"We are marching and reciting the metta as the Burmese junta is now destroying Buddhism in Burma. We are praying for our fellow monks who are suffering at the hands of the brutal junta for the sake of 'Sangha'," said Sayadaw (abbot) Nanda Wuntha, a Burmese monk, who led the protests.
Meanwhile, the Burmese military junta after opening firing on protesters last week, has continued mid-night raids not only to Buddhist monasteries but also in houses people suspected to have clapped or cheered during the protest.
While the junta officially admits to 10 deaths during the crackdown, activists and diplomats said at least 200 have been killed and at least 6,000 monks and activists have been arrested.
Carrying placards and banners of "Stop Killing Burmese Monks", the monks prayed as they meditated for the return of peace in Burma, where Buddhism can prevail in its true form.
"A lot of people joined us in our march, as they are upset about the prevailing situation in Burma," added Sayadaw Nanda Wuntha.
The protest by monks in the historic Bodhgaya came amidst growing international pressure on the Burmese junta to immediately end crackdowns on monks and dissidents.
The UN Secretary-General, who is scheduled to meet his special advisor Ibrahim Gambari, who concluded a four-day visit to Burma on Tuesday, said that his special envoy had delivered "the strongest possible message" to the junta on the bloody crackdowns on protesters.
Ban added that he is waiting to be briefed by his special envoy before deciding on the next course of action.
