Nepal 2025, Day Seven (I. World peace temple)

Compared to the previous days, the itinerary for our seventh day in Nepal was relatively light. After breakfast, we were driven to the Vishwa Shanti Vihara, also known as the World Peace Temple. The temple was originally founded in 1984 by Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahasthavir, following a generous donation of land and a newly built small monastery by a devotee. In 1997, the place saw further development thanks to the support of many Malaysian and Singaporean devotees, who had helped fund the temple’s expansion.

The main purpose behind setting up the temple was to strengthen Theravadin Buddhist education and meditation practices in Kathmandu. At the same time, the idea was to create a centre for Buddhist studies and research in Nepal. So that same year, a non-profit Buddhist school was established within the temple grounds: the Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya, or the World Peace Buddhist School. The school integrates general education with Buddhist Pariyatti studies and daily meditation sessions, while also offering extracurricular activities, including the occasional study tour, to give the students a more rounded education.

Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahasthavir passed away in 2020, but his presence is still very much felt. A near life-sized bronze statue of him, seated serenely, now holds pride of place in the Vihara’s little museum. A huge collage of the late Bhikshu adorns a wall on the top floor of the building. Interestingly, back in 1999, long before Nandaka Vihara came into being, our Chief Abbot, Bhante Dhammasubho, had spent a vassa (rains retreat) here, partly contributing his time to teaching the novice monks and nuns. According to him, the place looked much the same as it did back then, with only a few small improvements made since.

We had brought along some gifts for the resident monks, which we offered in a short ceremony. Afterwards, we moved into the inner courtyard where around 50 student monks had lined up to receive a little treat from us, mostly sweets and chocolates we’d brought from home.

 

Next: Day Seven (Thamel)