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KATHMANDU (AFP) – A young man believed by followers to be a reincarnation of Buddha has returned to Nepal's jungles to meditate alone, police said Saturday, as scholars cast doubt on his supporters' claims.
Known as the "Buddha Boy," Ram Bahadur Bomjam, 18, became famous in 2005 after supporters said he could meditate motionless for months without water, food or sleep.
Originally posted by stumason
It only took the Buddha himself 49 days!
Originally posted by stumason
Namely, they seem to be able to meditate for long periods without food or water,
Originally posted by stumason
Considering he didn't begin on the path to enlightenment until he was 29, I find the 35 years hard to swallow, unless you're inferring that the entirety of his life was a journey, even the first 29 years when he was happy being a rich prince.
Originally posted by stumason
I suppose one could argue that without the luxury and excesses of his life as a Royal, he would never have embarked upon the path to enlightenment.
Originally posted by kindred
Buddha is not one individual, it simply means someone who has acheived spiritual enlightenment. There's been many Buddha's.
List of the twenty-eight Buddhas
en.wikipedia.org...
Originally posted by stumason
You seem to have taken my quote wholly out of context and answered a question I didn't even ask.
Many, in fact, seem to be part of elaborate cons to extort money out of unwitting pilgrims.
Originally posted by munkey66
how can someone be called the reencarnate of Buddha?
Buddha reached enlightenment which meant his journey was over.
Originally posted by munkey66
how can someone be called the reencarnate of Buddha?
Buddha reached enlightenment which meant his journey was over.
Originally posted by 2 cents
In response to those that said it took the Buddha 35yrs or 6yrs to achieve enlightenment, a Buddhist would probably say it took life times to achieve, just ticks on the clock of eternity.
Originally posted by Cadbury
Indeed. But consider this. To be a prince you must first be born -- and born male. One recurring teaching in Buddhism you're probably already familiar with is reincarnation. Another is Karma.
So whereas you could rightfully argue it took him either 6 years, 49 days or 35 years... you could also rightfully argue it took "him" a lot longer than all of the above. Which, if any, is "true?"