Pakistan hopes for Buddhist boost to tourism drought

By Guillaume Lavallee, AFP, March 24, 2013

Amid rising violence, the country is trying to revive travel to its northwest - rich in Buddhist history and significance - which could generate billions in revenue, but lies next to Taliban havens

TAKHT-i-BAHI, Pakistan -- Religious violence may be on the rise and the Taliban still a threat, but Pakistan is hoping a rich Buddhist heritage will help it boost international tourism to its troubled northwest.

Afghanistan hurries to uncover, document ancient Buddhist city

By Jay Price, McClatchy Newspapers, March 23, 2013

A buried Buddhist city in Afghanistan is sitting atop an enormous copper deposit and a planned Chinese open-pit mine, the largest private investment in Afghan history. Archaeologists are racing to document and preserve the treasures before they’re lost forever.

MES AYNAK, Afghanistan -- It had the potential to be another Afghanistan Buddha disaster, recalling the Taliban’s destruction of two ancient statues that had stood for centuries in this country’s west: A buried Buddhist city lost to time was about to be obliterated by what promised to be one of the largest copper mines in the world.

Dr B.R. Ambedkar to be monumentalized in Sri Lanka

by Dilshan Boange, The Nation, March 24, 2013

Colombo, Sri Lanka -- On March 1 at the Maha Bodhi Society premises in Maradana Colombo, a discussion was held towards creating new channels of Lanka-Indo relations initiated by Buddhist activists from both here and India who have opened a dialogue as private citizens, hoping to strengthen bonds of amity between the two countries on the basis of shared Buddhist heritage.

Keep Tai Situ off Bhutan soil, King urges Manmohan

By Yatish Yadav, New Indian Express, 17 March 2013

NEW DELHI, India -- The Ministry of Home Affairs is scratching its head over a travel request from controversial Buddhist monk Tai Situ Rinpoche, who wants to visit Bhutan.

Afghanistan moves to salvage ancient Buddhist city – and its economy

By Jay Price, McClatchy Newspapers, March 12, 2013

MES AYNAK, Afghanistan -- It had the potential to be another Afghanistan Buddha disaster, recalling the Taliban’s destruction of two ancient statues that had stood for centuries in this country’s west: A buried Buddhist city lost to time was about to be obliterated by what promised to be one of the largest copper mines in the world.

Sri Lankan Buddhist Monk under attack in Tamil Nadu

Asiantribune.com, March 17, 2013

Chennai, India -- A Buddhist monk from Sri Lanka - Ven. Gnanaloka Thero (46) had been with a group of 18 students comprising Indian, Myanmar and other nationals who was in Thanjavur for academic research, bore the brunt of the latest wave of anti-Lanka protests that has gripped the State lately.

British Tourist Denied Entry to Sri Lanka for Disrespecting Buddhism

IB TIMES, March 17, 2013

Colombo, Sri Lanka -- A British tourist has been barred from entering Sri Lanka for 'disrespecting Buddhism' after immigration officials quizzed him about a tattoo of Buddha's head on his arm.

Indo - Sri Lanka Buddhist ties strengthened

by Senaka Weeraratne, Lanka Daily News, Mar 9, 2013

Kandy, Sri Lanka -- An eight member Indian Buddhist delegation led by Ven Dr Bhadant Rahula Bodhi Maha Thera met President Mahinda Rajapaksa at President's House in Kandy on February 22. The visit was to strengthen ties between Buddhists of the two countries and bring India and Sri Lanka closer through the historical bond and civilisational link of Buddhism.

Sri Lanka Buddhist nuns long for equality

By P K Balachandran, New India Express, 8 March 2013

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka -- Buddhism was brought to Sri Lanka by Emperor Ashoka’s daughter Sangamitta and her twin brother Mahinda in 288 BC.

Thousands attend The 17th Karmapa's 8-Day teachings in Sarnath

by Yeshe Choesang, The Tibet Post Tuesday, 26 February 2013

Sarnath, India -- His Eminence the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee has begun an 8-day teaching starting from February 21 at Vajra Vidya Institute, Sarnath, Varanasi- one of four holy Buddhist sites in India, with conducting extensive prayers and seminar by Buddhist monks and thousands of devotees from different parts of the world, including many who have came from Nepal.