Sacrilege!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/daubentonia/236953642/

Just received news of arson on a Buddhist monastic institution in India. Below is the report:

Ven. Sirs / Esteemed Upasakas, Upasikas & Friends in the DHAMMA,

It is very painful to inform that three Residential Viharas of DHAMMA DIPA INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST ACADEMY at Manu Bankul, Tripura , INDIA , where 180 Buddhist monks and novices used to reside, learn and practice DHAMMA had been burnt down on the 24th June 2008 at 15.45 Hrs. Indian Standard Time. It is the only Buddhist monastic educational institute in Tripura established in order to preserve and promote Buddhist Culture and DHAMMA in India and accordingly the novices and monks are being given education and training. There was a threat from the very beginning to sabotage and destroy the Buddhist Academy and on the 24th June 2008 it was attacked and burnt down. The monks and novices lost everything on the fire; nothing could be saved except the robes they were wearing. It was really pathetic and a policy of some elements to nip the bud for the uprising of Buddhism the Tripura State of India . We have to start afresh with all precautions and work against all challenges and opposing forces. It is unfortunate that Buddhism had been attacked time and again in India , and TRIPURA incident is one of the living examples.

It is a piece of information for the World Buddhist Community. Please circulate to other DHAMMA brothers and sisters. I will be very grateful to receive your valuable suggestions and kind co-operation for the cause of Buddhism please.

With Metta!
Ven. Dr. Dhammapiya
TRIPURA, INDIA