The World Peace Stupa Project
The World Peace Stupa Project is a global initiative dedicated to building stupas — sacred Buddhist monuments — as symbols of peace, compassion, and unity among all people. These stupas are more than religious structures; they are spiritual beacons meant to inspire harmony, nonviolence, and the realization of our shared humanity.
Each stupa is intended to radiate blessings, dispel negativity, and serve as a place for reflection, prayer, and the cultivation of inner peace.
Stupas have been constructed in many countries including Nepal, India, the United States, Australia, and various parts of Europe and Asia. They often serve as community centers, pilgrimage sites, and educational spaces. Beyond religious significance, they represent the collective hope for a world free from conflict and suffering.
At the heart of the project is a simple but profound belief: lasting peace begins with the transformation of the human mind. By creating spaces that embody peace, the World Peace Stupa Project seeks to uplift communities and contribute to a more compassionate world.
Samthar & Drodon Projects
Hello everyone!
We are delighted to announce that we are working on our new project, the “World Peace Monument Stupa project,” in the village of Samthar, Kalimpong, West Bengal, India.
Long ago, it was the plan and wish of the late Master Lama Sonam Lepcha to build a new monastery and stupa for world peace and the well-being of all living beings. He had already provided an area for the Samthar Village School, which gave many local children the opportunity to learn and look forward to a bright future. And our next priority is to build toilets and washrooms for this very school in the future.
Under the leadership of the late Lama Sonam Lepcha and Langpo Rinpoche, when they were still alive, we had planned and set higher goals to do something good for everyone. One of their visions and goals was to build a World Peace Stupa. He said that in this degenerating time of pandemic, war, and natural disasters (kalayuga), we know there are many ways to contribute to humanity and our planet. But what we can easily do and contribute to others is to be generous and build a sacred place like a stupa, where everyone has access to prayer and worship for the benefit of all sentient beings.
After her passing, we remember her dreams and Dharma activities with great respect. And we concluded that we will continue his mission at this sacred place in the village of Samthar, the birthplace of the late Lama Sonam Lepcha:
- to build a monastery and stupa for world peace.
- to support village schools, underprivileged children, and underdeveloped villages in Asia and other continents.
As a non-profit organization (Tib. Drodon), we must start and continue the project, which involves many challenges and efforts. But we are determined to do this and achieve our goal.
As we all know, construction work always involves a lot of money, time, and effort.
We roughly estimated that the long-term cost of this project would be around two crore Indian rupees, which is equivalent to $242,440.
- Monastery Project = $115,000
- Stupa Project = $51,000
- School & Children’s Projects = $35,000
- Retreat Center ‘Meditation & Yoga’ for Emotionally Disturbed and Psychosomatic People = $41,440
I just saw a single mother with four children in India who urgently needs financial support. She doesn’t have a proper roof or house for herself or her children. This family is so poor that instead of going to school, the children help their mother with jobs. And when I saw the situation of the family and the house on site, I immediately decided to help them. So that the family can have a roof over their heads and the children can spend their time at school.
As many of you know, we have so far supported this project and its financial system independently, based on all other people willing to support the project, as well as the sponsors and donors who have already contributed to this noble cause.
We are very optimistic and convinced that your support is very important and meaningful to us. Therefore, we are very grateful for every contribution and support in the coming days.
We thank you for your support!
General Manager: Lama Pema Wangyal
Project Manager: Mr. Maku Lepcha
Deputy Manager: Ms. Premit Lepcha
Samthar Panchayat,
Samthar 734301, Kalimpong, (W, B) India
What is the World Peace Stupa?
A World Peace Stupa (also called a Peace Pagoda) is a Buddhist monument built with the intention of promoting global harmony, non-violence, and compassion. These Peace Stupas have been built in many countries since the 20th century, inspired by Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii, who believed that constructing Stupas dedicated to peace could bring the world closer to non-violence and spiritual unity.
They serve not only as religious sites but also as universal symbols of peace that welcome people from all faiths.
Why is it important in the modern world?
In times of:
rising conflict,
environmental crises,
social division, and
psychological stress,
World Peace Stupas act as reminders of inner peace, non-violence, and global unity. They symbolize humanity’s shared wish to end suffering and to create societies based on compassion and mutual understanding.
In a fast-paced and divided world, such monuments provide a physical and spiritual space that encourages:
reflection,
healing,
mindfulness,
community gathering, and
cross-cultural harmony.
What is the purpose of building a Buddhist Stupa?
In Buddhism, the Stupa is considered one of the most sacred structures. Its purposes include:
1. Enshrinement of sacred relics
Stupas often contain relics of the Buddha, enlightened masters, or sacred texts, serving as powerful objects of devotion.
2. Representing the enlightened mind
A Stupa’s architecture symbolizes the Buddha’s mind—pure, limitless, and compassionate. The structure embodies the path to enlightenment.
3. Generating merit and positive karma
Building or contributing to a Stupa is regarded as an act of profound virtue, believed to create immense positive karma for oneself and others.
4. Aiding meditation and practice
Stupas are used as meditation focal points, for circumambulation (walking around mindfully), and for cultivating calm and awareness.
5. Spreading peace and compassion
A Stupa radiates peaceful energy and is considered a “field of blessings” that benefits anyone who sees, touches, or thinks about it.
Qualities and Benefits After Building a Stupa
Spiritual Qualities
Purification of negative karma
Accumulation of merit (good karma)
Blessings for mental clarity, compassion, and wisdom
Strengthening of faith and devotion
Benefits for Builders and Supporters
According to Buddhist teachings:
Long life, good health, and reduced obstacles
Protection from disasters, sickness, and misfortune
Prosperity and auspicious conditions
Advancement on the spiritual path
Positive influence even after death
Connection to enlightened energy
Even from a modern, secular view, participating in building a Stupa brings:
community bonding,
a sense of purpose,
emotional healing,
and cultural preservation.
How it Positively Affects All Sentient Beings
Buddhist tradition teaches that a Stupa continuously emits blessings.
1. Radiating peace and harmony
Because it symbolizes enlightenment, a Stupa is believed to send out subtle beneficial energy that calms minds, reduces aggression, and encourages kindness.
2. Offering benefits simply through contact
Just by:
seeing,
hearing about,
thinking of, or
walking around a Stupa,
sentient beings accumulate positive karma that helps reduce suffering.
3. Creating a peaceful environment
Stupas sanctify the land around them, promoting:
harmony,
protection,
and ecological balance.
4. Benefitting animals, insects, and the natural world
Sacred structures are often placed in protected areas, preserving local ecosystems and reducing harm to small beings.
5. Spreading prayers and intentions
Stupas often contain mantras and prayers dedicated to the welfare of all beings. These intentions continuously radiate goodwill.