His Holiness the 17th Karmapa has released a statement in response to the bombings at Bodh Gaya in Eastern India yesterday.
Said the Karmapa: “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 (nonviolence).
“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.”
Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile Lobsang Sangay also released a statement: “I am deeply saddened to learn about the series of bomb blasts at Mahabodhi temple. My prayers are for the injured and their family members.”
In an update, the Associated Press reports that one man has been detained, with sketches of two others being produced, for investigation.
