from the week of November 20 2005

Is this the next Buddha? Thousands of pilgrims are flocking to southern Nepal to worship a 15-year-old boy who many believe may be a new Buddha. Ram Bomjon has been meditating silently beneath a tree for six months, according to some. Observers claim he has not had food or water since he sat down beneath the tree in May.

The historical figure called Buddha lived 500 years before Christ and achieved enlightenment when he meditated beneath a pipal tree for 49 days. If this new story is to be believed, young Ram Bomjon has already beaten that record. But is he the real thing, or are pilgrims simply barking up the wrong tree?

Posted on November 21 2005, 12:55PM | Permalink