Peace Pagoda - A World United in Peace
The Peace Pagoda: A Beacon of Peace Across the Globe
The Peace Pagoda is a kind of monument built around the world to symbolize peace and non-violence. It embodies the core values of Buddhism, a faith that originated in South Asia, which highlights the importance of non-violence and the concept of karma, where actions have consequences. This belief system emphasizes that avoiding harmful deeds and practicing kindness will lead to positive outcomes and well-being.
The Origin of the Peace Pagoda
It was initiated by Nichidatsu Fujii, a Japanese Buddhist monk who was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, the founder of modern India. Fujii dedicated his life to promoting non-violence, and the Peace Pagoda became a tangible manifestation of this ideal. After World War II, peace pagodas have spread to different corners of the world. Nowadays, there are more than 80 peace pagodas globally.
The Footprint of the Peace Pagoda
The Peace Pagoda's international reach is evident in its presence across continents. It is famous in Southern Asia, where Buddhism originated. From the Shanti Stupa in Dhauligiri, India, which commemorates the end of the Kalinga War, to the World Peace Pagoda in Lumbini, Nepal, built on the central axis of the Lumbini Master Plan, these structures serve as reminders of the universal desire for peace.
The scope of the peace pagoda reaches far beyond that. The first Peace Pagoda was erected in Vienna in 1983. Its construction gained support from prominent Austrian political figures; it not only marked a significant moment in the growing acceptance of Buddhist teachings and religious diversity in Austria but also demonstrated a shared vision of peace and tolerance.
Besides Fuji and his followers, other architects and Buddhist organizations also took roles in spreading peace pagoda globally. The World Peace Pagoda in Winnipeg, Canada, is one example. It is a payoff of the combination of the local communities in Canada and the Burmese monk the Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta, another activist for constructing pagodas worldwide.
Another interesting example is the Peace Pagoda in Brisbane, Australia. It was originally an initiative taken by the Nepal government to take part in the 1988 Brisbane World Exposition as an exhibit to promote peace, which was designed by a German architect in Nepalese style. After the exposition, the pagoda has been kept and remains a prominent landmark there.
Conclusion
The Peace Pagoda stands as a powerful symbol of peace and non-violence, exemplifying the importance of international collaboration in promoting harmony and understanding. From its origins with Nichidatsu Fujii to its presence across continents, these Buddhist monuments serve as inspiring reminders of our shared responsibility to work together towards a peaceful and united world. Through the collective efforts of individuals, communities, and nations, the Peace Pagoda represents the universal desire for global cooperation and a brighter future for all.
Why match it to April?
The Buddhist Calendar is one of the unique calendars in the world, which originated in the traditional Hindu calendar. Which further developed in ancient Burma and then spread to the neighboring region. The calendar uses the year the Gautama Buddha reached “parinirvana”, in 543 or 545 BCE, as its starting point. The start of the new year under this calendar is marked by the Sun’s arrival into the zodiac sign of Aries, which usually happens in April. By associating the peace pagoda with April, the start of a new year of the Buddhist calendar, it highlights the peaceful message of the peace pagoda derived from the Buddha’s wisdom.
