BODH GAYA: Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay reached the holy Buddhist pilgrimage site of Bodh Gaya, northern Indian state of Bihar this morning from Delhi. 
This visit comes in the backdrop of the series of bomb blasts that rocked the world famous Mahabodhi Temple on July 7th. Immediately upon his arrival the Sikyong visited all the sites where the bomb blasts occurred and also prayed at the Mahabodhi Temple for peace and calm.
Expressing deep sadness over the tragic incidents, the leader of the Central Tibetan Administration stated that it was highly unimaginable that a place as sacred as Bodh Gaya, where Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment, could be attacked in such a violent manner. He added that Buddhism has always been synonymous with non- violence and compassion and that it was a peaceful religion. The Sikyong called on Buddhists around the world to continue to undertake pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya and pray and not to be deterred by such acts.
Sikyong conveyed the profound sadness expressed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama over the tragedy in Bodh Gaya.
Sikyong later visited the two injured at Patna Medical College. One of the injured was a Tibetan monk from Nyingma Monastery, the other was a Myanmar bandhe. Sikyong wished them a speedy recovery and thanked doctors for looking after them.
As a mark of solidarity by Tibetans everywhere, the Sikyong donated a sum of Rupees one lakh to the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee.
The Sikyong was accompanied by the officials of Temple Management Committee and state officials throughout his three hour stay in Bodh Gaya. He also addressed the media and urged Tibetans and Buddhists to stay calm and remain peaceful by following the teachings of Buddha. The visit was coordinated by Mr. Ngawang Choephel, Co-ordinator and Public Relation officer of the International Buddhist Conference in Bodh Gaya along with Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.
“We are thankful to the Central Government and the Government of Bihar for the security provided at the Mahabodhi Temple and express our full faith in the ongoing investigation of the serial blasts,” said Dr. Sangay.
On a related note, the Union Minister for Home Shri Sushilkumar Shinde and the UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi had earlier visited Bodh Gaya.
