Monks Assist Scientists to Keep Holy Bodhi Tree Healthy

ANCHOR:Monks at India's eastern Bodhgaya are helping scientists to conserve the holy Bodhi tree at Mahabodhi Temple. The tree has been revered by Buddhists and Hindus across the world for over 2,000 years. It is believed to be the tree under which Guatama Siddhartha, the historical "Buddha", gained enlightenment after three days and three nights of meditation.STORY:Authorities at the Mahabodhi Temple have approached scientists from the Forest Research Institute (FRI) asking them to treat the diseased portions of the Bodhi tree.Devotees used to chop off its branches or take twigs for keepsake. This was causing grave threat to the tree's existence. The practice has been stopped and scientists say the tree is now healthy.[Subhash Naatiyal, FRI Plant Physiologist]:"I wouldn't say it is diseased, it is giving a healthy look now. But we are working for its better health."The scientists denied reports about regulating flow of people at the site or cloning of the tree that had sparked off controversies.[N.S.K.Harsh, FRI Plant Physiologist]:"We are not regulating flow of people or anything else, all that we are saying is that if 1000 odd people congregate under the tree, it might effect the soil in the region. With regard to cloning the tree, I don't know from where you get such information, we are being asked this by journalists all over. We are not doing anything of this sort."[Bhet Priyapa, Buddhist Monk]:"Scientists told us that all that they are doing is to save this treethat we revere. So, today they have chopped off a few branches and I think ifit will be good for the health of the tree, we should not behave likereligious fanatics."The Bodhi tree is easily recognizable from its heart-shaped leaves, which are usually prominently displayed.The Mahabodhi temple, built around the tree, had been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.

Channel: News & Politics
Uploaded: December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm
Author: NTDTV

Length: 01:54
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Tags: bodhgaya  bodhi  buddha  buddhis  guatama  india  mahabodhi  ntd  religion  science  siddharta  temple  tree  

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