KUALA LUMPUR: Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye reminded Malaysians that the true value of peace should be appreciated in order to avoid war, conflict and disaster.
The Malaysian Ambassador of Mahasiddha Sanctuary for Universal Peace said peace was needed to end all sufferings on earth. “Peace will allow us to celebrate life to the fullest and it is also essential for development and prosperity.
“Our leaders are also very consistent in promoting peace, ending wars and conflicts and preserving the environment,” he said at the end of his five-day visit to Nepal.
Lee and his entourage were in Nepal at the invitation of Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche, the founder of the Mahasiddha Sanctuary for Universal Peace in Lumbini, Nepal.
He was appointed as the Malaysian Ambassador of Mahasiddha Sanctuary for Universal Peace during the Wesak Day celebration this year.
He received a white “kata”, which symbolises his appointment as the ambassador, from Rinpoche at a special luncheon held in Kuala Lumpur in May.
In the course of the visit to Nepal, Lee said he and his delegation had also visited Shyalpa Monastery where they received blessings.
They also traveled to Lumbini and paid respects at the Mayadevi Temple where Buddha was born
Apart from offering prayers, Lee also had a discussion with Rinpoche on the importance of building the Mahasiddha Sanctuary for Universal Peace at the sacred garden.
“After being briefed on the proposed peace project, I assured Rinpoche that I would fully support the construction of the facility as I am committed to promote peace,” he said.
He said the Mahasiddha Sanctuary was not only a pilgrimage site for Buddhists but also a symbol for the promotion of peace.
The site has ruins of ancient monasteries, a sacred bodhi tree, an ancient bathing pond, the Ashoka Pillar and the Mayadevi Temple which was at the site of Buddha’s birth.
It was reported that the sanctuary’s proposed stunning and modern infrastructure will have a main hall, museum, print and digital library, retreat centre, conference facilities and accommodation for monks and nuns.
Lee said he also visited the Unesco World Heritage sites in Patan and Durbar Square and saw the damage caused by the earthquake in 2015.
Before leaving for home, Lee and his delegation paid a courtesy call on Malaysian Charge d'Affaires to Nepal, Ahmad Phadil Ismail, in Kathmandu.
On behalf of the Universal Peace Sanctuary in Lumbini, Khandro la presents a blessed Buddha statue to peace envoy, Hon. Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.