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Post by Mogly on Nov 29, 2005 11:55:35 GMT -5
Pilgrims flock to see 'Buddha boy' said to have fasted six months By Thomas Bell in Bara District, Nepal (Filed: 21/11/2005)
Thousands of pilgrims are pouring into the dense jungle of southern Nepal to worship a 15-year-old boy who has been hailed as a new Buddha.
Devotees claim that Ram Bomjon, who is silently meditating beneath a tree, has not eaten or drunk anything since he sat down at his chosen spot six months ago.
Ram Bomjon maintains his vigil in the shade of his pipal tree Witnesses say they have seen light emanating from the teenager's forehead.
"It looks a bit like when you shine a torch through your hand," said Tek Bahadur Lama, a member of the committee responsible for dealing with the growing number of visitors from India and elsewhere in Nepal.
Photographs of Ram Bomjon, available for five rupees (4p) from his makeshift shrine, have become ubiquitous across the region. "Far and wide, it's the only topic of conversation," said Upendra Lamichami, a local journalist.
He said no allegation had yet emerged of Ram breaking his fast or moving, even to relieve himself.
Santa Raj Subedi, the chief government official in Bara district, appealed to the capital, Kathmandu, for assistance in dealing with the influx of visitors, and for a team of scients to examine the case.
Local doctors failed to reach a final conclusion, although they were allowed no closer than five yards from the boy mystic, declaring that they could confirm no more than that he was alive.
The popularity of the phenomenon is partly because it resembles an episode in the life of the historical Buddha, who was born 160 miles away around 543 BC. The Buddha achieved enlightenment when he meditated beneath a sacred pipal tree for 49 days.
Ram Bomjon is also sitting beneath a pipal tree, in the same posture as the Buddha is depicted, but his vigil has already taken longer.
Ram's mother, who is called Maya Devi, like the Buddha's mother, admits to anxiety, particularly at meal times. But she tells herself: "God took him to the forest and I have faith that God will feed him."
She said: "He's definitely got thinner. Early in the morning he looks sunken, like there's no blood in him, but as the sun rises he seems to get brighter and brighter."
The fervour increased last week when a snake is said to have bitten Ram, and a curtain was drawn around him.
After five days it was opened and he spoke. "Tell the people not to call me a Buddha. I don't have the Buddha's energy. I am at the level of rinpoche [lesser divinity].
"A snake bit me but I do not need treatment. I need six years of deep meditation."
Despite his protestations, "Buddha boy" is famous.
A thriving market has grown in the once pristine forest, supplying pilgrims with everything from chewing tobacco and bicycle repairs to incense and sacred amulets. The ground is covered in litter.
A fence was built around Ram's tree to prevent pilgrims prodding him, then a second, and now a third is planned, as well as a bus park, leaving Ram at the centre of an ever growing circle of rubbish.
Prakash Lamsal, a businessman said: "Some people are selling 2,500 rupees [£20] worth of tea a day.
"These lamas [monks] are going to build mansions out of this. If I wasn't a bit embarrassed I'd take a van down there and set up a stall."
I think this is amazing. not saying he is buddha's second coming but it's remarkable the kind of concentration and mind power you need to do this... I find this news pretty important
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Post by Currian on Nov 29, 2005 13:01:06 GMT -5
Ah yes, religion... But I do agree with you on the thing about how concentrated that bloke is.
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Post by tezza202 on Nov 29, 2005 13:20:25 GMT -5
Anyoone bought any pics? ;D
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Post by Mogly on Nov 30, 2005 19:31:42 GMT -5
here's a pic.... btw I do believe in parallel worlds and meditation and I think this guy, although he's not Buddha's reincarnation almost for sure, is pretty amazing and his mental power is unique..
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Post by Mogly on Nov 30, 2005 19:36:51 GMT -5
now if he "wakes up" in 6 years I'm gonna have to go to India and see what he's all about.
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Post by daysleeper on Dec 5, 2005 14:58:08 GMT -5
I think this guy, although he's not Buddha's reincarnation almost for sure, my knowledge of Buddhism is not exactly 100% (massive understatement there....!) but its my understanding that Buddha achieved enlightenment and passed into a state of nirvana which meant he no longer had to endure suffering, and as reincarnation is the method of ensuring eternal suffering, he would no longer be reincarnated therefore the notion of Buddha ever being reincarnated is impossible as it would go against his very teachings... well thats my knowledge gained from a TV show last night....haha. very interesting though - i have my doubts (how long did Blaine last again?) that its genuine, but if it is then its pretty fucking disgusting that people are profiteering from it and turning it into a frickin carnival - just look at that picture....i maybe wrong but i highly doubt the poor kid suddenly turned round one day and said "how mate, get me some cheesy fucking flags and streamers up around here, brighten me tree up a bit....im feeling festive!" Religion is fascinating though - Buddha says he achieved enlightenment....who can possibly verify that? certainly not to the point where millions follow his teachings thousands of years later... Belief is such a massively powerful thing. Personally i think we should spend our time, efforts (and cash) on what we can see right now. rather than dreams we can only hope (or believe) may be true dont get me wrong, i think everyone should have dreams and beliefs, but i just think far far far too much life is wasted on the unknown
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Post by DixonHill on Dec 5, 2005 18:35:44 GMT -5
well thats my knowledge gained from a TV show last night....haha. you mean the BBC thing? missed it, man. wanted to watch it.
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Post by daysleeper on Dec 5, 2005 18:53:30 GMT -5
you mean the BBC thing? missed it, man. wanted to watch it. yeah it was quality ( iwatched it while i was hungover and i think it contributed to my headache! lol. but still good) - i think its a series so you can catch other eps robert winston in an all-white suit...does it get any better? ;D interesting show - focused on early religions, then hinduism and buddhism. Very little about christianity, islam, judasim but they'll come next im sure. the Hindu shit was fascinating actually early signs are that the program isnt gonna go heavily down the Science V Religion route which is a shame, but still worth watching
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Post by Mogly on Dec 5, 2005 20:06:17 GMT -5
DS I agree with you, it's a shame they're turning this into a carnival, capitalism has really infected all the spheres of human life, just take a look at the catholic church, my god.....
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Post by daysleeper on Dec 6, 2005 13:47:26 GMT -5
DS I agree with you, it's a shame they're turning this into a carnival, capitalism has really infected all the spheres of human life, just take a look at the catholic church, my god..... ive got nothing against capitalism at all, but there are some instances when basic morals say you shouldnt exploit things like religion which seems to be the case here - just picked up my newspaper today and theres a full article on this kid. Apparently a curtain is drawn around him every night so no one except his 'committee' can see him. So verifying the fasting claim is impossible. Also this committee (mainly consisting of his brothers) has amassed a nice sum of £6000 in their bank account which can be compared to the average yearly income in that country of just £120.... and a further £3000 has gone missing... Needless to say, the article is somewhat doubtful of the claims being made. It says the Nepalese authorities are going to investigate.
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Post by Mogly on Dec 6, 2005 15:47:21 GMT -5
DS I agree with you, it's a shame they're turning this into a carnival, capitalism has really infected all the spheres of human life, just take a look at the catholic church, my god..... ive got nothing against capitalism at all, but there are some instances when basic morals say you shouldnt exploit things like religion yeah I get what your saying and it's almost the same I'm saying, capitalism has a lot of shit adscribed to it but even with all that going on it's still the best, or at least the least worst, economic and social theory
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