Presentation of Lease on Buddhist Temple
The Parks Trust marked the 25th anniversary of the building of the city's landmark Peace Pagoda by granting a permanent lease to the monks and nuns of the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist order. The lease - which actually runs for 987 years, the same length as the Trust's own lease on Milton Keynes' parks and green spaces - covers the area occupied by the Buddhist Temple and the Peace Pagoda at North Willen Lake.
The Pagoda was the first to be built in the West as a beacon for world peace. The Temple was specially designed for the site and its blend of traditional Japanese architecture and modern methods mean there is nothing else like it in the world. A community of monks and nuns, supported by local volunteers, are continually working on the Temple and its wonderful garden. They welcome visitors, especially to hear the daily chanting at 5am and 5pm and for Buddhist and peace festivals.
Parks Trust Chief Executive David Foster presented the lease to the Rev Handa in front of a huge multi-faith audience, invited to help mark the anniversary with songs, music, prayer and speeches for peace. Veteran peace campaigner Bruce Kent was among those addressing the crowd.
At the end of the ceremony, dozens of people encircled the Pagoda with a chain of 'Make Poverty History' bands, anticipating the massive public campaign coinciding with the G8 conference.
(picture 9775l)Said David Foster: "The Parks Trust is delighted to grant the monks and nuns a long lease for the site. They have helped to create a very special place that will be of lasting benefit to the people of Milton Keynes.
I am proud that our parks provide the opportunity for such a diverse mix of people to express themselves. Not more than half a mile from the tranquil and spiritual Willen Lake North we have the South Lake which attracts over one million visitors a year - that contrast and ability to accommodate people from all walks of life is so typical of this great city."