Bodh Gaya: 17th Karmapa expresses sorrow, appeals for calm

Dharamsala, July 8: The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, on Monday expressed sorrow over the July 7 bombings in and around the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya. He asked all to stay calm and ensure that violence doesn't escalate over the incident.

Here is the full statement issued from his office at Sidhwari in Dharamsala:

"I was deeply saddened to hear of the senseless violence perpetrated today at the Mahabodhi temple and its environs in Bodhgaya. This is the place where Buddhist pilgrims from India and the world over pay homage to Lord Buddha and his teachings.

As yet we do not know why or by whom this sacred site was targeted. However I am convinced that, as Buddhists, in responding to this situation, the best homage we can pay to Lord Buddha is to uphold his teachings on love and ahimsa (non-violence).

I ask you, therefore, to remain calm and refrain from any further escalation of the violence. I offer my prayers for the victims and their families, and call on Buddhists everywhere to truly embrace the wisdom of Lord Buddha's teachings in all that we do."

OneIndia News