The Australian Buddhist community has been saddened and alarmed to hear of the bombing on 7th July 2013 at the Mahabodhi temple in Bihar, India. We hope those injured by the blasts are receiving the best medical care and support and will recover soon.
We hope the Indian governments will catch the perpetrators to reduce the risk of similar acts in future and also take action to ensure these significant Buddhist sites which are India’s national treasures are suitably protected. These sites are also places of veneration to Buddhists all over the world and must be preserved for posterity. Buddhist pilgrims should be able to continue visiting these sites safely and without fear.
At this time we also wish to express our support for handing the management of the temple back to the Buddhist community of India. This will be a major step towards re-establishing India as a genuine centre of Buddhism in the world.
- Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils
(Copies of this statement has been emailed to PM and FM of India, Chief Minister and Governor of Bihar)
Terror struck the holiest Buddhist temple and other places in Bihar's pilgrimage town of Bodh Gaya on 7th July 2013. According to initial news reports suspected Indian Mujahideen operatives simultaneously triggered ten low intensity bombs leaving two monks injured.
Mahabodhi temple is of special significiance to Buddhists because it the located where Sidharta Gotama attained Buddhahood.The three other places of special significance are the place where the Buddha first taught (India), where he passed away (India) and where he was born (present day Nepal).
It may be relevant to note that in early 2012 the Indian government backed the formation of the India-based IBC (International Buddhist Confederation). The vision was for India to become the centre of Buddhism in the world. Buddhist umbrella bodies the world over, and including the FABC attended the IBC conference early 2012.
China has recently undertaken a project worth USD 3 billion to transform Lumbini into a premier place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from around the world, raising concerns in India as the small town is situated close to the Indian border. Nepal has recently announced proof that Lumbini's history extends far before the visit of (Indian) Emperor Ashoka.
There have been calls over many years for control of Mahabodhi temple to be returned to the Buddhist community. For India to be seen as a centre of Buddhism it is in the interest of the Indian government for the temple to be handed back to Buddhist managment. According to news reports the federal government of India has been critical of state government of Bihar which is responsible for the security of the Mahabodhi temple.