Afghans Believe a Giant Sleeping Buddha Escaped Taliban Demolition

Chicago Tribune via the Salt Lake Tribune ^ | July 28, 2002 | Liz Sly

[jpthomas]

BAMIYAN, Afghanistan -- When the Taliban blew up the two giant Buddhas of Bamiyan, people around the world gasped in outrage at the willful destruction of such a highly prized archeological site.

But it appears the Taliban overlooked one giant Buddha.

Archeologists have long suspected that a third giant Buddha, a reclining Sleeping Buddha, is buried somewhere between the two destroyed Buddhas. Now, with the end of Taliban rule and the restoration of a measure of peace and stability across the country, the quest to find it is being revived.

[jpthomas]

one of two statues of Buddha at Bamiyan destroyed by Taliban on 3/12/2001

[another cricket]

one of two statues of Buddha at Bamiyan destroyed by Taliban on 3/12/2001

As an amateur historian may I say,” I hate these guys. I hate these guys. I really really hate these guys.”

a.cricket

[nofriendofbills]

Ah, proof positive that Buddhism is the One True Faith!!!

[ganesha]

A reclining Buddha represents the Paranirvana or the final passage to nirvana at the end of the Buddha's life.

[HHFi]

POLITICAL INCORRECTNESS ALERT!!

If they get a stethoscope, they might be able to locate the Buddha by listening for the ticking of the clock in his stomach.

ALERT OFF! RETURN TO YOUR NORMAL LEVELS OF SENSITIVITY!