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The little Buddah brings big bucks
24/ 2/2006
A VISION of the Virgin Mary near the Irish rural backwater of
Knock was an event that transformed the economic fortunes of this
tiny village.
As the pilgrims flocked in the priest got to work and now Knock is
well on the tourist map with its own international airport.
Will the Buddha boy of Basra do the same for this tiny community in
the verdant forest 100 miles south of the Nepalese capital
Kathmandu?
The teenager has been meditating under a large tree attracting
thousands of pilgrims who are convinced the youth is another
Buddha.
A thriving market has developed in the once-pristine forest,
religious tourists with everything from tobacco and bicycle repairs
to incense and sacred amulets.
Devotees flock daily to catch sight of Ram Bahadur Banjan, who sits
cross-legged and silent with his eyes shut.
It is claimed that the 15-year-old has not eaten or drunk anything
since he sat down at his chosen spot on 17 May, 2005. He also has
not relieved himself in six months, claim devotees. Some say they
have seen light emanating from the teenager's forehead.
Ram Bahadur's fame grew after he appeared to shake off the effects
of being bitten by a poisonous snake. He is said to have told
onlookers that "a snake bit me but I do not need treatment. I need
six years of deep meditation."
The boy also told crowds that he was not a Buddha but a lesser
divine spirit known as a rinpoche. "I don't have the Buddha's
energy."
Buddhism teaches that correct thinking and self-control can enable
people to reach peace and release themselves from worldly
distractions and desires.
The Buddha was born 160 miles from Bara in 540BC and found
enlightenment under a pipal tree. Ram Bahadur is sitting under a
pipal tree.
A reporter for the Kantipur newspaper, Sujit Mahat, told Associated
Press that he had spent two days at the site, and that about 10,000
people are believed to visit every day.
He said pilgrims can catch a glimpse of Ram Bahadur from a
roped-off area about 25 metres away between dawn and dusk. But the
boy is screened from observers at night.
"We could not say what happens after dark," Mr Mahat said. "People
only saw what went on in the day, and many believed he was some
kind of god."
Police are seeking to verify the claims about the boy's fast.
"We have a team ... investigating the claim on how anyone can
survive for so long without food and water," police inspector
Chitra Bahadur Gurung said. Officers have not directly questioned
the boy, who appears to be meditating deeply.
The 'little Buddha in his pipal tree home and (above) deep in
meditation since last May
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