In our troubled world facing challenges of all kinds, human and environmental, the wisdom of Buddha Shakyamuni’s compassionate heritage is more relevant and needed than ever. In such a context, the Lumbini Museum is a more than welcome initiative as it will offer a unique and inspiring insight on the Enlightened One’s life and teachings, the most precious legacy that Nepal can be proud of.

Lumbini is a very special place. This is where you see all the vehicles of the Buddha Dharma coming together. This is like a big Buddhist spiritual junction and it is not recent, it has always been like this; and at long last a dedicated Buddhist museum is happening. Thank you for this, it is high time.

Throughout the ages, all Buddhists are familiar with the account of Queen Maya, King Suddhodhana’s wife, giving birth to Gautama Buddha—who helped transform billions of people through his wisdom and teachings—under a sal tree in Lumbini. Now, just steps away from the location of this sal tree, a well-conceived museum dedicated to inspire more people with Buddha’s life stories and teachings is finally coming to light. With great appreciation and reverence, I rejoice all the people who have tirelessly devoted themselves to the realisation of this project.

It is not often that one is given an opportunity to participate in the making of a museum in not just any place, but a sacred space —the Birthplace of the Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site Property. We all want to feel a sense of purpose and contribute to ideas that are larger than ourselves. We all want to make a lasting impact. I am humbled and honoured to introduce you to a unique opportunity to do just that and to leave a legacy of your own.