November 05, 2006

A Buddha For Our Times?

On 16th May, 2005, a young Nepalese monk, Ram Bahadur Bomjan, positioned himself under a tree, and appeared to continually meditate without food or water, for many months. He quickly attracted international attention, and was nicknamed the Buddha Boy.

Pilgrims from all over the world visited Nepal in the hope of seeing a genuine living Buddha.

His family report that he was an unusual child, with a deep compassion for living creatures and a peaceful nature. He was soon taken into a temple where he received Buddhist training, but he refused to shave his head in the traditional manner of the priesthood.

Just before embarking on his meditation odyssey, he gave his mother six leaves and told her, "Take these leaves home and keep them in a safe condition. If you lose these leaves, you will not be able to find me. If you keep them safe, I will remain with you forever."

On July 24th, 2005, he opened his eyes and spoke to his brother, announcing that he should now be called Om Namo Buddha Gyani (one who has knowledge of Buddha).

Scientists from around the world gathered to discover more behind this enigmatic boy, who seemed to be continually abstaining from food and water with a superhuman ability to survive beyond the human expectancy for such deprivation. However, close inspection was not allowed and his vital signs remained unchecked. Suspicions began to arise that perhaps the boy was eating and drinking during the evening, when the area he was meditating in was cordoned off from the prying eyes of the public.

His followers remained convinced of his divinity, due mainly to his ability to clearly sit still in all weather conditions, including torrential monsoon downpours.

A Nepalese government team gained permission to observe the boy continually for 48 hours. To their amazement, he remained rigid, focused and did not eat or drink whatsoever. The team of observers planned to do a more thorough scientific check at a later point, but this did not occur, after Ram Bahadur Bomjan suddenly disappeared from his spot under the tree.

There was a massive search to find the location of the holy boy, after fears that he may have been attacked by a tiger or kidnapped by Maoist rebels. However, the police soon doubted that foul play had been committed.

The chairman of a local Buddhist organisation, alleged some months after his disappearance to have met him 2 km from his meditation tree. He told them that it was no longer peaceful to meditate there and that he would continue in an undisclosed location. He gave a message for his parents, informing them not to worry, and that he would return in six years time.

The Buddha Boy is a fascinating enigma. There are some who believe that he is part of an elaborate con to elicit money for the Maoist rebellion or some other shady group. But, as a Buddhist, I must accept (or certainly hope) that there is a basis in reality for the beliefs I hold dearly. Could this boy be an individual truly on the cusp of becoming enlightened? It will certainly be interesting to see if he does indeed resurface in six years time.

The following video has footage of him:

9 comments:

Alexander said...

"I'm a Bodhisattva. Get me out of here" (in reference to his feeling that the original place just ain't "peacefull enough" anymore).

Uttering big claims to his brother was his only mistake (imo). Perhaps he is one of those "natural" Sadhaks. Just someone who from an early age posesses an effortless natural affinity with this sort of thing? Trying to find a quiet place in India or Nepal without attracting noisy/nosey attention though, is like trying to find the Lost Ark. Wrong country if you want to be left alone. I bet the Nepalese have set up the Chai stalls and are selling little tacky golden trinkets of the guy himself.

I am kind of reminded of the Indian baby of recent years who was born with a fleshy appendage on his lower spine. Suddenly the whole region was treating him as a divine incarnation of Hanuman the monkey god, and suddenly they were out of poverty. Scientists dismissed it as a fleshy appendage which had no life of its own. That, and the fact that he was a Muslim, didn't stop the worship though.

Contrary to popular belief (even in those countries), it is usually the Indians and Nepalese that are the most gullible (and not foreigners) when it comes to such things.

Time will tell if he is genuine, I guess.

Unknown said...

I never said that I believed he is what he claims, but I would not be The Mystic Traveller, if I projected the persona of a sceptic.

Actually, I follow the Dalai Lama's advice, which is believe nothing until you have investigated it thoroughly yourself, and come to your own conclusions.

In the case of the Buddha Boy, I will watch his space for the next six years, and see what happens: Probably nothing, may be something!

By the way, I have this huge fleshy growth coming out of my spine. You know, I may well be the Hanuman.

Kim Ayres said...

I would love to believe. I really want to believe in something. I've been ripe for religious conversion for at least 20 years.

Unfortunately I have all the conviction of a born-again athiest.

I have often envied those who have a true connection to the universe.

Unknown said...

Kim, isn't it marvellous that the universe provides us with the choice to be believers or non-believers? The universe is everything to everyone.

Not, Bush's anymore!!! LOL

Alexander said...

Kim...you INFIDEL!!! (:D

How about "The Amazing Branden", Branden? (referring to "The 'amazing Randi"....the full time skeptic)

Anonymous said...

An interesting story which you cover in a even handed way.

Unknown said...

Thank you, Richard. I try to remain open minded towards most things. I visited your site, and was very impressed. I have added a link on mine.

Bright blessings,

El-Branden Brazil

Anonymous said...

"Contrary to popular belief (even in those countries), it is usually the Indians and Nepalese that are the most gullible (and not foreigners) when it comes to such things."

-Alexander

For one I am a an American and I find this statement kind of offensive. There are millions of believers in Christianity whom believe that someone 2,000 years ago died on cross and believe in a book that has been passed down hundred's of generations and translated I don't know how many times and yet they believe in something that was written in a book and take it as fact. So who is the gullible ones now?

I say I am American because wherever you go you will find gullible people.

Unknown said...

That he has disappeared is good for him and the rest of us who meditate in our comforable abodes. His story is his own and we as buddhists keep on and strengthen our practice for our sake and all sentient beings. We all have bodhisattva and buddha nature and that is th beauty of our existence, especially the ones that recognize it. (ex forced catholic)

 
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