Peace Pagoda, Willen, Milton Keynes

The design of the pagoda represents the four classical elements:

• The base symbolises earth and stable energy
• The hemispherical section symbolises water and flowing energy
• The red cone and roof area symbolises fire and upward energy
• The green saucer dish at base of crown symbolises air and free energy in all directions

The jewel drop at the top represents consciousness and eternal energy.

Opening ceremony, 1980. IMA/CA/0954, Image Archive at Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre The Peace Pagoda at Willen was officially opened on the autumnal equinox of 21st September 1980. It was designed and built as a stupa – a material manifestation of the Buddha’s wish for peace in the world – as part of the Japan Buddha Sangha (or Nipponzan Myohoji) efforts to spread the message of peace. The Most Venerable Nichidatsu Fujii, commonly known as Gurujii, founded the Sangha and the Willen Peace Pagoda was the last to be built under his direction. Gurujii died aged 100 in 1985.

The procession of the opening ceremony was led by eleven year old elephant Maureen.

View from hill, architect's sketch by Tom Hancock. THA/08/06/B51, Tom Hancock Collection at Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre Archive

Civilization is neither to have electric lights, nor airplanes, nor to produce nuclear bombs. Civilization is not to kill people, not to destroy things, not to make war; civilization is to hold mutual affection and to respect each other. Nichidatsu 'Gurujii' Fujii

Coloured sketch of front elevation, c1980, detail from THA/06/08/B67, Tom Hancock Collection, Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre Archive The pagoda was the first to be built in the Western hemisphere. It was designed by Japanese architect Minoru Ohka, with interpretation from British architect Tom Hancock, and engineered by Anthony Hunt Associates. The monks of the Japan Buddha Sangha carried out the construction over just less than two years.