China lets Hong Kong display Buddha's finger

Kadie

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue May-25-04 03:16 PM
Original message

China lets Hong Kong display Buddha's finger

China lets Hong Kong display Buddha's finger

By MARGARET WONG, Associated Press

Last Updated: May 25, 2004, 11:32:48 AM PDT

HONG KONG (AP) - Beijing is lending Hong Kong one of the Buddha's fingers for public display, but critics belittled the move Tuesday as a political gesture to soothe anger over China's recent decision ruling out full democracy in Hong Kong.

"This is part of China's propaganda exercise," said pro-democracy lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan. "Beijing is trying to get close to Hong Kong people and cool the heated political atmosphere."

snip...
Saffron-robed monks escorted the finger off an airplane that brought it from Xianyang in Shaanxi province. It was transferred onto a truck decorated in gold paneling and lotus flowers as a band played welcoming music. Senior monks prayed and sounded horns before the finger was driven to an exhibition venue.

Buddha died about 483 B.C. After his cremation, some historians believe his bones were saved by Indian monks and that a few pieces were brought to China later. The finger bone to be displayed in Hong Kong was among Buddhist relics discovered in an underground shelter at Famen Temple near the ancient capital of Xian in central China in 1987.

more... http://www.modbee.com/24hour/global/story/1394719p-8659003c.html

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

TrogL

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue May-25-04 03:20 PM
Response to Original message

1. Which finger

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

It had to be asked.

Somebody ban me.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Kadie

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue May-25-04 03:22 PM
Response to Reply #1

2. I haven't been able to stop laughing since I read this article.

I know I shouldn't be laughing, but I just can't help it.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Just Me

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue May-25-04 03:23 PM
Response to Reply #2

3. Me, too. *giggle* n/t

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

thebeaglehaslanded

(518 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue May-25-04 03:59 PM
Response to Original message

4. Let me get this straight...China is giving the finger to Hong Kong?

That's not nice! :D

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

SayitAintSo

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue May-25-04 04:32 PM
Response to Reply #4

5. Tibet should be giving the finger to China ....LOL

That would be more apropos..... :)

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Kadie

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue May-25-04 11:48 PM
Response to Reply #4

6. LOL

This story cracks me up. Been laughing about it all day.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

TahitiNut

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue May-25-04 11:53 PM
Response to Original message

7. I somehow think the Buddha would be amused, too.

:shrug:

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

DU AdBot (1000+ posts)

Wed May 08th 2024, 10:11 PM
Response to Original message

Advertisements [?]

Top

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators

Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.