Nepal's 'Eyes of Peace' See Trouble

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covers an area of 147,181 square kilometers ranging from an altitude of 70

meters above sea level to the highest point of the earth -- Mt. Everest at

8,848 meters. Mountains, hills, valleys and plains dominate the geography of

landlocked Nepal, which extends from the Himalayan range in the north to the

Indo-Gangetic lowlands in the south. It occupies only 0.1 percent of the

territory of the earth. The temple of Swoyambhunath, the so-called "eyes of

peace," lies in the Katmandu valley. Several monuments in the valley have been

listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, among which Swoyambhunath is one.

Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is the only World Heritage Site outside

the valley in southern Nepal. The Katmandu valley consists of three main towns

of great historic, artistic and cultural interest: Katmandu, Patan, and

Bhaktapur. It is situated 4,423 feet above sea level and has an exotic setting.

The valley is surrounded by green, snow-peaked mountains

housing a number of museums and art galleries displaying art work of the past

and present.Swoyambhu literally means the "Self-Existent One." Swoyambhunath is

believed to have been established more than 2,500 years ago. An inscription

dated 460 A.D. states that the construction was carried out by King Manadeva of

the Mall dynasty. The history of the Kathmandu Valley is said to have started

with the beginning of Swoyambhu. Eyes on Temple Swoyambhu symbolize

peace. ©2006 Bishnu K.C. The stupa is atop a hill, and requires a

considerable walk. A road also leads almost to the base of the camp. Swoyambhu

is perhaps the best place to observe religious harmony in Nepal. Though it is a

Buddhist temple, it is widely visited by both the Buddhists and Hindus of

Nepal.According to Nepali myths, the two eyes of Swoyambhunath represent peace

and prosperity. These eyes are said to observe what is right and what is wrong,

and a patriotic song also refers to these eyes. Pilgrims from different parts of

the country, as well as from countries like India, Thailand, Bhutan, China,

Myanmar, Mongolia and many others visit this temple and define it as glorious.

A number of pilgrims can be seen every day in the temple. Many pilgrims visit

this temple at the time of Buddha Jayanti (birthday of Buddha), which falls on

the full moon

day in Baishakh (April/May); Gunla, the holy Buddhist month according to the

Newari calendar (August/September) early in the morning; Kojagrat Purnima

(September/October), and Samaya day of Magh (January/February -- every 12

years). The largest Buddha stupa in Nepal is located behind Swoyambhu

Temple. ©2006 Bishnu K.C. The largest image of the Sakyamuni Buddha in

Nepal

is in a monastery at the backside of Swoyambhu, and a good view of the valley

can be seen from the temple.But nowadays these eyes are troubled due to the

current situation of the country. The eyes are always eager to see the peace

that has now become the dream of every Nepali citizen. View of

Katmandu valley as seen from Swoyambhunath Temple. ©2006 Bishnu K.C.

http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?at_code=303997During

the last 10 years since the founding of Nepal's Communist Party (Maoist), the

country has been facing a great problem. I do not know who is totally

responsible for the current situation, either the government or the Maoists,

but peace has departed from Nepal. More than 10,000 people have already lost

their lives in the past ten years. But these eyes are hopelessly watching the

situation. The Maoist's, are totally responsible for bringing tears to the eyes

that symbolize peace. 2006-01-10 20:03 ©2006 OhmyNews

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