Bamiyan Buddha of Afghanistan

[Kusala]

Hello Dhamma friends. Ever wonder what the Bamiyan Buddha might have looked like?

I came across this interesting video on youtube... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNYLTWCP ... re=related

[cooran]

Hello Kusala,

And the latest research, showing it may be possible to restore the smaller of the statues:

Researchers Say They Can Restore 1 of Destroyed Bamiyan Buddhas
http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/01/resea ... n-buddhas/


with metta
Chris

[Kusala]

Hello Kusala,

And the latest research, showing it may be possible to restore the smaller of the statues:

Researchers Say They Can Restore 1 of Destroyed Bamiyan Buddhas
http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/01/resea ... n-buddhas/


with metta
Chris

Hello Chris,

Thanks for sharing.

[Skeptic]

When the Bamiyan Buddhas were blown up by the Taliban, reaction of China surprised me very much. China condemned the destruction of Buddhist heritage and plans of the construction of the Spring Temple Buddha were announced, which is now the tallest statue in the world. I was very surprised because China is officially an atheist country and was also pursuing destruction of Buddhist heritage, especially during the Cultural Revolution, but obviously things have changed.


Spring Temple Buddha

[Justsit]

China destroying Buddhist sites in Afghanistan, here.

Nothing has changed, IMO, except that the Chinese government wants even tighter control on the citizens of Tibet. They are attempting to control the Buddhist religion, especially through legitimizing succession of their candidates for Dalai Lama, Panchen Lama, et. al., in order gain absolute mastery in Tibet. Monasteries there are now filled with government approved monks. Appearing to support Buddhist activity in China itself is only a political ploy.

[Skeptic]

China destroying Buddhist sites in Afghanistan, here.

What a hypocrisy, they have condemned the destruction of Bamiyan Buddhas and now they are going to destroy them completely.

Nothing has changed, IMO, except that the Chinese government wants even tighter control on the citizens of Tibet. They are attempting to control the Buddhist religion, especially through legitimizing succession of their candidates for Dalai Lama, Panchen Lama, et. al., in order gain absolute mastery in Tibet. Monasteries there are now filled with government approved monks. Appearing to support Buddhist activity in China itself is only a political ploy.

You're right about Tibet, but in other parts of China things have changed. Many Buddhist temples and statues are being built under government sponsorship. Also Chinese government has planned to make large investments in Lumbini and make some kind of 'Buddhist Mecca' there, but Nepalese government was against it. Chinese government is not against Buddhism in general anymore, they are only against Tibetans.

[Justsit]

Also Chinese government has planned to make large investments in Lumbini and make some kind of 'Buddhist Mecca' there, but Nepalese government was against it.

Yes, hopefully the Nepalese government realizes what the Chinese government is up to...great to have "Buddhist Mecca," but at what cost?