Finding Peace
On Saturday, 8th March, in Milan, our abbot, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Thubten Chonyi participated in an event to present the monastery project at a national level and take part in a discussion on the Importance of Choosing a Contemplative and Monastic Life in Today’s World. Joining Geshe Chonyi for the discussion was Enzo Bianchi, founder of the Bose Monastic Community.
The event was opened with welcoming words from Dr. Anna Scavuzzo, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Milan and Dr. Filippo Scianna, President of the Italian Buddhist Union who spoke about the importance of the project for the UBI itself and for the whole Italian territory, reaffirming his support and commitment to its prompt realization.
Then Ven. Massimo Stordi recounted the history of the Monastery project, and its importance for disseminating the Dharma, for the Sangha and the community. He also introduced the Park of Contemplation and Peace that will be established around the Monastery, with paths and nature workshops open to everyone.
Architect Gino Zavanella, lead designer, known for his work on the futuristic Juventus Stadium, presented the style of the Temple. The design results from research carried out in India and Nepal alongside Ven. Massimo, as well as meetings with Lama Zopa Rinpoche. The architecture will be sensitive to ancient traditions and the surrounding landscape, following an eco-sustainability approach, to ensure low environmental impact, high energy efficiency, and the use of natural and clean energy resources.
During the discussion, Enzo Bianchi, Founder of the Bose Community, spoke wonderful words, underlining the importance of the presence of Buddhist monks and a Tibetan Monastery in Italy for interreligious dialogue and the spread of a message of Peace and compassion: “The birth of a Monastery is a very important step in fostering our shared humanity and for this reason, I joyfully greet the Buddhist brothers and sisters of Pomaia and their venerable Master. We are a communion, we are simple men and women, travellers on this earth, and with our monasteries, we can offer paths of peace, non-violence, brotherhood”. His words moved us deeply, filling us with warmth, a sense of closeness, and a shared connection.
Geshe Thubten Chonyi spoke about the monastic life in the monasteries of Buddhist tradition, especially in Kopan which hosts more than 800 monks and nuns. How the approach to the inner life changes the mind and predisposes us to dialogue and openness with others, and the contribution that the Monastery will bring to these issues.
Finally, on International Women’s Rights Day, Ani Ciampa Tashi led those present in a beautiful and touching meditation on universal Peace and Love. Then the nuns distributed the traditional red protective cords that Geshe Thubten Chonyi kindly brought from Kopan Monastery and that had been blessed by the Emeritus Ganden Tripa.
