Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha, was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 1997. It is situated in an area commonly referred to as the 'Sacred Garden'. Archaeological remains testify to the authenticity of the place, which has become a major pilgrimage site. Nevertheless over two and a half millennia, the understanding of Lumbini has changed and different perceptions exist of what Lumbini might have been like at the birth of Lord Buddha. For the long-term safeguarding of this World Heritage site, overall understanding of the property is essential. This publication will provide a means for the various stakeholders to come to an understanding of each other's historical, religious, environmental and touristic perspectives of Lumbini.

Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, situated in the Rupandehi District of Nepal.

The prevalent global heritage discourse has been primarily Euro-centric in its origin, premise, and praxis. Diverse cultural, historical, and geographical contexts, such as that of Asia, call for more context-specific approaches to heritage management. This book explores this complexity of managing the cultural heritage in Asia. Case studies include sites of Angkor, Himeji Castle, Kathmandu Valley, Luang Prabang, Lumbini, and Malacca, and the book uses these to explore the religious worldviews, heritage policies, intangible heritage dimensions, traditional preservation practices, cultural tourism, and the notion of cultural landscape that are crucial in understanding the cultural heritage in Asia. It critiques the contemporary regulatory frameworks in operation and focuses on the issues of global impact on the local cultures in the region. The book goes on to emphasize the need for integrated heritage management approaches that encompass the plurality of heritage conservation concerns in Asian countries. Themes are discussed from the vantage point of heritage scholars and practitioners in the South, Southeast, and East Asia. This book thus presents a distinctive Asian perspective which is a valuable source for students and practitioners of heritage within and beyond the Asian context.

A listing of five hundred sites new and old, famous and unknown, that have been used to connect humanity with its gods.

The remarkable growth in religious tourism across the world has generated considerable interest in the impacts of this type of tourism. Focusing here on environmental issues, this book moves beyond the documentation of environmental impacts to examine in greater depth the intersections between religious tourism and the environment. Beginning with an in-depth introduction that highlights the intersections between religion, tourism, and the environment, the book then focuses on the environment as a resource or generator for religious tourism and as a recipient of the impacts of religious tourism. Chapters included discuss such important areas as theological views, environmental responsibility, and host perspectives.

This volume cross-examines the stability of heritage as a concept. It interrogates the past which materialises through multi-layered narratives on monuments and other objects that sustain cultural diversity. It seeks to understand how interpretations of “monuments” as “texts” are affected at the local level of experience, even as institutions such as UNESCO work to globalise and fix constructs of stable and universal heritage. Shifting away from a largely Eurocentric concept associated with architecture and monumental archaeology, this book reassesses how local and regional heritage needs to be balanced with the global and transnational. It argues that material objects and monuments are not static embodiments of culture but are, rather, a medium through which identity, power and society are produced and reproduced. This is especially relevant in South and Southeast Asian contexts, where debates over heritage often have local, regional and national political implications and consequences. Reevaluating how traditional valuation of monuments and cultural landscapes could help aid sustainability and long-term preservation of the heritage, this book will be useful for scholars and researchers of South and Southeast Asian history, heritage studies, archaeology, cultural studies, tourism studies and political history as well.

Supported by Lumbini Development Trust, Durham University.

A new edition of the Rough Guide to Nepal, ranging from the easternmost tea hills of Ilam to the grasslands of the Far West, from Tibet to the Indian Border and from Everest to Kathmandu Valley. There are in-depth accounts of all the attractions, from Hindu temples and Buddhist stupas to wildlife reserves and spectacular mountain viewpoints. For outdoor enthusiasts there are dedicated chapters to trekking, rafting and mountain biking.

Along the Path (3rd Edition) is full of practical and inspiring information for meditators who plan to visit the sacred sites where the Buddha and his disciples lived and taught in India and Nepal. In this unique guidebook, readers will discover a rich anthology of stories relating to each of the sites, as well as helpful maps, creative artwork, and spiritual narratives from experienced travelers. Each site entry includes insider information and tips with detailed descriptions of transportation, accommodation, and local cuisine; suggested excursions and activities in the vicinity; and highlights of established Vipassana meditation centers best suited to accommodate visiting meditators. This third edition has been updated and revised to feature "off the beaten path" pilgrimage sites throughout India, newly constructed Vipassana centres, and additional stories from the Pali canon. Contents include: - Detailed descriptions of each of the sites, including insider information on what to see and tips on transportation, accommodation and local cuisine. - Suggested excursions and activities in the vicinity of both ancient and modern sites. - Highlights established Vipassana meditation centers that are best suited to accommodate visiting meditators. - Includes an in-depth travel section to help meditators prepare for a safe launch from home and cultivate cultural sensibilities. - The essential companion for every meditator visiting India and Nepal.

No matter how long you’ve been practicing Buddhism or whether you are interested in Buddhism, the ancient Asian tradition, you’ve probably got questions, especially if you’re just starting out. You need to look no further than The Essentials of Buddhism, which simply answers these questions. With the help of translator’s notes, this engaging and enlightening volume examines the Buddha’s core teachings, explores the ways and means of enlightenment and elucidates the mystical aspects of Buddhism.