Lumbini and the Buddha's Legacy: A Pilgrimage for Peace and Diplomacy

Abstract

Lumbini, birthplace of Gautama Buddha, is deeply religious, historic and diplomatically significant in the global landscape. This study explores how Lumbini serves not only as a holy pilgrimage destination but also a tangible symbol of peacebuilding and cultural diplomacy. Based on Buddhist ethical values such as non-violence (ahimsa), compassion (karuṇā) and interdependence (paṭiccasamuppāda), the paper analyzes the role played by Lumbini in global harmony through religious diplomacy, protection of world heritage and inter-religious dialogue. The study concludes that Lumbini, if well developed and facilitated through multilateral support, can emerge as a world hub for moral diplomacy, inter-faith harmony and sustainable peace.