodge operators
Trekking guide training
Eco-camp site development

CONSERVATION EDUCATION AND EXTENSION
Conservation education classes in schools
Mobile audio-visual extension programmes
Conservation awareness camps
Educational materials development
Village clean-up campaigns
Natural history museum and visitor information services
Environmental resource library
Study tours and training for villagers
Conservation Education Centre
Outdoor Conservation Education Centre

Visit Taj Mahal

India is a land with a rich and varied history. Many different rulers, dynasties, and empires have fought over and controlled different parts of the Indian subcontinent during its eventful history. The various rulers and dynasties left behind their legacy in the form of grand monuments and buildings, in different historical places in India. The Indian subcontinent's eventful history can be seen in its tourist places- from the first cities of the Indus Valley civilization to the modern cities of twenty first century India.Unity in diversity is another facet of the Country's inherent nationalism, which had been fused by the feeling of national fervour incited by various foreign invasions that ever made its way to the Indian shores. Religious tolerance and cultural amalgamation have given shape to a uniquely secular Nation, which has created an impressive status of itself in the global arena. It is difficult to talk about the historical places of india as a whole and hence it is broadly and conviniently divided into five zones: northern india,southern india,western india ,eastern india and central india.Each part of india has influences and remains of the invasion and rule of different empires and the historical places in such regions are impressions of their rule.North india:To name all the places of historical importance in whole of the northern region of india is an impossibility .The most important places in delhi the capital of india are the red fort,qutub minar,india gate,jewish synagogue,jama masjid and humayuns tomb.there is the world famous taj mahal situated in agra along with the agra fort.lucknow boasts of rich culture and has the imambaras and the confusing bhul bhullaya.rajasthan is a ver popular torist destination and has the hawa mahal and ajmer sharif and pushkar are the pilgriage places.punjab the most colourful state we have the golden temple in amritsar and the diwan khana and sheesh mahal.kashmir the paradise on earth is splendid...

An Historical Account of the Taj Mahal

An attempt at a potted history (with acknowledgements to BBC/Time Life and the Oxford Encyclopedic English Dictionary)
Preface:This historical summary of the Taj-Mahal story must be regarded with scepticism. It is highly probable that it is somewhat inaccurate and possible that it is totally misleading. For example, a certain Professor Oak (in his book "The Taj Mahal: The True Story") puts forward persuasive evidence, observations and interpretation that suggest the monument was originally a Hindu temple, palace of Tejo Mahalaya (Shiva), built long before the Shah Jahan came to power and that it was taken over by Jahan and 'developed' into, approximately, what we see today. Allegedly, Indira Gandhi's government tried to ban this book and some would say the Indian government has been politically motivated in suppressing this theory. Certainly the Taj Mahal is a great tourist money spinner with its present dramatic and romantic aura: the asset value might be greatly diminished if Oak's alternative account is correct. Furthermore, it is argued, publicising this 'true story' might alienate a substantial tranche of the electorate: the Muslims. There are chambers in the monument which, it seems, have remained unopened since Shah Jahan's time and which the professor believes could provide evidence to prove the account one way or another. Allegedly the Indian government will not allow an independent investigation within these chambers, and if that is the case it raises suspicions as to their motives. You must form your own opinion.We are academic engineers, better at producing summaries and reports than historical research so what is offered here is a light hearted summary based on variants of the traditional story, inspired by our own encounter in 1976. It may be that we are describing a myth but it still makes a beautiful 'tale'.

The Tale:The Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India must be one of the most magnificent and wondrous monuments created by man. We have been there and regard it as literally breathtaking, being the most beautiful, astonishing and inspiring sights that we have had the privilege of beholding. The focal point of the monument is constructed in white marble extravagantly inlaid with semi-precious stones and with calligraphed verses from the Quran (Koran). Major parts of the surrounding construction are built from sandstone, distinctively coloured red, in keeping with many other notable buildings of the district and period. The architectural style is Persian but possibly surpasses any other of similar style at any time, in any part of the world, displaying an incredible intricacy of form and decoration throughout its huge entirety. It has become quite understandably a major tourist attraction and the area caters for international sight-seeing visitors with travel facilities, accommodation and formal tours. Yet none of this commercialisation detracts from the impressive spectacle. That summarises what the Taj Mahal is, but lets move on to recount why its there and how it became so exceptional.

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The Taj' had its origins, so it is said, with one of the most romantic, but tragic, love stories of all times. It is surprising that the largely Hindu population perpetuates the romantic view (our experience indicated quite strongly that they do) since the hero and heroine are Muslims, the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Mughals (or Mongols) were historically ruthless conquerors and empire builders who, amongst many other radical activities, discriminated against the Hindus. It must be said, however, that while the Shah Jahan and his grandfather (Akbar) were military rulers and the lavish style of Jahan impoverished the country, there was a toleration of the Hindu kingdoms and some outstanding benefits from the Mughal culture. This period (including the reign of Akbar's son, Jahangir) was renowned for its patronage of the arts and its architectural splendour.Shah Jahan means King of the world and Mumtaz means the chosen one.


The Shah and Mumtaz had a close and loving relationship without doubt; they fell in love at first sight when they were 15, married at 20 (10 May 1612) and in the following 19 years they were inseparable and she bore him 14 children. They were together on a military expedition south of Agra when she had their 14th child, a girl. Tragically she died soon after this birth when she was only 39. Jahan was beside himself with grief and, according to popular history, it was this event which inspired him to create this wonderful monument, the Taj Mahal, as a mausoleum in her memory. There are however other theories which, while not denying the connection with his bereavement nor changing the time-course, throw a different light on his motives. But first things first.
The Taj-Mahal Main Entrance

To understand how Jahan would have been able to carry out this project one has to realise that the Mughals were not only all powerful but seriously rich. Jahan had become Emperor on his father's death in 1627 and the list of his possessions is unbelievable in terms of gold, silver, and precious gems. The making of the Taj' involved an awful lot of skilled workers brought from all parts of the Mughal Empire. The beautiful white marble brought 200 miles from the west is inset with intricately cut gemstones such as Turquoise, Carnelian, Green Jade, Sapphire, Agate, Amethyst and other gems gathered from all over the world. In a remarkably short time the plinth was laid and in 1632 Mumtaz was laid to rest in what would become the centre of the main building. The site was completed c. 1653 and the name is possibly derived from a corruption of Mumtaz ('taz, hence Taj) together with Mahal which means abode (but Professor Oak has an alternative explanation stemming from Shiva's alternate name; Tejo Mahalaya, see the preface above). Next we can look at the evidence of his persona.


Jahan was born in the 1000th year of Islam which he considered to be a significant date. Together with this and because he was the King of the largest empire in the world with virtually infinite riches and power he regarded himself almost as divine. At this time his palace was the Red Fort in Delhi and his vanity and arrogance seem to be generally accepted by historians. He had a fetish for thrones including perhaps one of the most famous, the Peacock Throne which was encrusted with jewels including the Koh-i-noor diamond [The British Queen has that now; its been with our Royal family for 150 years or so]. Other evidence of his self importance were the titles he gave himself. These included "Lord of the Age", "Shadow of God", "August Representative of God on Earth" and these are considered to be very important by modern researchers in analysing his motives for the particular construction of the Taj Mahal. He was indeed vainglorious and it is now believed he saw himself as the perfect man. At least he seemed to think he was God's representative on earth and it has even been suggested that he viewed himself as a rival to God. Now for a bit of speculation.
Taj Mahal and Water

Having interred Mumtaz in the Taj Mahal mausoleum, there is some evidence that he planned a mirror image of the white Taj across the other side of the river Jumna but one which would be built with black marble. It has been suggested that he had this in mind for his own mausoleum, but to us this begs the question as to why he should have constructed the 'white' Taj with so much attention to its heavenly detail if it was not intended for himself as well as 'taz (the next paragraph explains the reasoning behind our scepticism). Current research has unearthed foundations and an outline of a planned garden exactly where this 'black 'Taj might have been, which could conceivably support this theory but further investigations have thrown doubt on this speculation. For example, Monty Don ('Around the World in 80 Gardens', BBC 2, 10 February 2008) argued that this site was simply a garden from which the 'Taj could be observed. So let us get back to the story.


Leaving aside the unsubstantiated hypothesis of the Black Mahal, the design of the actual Taj Mahal site and the inscriptions which adorn its structures are now considered to be quite significant in the context of his vainglory. Unlike previous mausoleums where the body was laid in the centre of the gardens the Taj Mahal focus is located at the far point of the site. An Islamic academic treatise existed in his time which laid out the predicted plan of the assembly on The Day of Judgement. Comparison of this plan with the layout of the Taj Mahal gardens shows remarkable similarities, so it has been argued. The sites display, amongst other things, four rivers, a tank of abundance and the Throne of God in very similar layouts. The inscriptions adorning the Mahal contain more than twenty different passages and more than ten complete chapters from the Koran starting with a very significant one around the main gate and culminating in the burial chamber. Putting these indicators together certainly seems to suggest that he was creating at least a replica of heaven. Whatever the truth, a second tragedy was about to befall him and this one was particularly horrible because it was vicious and premeditated.


It seems that The Shah and 'taz had four sons and several years after the completion of the Taj Mahal, Jahan fell ill. The four sons entered into conflict and 3 of these sons were killed leaving only Aurangzeb who took advantage and deposed his dad c. 1658. The Shah Jahan was imprisoned in the Agra Fort until his death. We have heard two versions of this phase of the Shah's life. According to the Hindu youngster who recounted the story to us in 1976 Jahan was incarcerated in a cell where he was able to view his great creation, the Taj, only through a mirror on the wall. The BBC/Time Life account however describes what could better be called house arrest. The Agra Fort would have been a pleasant place to be restrained and he was allowed all his wives and concubines. He shared this retreat with one of his daughters and could view the Taj without difficulty, albeit from some distance. When he was 74 he died but apparently this was from a massive overdose of aphrodisiac [unfortunately history does not identify the substance which seems to have been particularly effective]. Certainly, if the BBC/Time Life account is to be believed, there are worse ways to spend the last 8 years of ones life. The story then rounds off by stating that his daughter spirited his body away across the river Jumna and laid him to rest in the Taj Mahal alongside 'taz [frankly, it is difficult to believe that this was a secret happening and presumably it was blessed by Aurangzeb but then we couldn't know].


Summary: The Shah Jahan despite a traumatic bereavement was exceedingly rich, extremely powerful, infinitely vainglorious and appears to have had unlimited sexual satisfaction. To top this he created one of the greatest existing unofficial wonders of the world. What a memorable life!


Epilogue:Aurangzeb imposed stricter Muslim rules at the court and gave himself the grand title of Alamgir (Conqueror of the World) and became perhaps the most expansionist emperor of the sequence. He created a period of great wealth, however, his particular brand of expansion led to over extension of his power base and constant rebellions and the empire crumbled after his death in 1707.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.
Taj Mahal was built by a Muslim, Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.) in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal at Agra, India. It is an "elegy in marble" or some say an expression of a "dream." Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was added to it later. The queen’s real name was Arjumand Banu. In the tradition of the Mughals, important ladies of the royal family were given another name at their marriage or at some other significant event in their lives, and that new name was commonly used by the public. Shah Jahan's real name was Shahab-ud-din, and he was known as Prince Khurram before ascending to the throne in 1628.
Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing twenty thousand workers. It was completed in 1648 C.E. at a cost of 32 Million Rupees. The construction documents show that its master architect was Ustad ‘Isa, the renowned Islamic architect of his time. The documents contain names of those employed and the inventory of construction materials and their origin. Expert craftsmen from Delhi, Qannauj, Lahore, and Multan were employed. In addition, many renowned Muslim craftsmen from Baghdad, Shiraz and Bukhara worked on many specialized tasks.
The Taj stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its four corners truncated, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and a symmetry of architectural elements.
Its central dome is fifty-eight feet in diameter and rises to a height of 213 feet. It is flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers. The four graceful, slender minarets are 162.5 feet each. The entire mausoleum (inside as well as outside) is decorated with inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy using precious gems such as agate and jasper. The main archways, chiseled with passages from the Holy Qur’an and the bold scroll work of flowery pattern, give a captivating charm to its beauty. The central domed chamber and four adjoining chambers include many walls and panels of Islamic decoration.
The mausoleum is a part of a vast complex comprising of a main gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque (to the left), a guest house (to the right), and several other palatial buildings. The Taj is at the farthest end of this complex, with the river Jamuna behind it. The large garden contains four reflecting pools dividing it at the center. Each of these four sections is further subdivided into four sections and then each into yet another four sections. Like the Taj, the garden elements serve like Arabesque, standing on their own and also constituting the whole.

Lumbini:Birth Place of the Buddha

Lumbini was the birth place of the Buddha. Lumbini is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal. The birthplace of the Gautama Buddha, Lumbini, evokes a kind of holy sentiment to the millions of Buddhists all over the world- and is the Mecca of every Buddhist, being one of the four holy places of Buddhism. Lumbini is the place Lord Buddha -the apostle of peace and the light of Asia was born in 623 B. C.,It is said in the Parinibbana Sutta that Buddha himself identified four places of future pilgrimage: the sites of his birth, enlightenment, first discourse, and death. All of these events happened outside in nature under trees. While there is not any particular significance in this, other than it perhaps explains why Buddhists have always respected the environment and natural law.
For centuries, Buddhists- all over the world, knew that Lumbini where the Lord was born is somewhere around. The descriptions of famous Chinese pilgrims (of ancient times) Huian Tsang and Faeihan indicated to this area-saying ‘Lumbini-where the lord was born is a piece of heaven on earth and one could see the snowy mountains amidst a splendid garden-embedded with stupas and monasteries!
However, the exact location remained uncertain and obscure till December the 1st 1886 when a wandering German archaeologist Dr. Alois A. Fuhrer came across a stone pillar and ascertained beyond doubt it is indeed the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Lumbini was a beautiful garden full of green and shady Sal trees (Shorea). The garden and its tranquil environs were owned by both the Shakyas. and Kolias clans. King Suddhodana, father of Gautama Buddha was of the Shakya dynasty belonging to the Kshatriya or the warrior caste. Maya Devi, his mother, gave birth to the child on her way to her parent's home in Devadaha while taking rest in Lumbini under a sal tree in the month of May in the year 642 B.C. The beauty of Lumbini is described in Pali and Sanskrit literature. Maya Devi it is said was spellbound to see the natural grandeur of Lumbini. While she was standing, she felt labor pains and catching hold of a drooping branch of a Sal tree, the baby, the future Buddha, was born.
The bas relief above depicts Maya Devi with her right hand holding on to a branch of a sal tree with a newborn child standing upright on a lotus petal, shedding an oval halo, around his head, while two celestial figures pour water and lotuses from vessels of heaven as indicated by the delineation of clouds. This nativity scene was installed by Malla Kings of the Naga dynasty from about the 11th to 15th Century in the Karnali zone of Nepal.
INSIDE LUMBINI GARDEN
Maya Devi Temple
Lumbini remained neglected for centuries. In 1895, Feuhrer, a famous German archaeologist, discovered the great pillar while wandering about the foothills of the Churia range. Further exploration and excavation of the surrounding area revealed the existence of a brick temple and a sandstone sculpture within the temple itself which depicts the scenes of the Buddha's birth.
It is pointed out by scholars that the temple of Maya Devi was constructed over the foundations of more than one earlier temple or stupa, and that this temple was probably built on an Ashokan stupa itself. On the south of the Maya Devi temple there is the famous sacred bathing pool known as Puskarni. It is believed that Maha Devi took a bath in this pool before the delivery. By the side of the Ashoka pillar there is a river which flows southeast and is locally called the 'Ol' river. In 1996, an archaeological dig unearthed a "flawless stone" placed there by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to mark the precise location of the Buddha's birth more than 2,600 years ago, if authenticated, the find will put Lumbini even more prominently on the map for millions of religious pilgrims.
Lumbini remained neglected for centuries. In 1895, Feuhrer, a famous German archaeologist, discovered the great pillar while wandering about the foothills of the Churia range. Further exploration and excavation of the surrounding area revealed the existence of a brick temple and a sandstone sculpture within the temple itself which depicts the scenes of the Buddha's birth.
It is pointed out by scholars that the temple of Maya Devi was constructed over the foundations of more than one earlier temple or stupa, and that this temple was probably built on an Ashokan stupa itself. On the south of the Maya Devi temple there is the famous sacred bathing pool known as Puskarni. It is believed that Maha Devi took a bath in this pool before the delivery. By the side of the Ashoka pillar there is a river which flows southeast and is locally called the 'Ol' river. In 1996, an archaeological dig unearthed a "flawless stone" placed there by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to mark the precise location of the Buddha's birth more than 2,600 years ago, if authenticated, the find will put Lumbini even more prominently on the map for millions of religious pilgrims.
Puskarni-the sacred pool
South of the Ashokan Pillar, there is the famous sacred pool- ‘Puskarni’ believed to be the same sacred pool in which Maya Devi took a holy dip just before giving birth to the Lord and also where infant Buddha was given his first purification bath. Architecturally the pool has the projecting terraces in descending order and is reverted with a fine brick masonry.
Sanctum-Sanctorum of the Birthplace
The single most important place of the Lumbini (and to the entire Buddhist world for that matter) is the stoneslab-located deep in the Sanctum sanctorum.
Revealed after a hard and meticulous excavations under the three layers of ruins over the site of a famous Maya Devi temple, the stone slab foundation pinpoints the location of the original place-marking the exact spot of the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
The Buddhist Temple
The monastery-of the Buddhist temple is built inside the surrounding complex of Lumbini in the manner of modern Buddhist shrines in Nepal. The prayer hall contains a large image of Buddha. medieval style murals decorate the walls.
To develop " Lumbini" as a center of Internatinal Buddhist Culture and Learning a master plan development is at the end of its completion. In the arena of lumbini beautiful shrines have been built by devotees from Buddhist countries like Sirlanka, Thiland, China etc. A visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, is not only for spiritual enlightenment but also for solace and satisfaction that one gets in such a calm and peaceful place.
If you are aware of books, movies, databases, web sites or other information sources about Buddha or related subjects, or if you would like to comment please send us email at :::buddhastatue@gmail.com
Buddhist Educational Resource Center


About buddha :: Life of Buddha :: Indtroduction of Buddhism :: Teachings Of Buddha :: Buddhas's Four Noble Truths :: Buddha Sayings
Buddhist Arts :: Ritual Objects of Buddha :: Postures & Pedestals of Buddha :: Mudra (Gesture) of Buddha :: Dhammapada - Sayings of Buddha
Meditation :: Basic Meditation ::Sample Of Meditation :: Behaviour in daily life :: Shakyamun Buddha Meditation :: Tara Meditation :: Chenresig Meditation
Buddhist Pilgramage Sites :: Lumbini :: Bodhgaya :: Sarnath :: Kushinagar :: Symbol of Buddhist :: OM :: OM MAIN PADME HUM :: Astamangala

A few months ago, I gave a talk in Sacrament meeting in which I discussed how studying other religious faiths and their scriptures had enriched my life. When the meeting was over, a couple approached me and said they wanted a copy of the talk to give their daughter because she described herself as a “Buddhist Mormon.” The couple said their daughter couldn’t decide whether to be a Buddhist or a Mormon, so she was trying to be both.
I responded that in a certain sense I considered myself a “Buddhist Mormon” as well, and that the beauty of true Mormonism is that when we find truth in another religion, we have no obligation to reject it, but rather, are encouraged to embrace it. As Joseph Smith said: “We should gather all the good and true principles in the world and treasure them up, or we shall not come out as true ‘Mormons’.” “One of the grand fundamental principles of ‘Mormonism’ is to receive truth, let it come from whence it may.” Thus, one could say that to the extent the principles of Mormonism overlap with the principles of Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, or other religious faiths, one could say that a Mormon is a Buddhist, a Hindu, or a Taoist, and vice versa.
As I’ve discussed in a previous post, the Book of Mormon declares that God speaks the “same words” to “all nations,” and that one day God’s words to all nations will be “gathered in one.” In a follow-up post, I discussed my belief that the existing great religious texts of the world are God’s word to all nations to the extent their principles and doctrines overlap with the Standard Works. In this post, I’d like to share just a few examples of the great overlapping truths found in the Standard Works, the Buddhist Dhammapada, the Taoist Tao Te Ching, and the Hindu Bhagavad Gita. Please bear in mind that the following list is by no means an exhaustive compilation of all commonalities; due to space limitations, I could only list those overlapping truths that are succinctly expressed in just one or two sentences.
Matthew 10:39 - [H]e that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.The Bhagavad Gita – “Through selfless service, you will always be fruitful and find the fulfillment of your desires”: this is the promise of the Creator.
Matt 5:44 – [B]less them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.The Dhammapada – Let us live in joy, never hating those who hate us.
Mark 9:35 - If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.Tao Te Ching – If the sage wants to be above the people, in his words, he must put himself below them; If he wishes to be before the people, in his person, he must stand behind them.

Matthew 7:3 – And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?The Dhammapada – Do not give your attention to what others do or fail to do; give it to what you do or fail to do.
Luke 6:38 - Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.Tao Te Ching – The sage does not hoard. The more he does for others, the more he has himself; The more he gives to others, the more his own bounty increases.
Proverbs 23:7 - For as [a man] thinketh in his heart, so is he.The Dhammapada – [W]e become what we think.
John 14:15, 15:4,10 – If ye love me, keep my commandments. Abide in me . . . . If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love.The Bhagavad Gita – [T]hose who worship me with love live in me, and I come to life in them.
Proverbs 15:1- A soft answer turneth away wrath.The Dhammapada – Speak quietly to everyone, and they too will be gentle in their speech.
Luke 14:11 - For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.Tao Te Ching – The unyielding and mighty shall be brought low; the soft, supple, and delicate will be set above.
Proverbs 16:32 - He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.The Dhammapada – One who conquers himself is greater than another who conquers a thousand times a thousand men on the battlefield.
D&C 38:16 - . . . I am no respecter of persons.The Bhagavad Gita – . . . none are less dear to me and none are more dear.
2 Nephi 26:22 – [Y]ea, and [the devil] leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever.The Dhammapada – Little by little a person becomes evil, as a water pot is filled by drops of water.
D&C 93:29 - Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be.The Bhagavad Gita – There never has been a time when you . . . have not existed, nor will there be a time when we will cease to exist. The body is mortal, but he who dwells in the body is immortal and immeasurable.
Mosiah 4:30 – [I]f ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, . . . ye must perish.The Dhammapada – Guard your thoughts, words, and deeds. These three disciplines will speed you along the path to pure wisdom.
Closing Thoughts
Mormons believe Christ is the source of all truth. That being so, can any Mormon deny that Christ is the source of the Buddhist, Taoist, and Hindu scriptures quoted above? Can any Mormon dispute that the authors of these scriptures were messengers of Christ? Perhaps Christ’s presence in non-Judeo-Christian scripture is much larger than we have been prepared to recognize in the past due to our cultural traditions. Perhaps millions of faithful adherents to the world’s various religions have already heard Christ’s voice and are already living in accordance with Christ’s true principles without even recognizing it.

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