People in large numbers have thronged the Basamadi Village situated 14 kms west of Hetauda market to see nearly 100 Buddhists of the Tamang community engrossed in meditation with the belief that they would be able to reach heaven alive, reports from the district said.

Those involved in the meditation strongly believe that the New Year 2060 BS holds special meaning and will help them reach heaven. Individuals ranging from two years to 70 years have joined the flock of those who strongly believe that they would be blessed with the opportunity to reach heaven alive if they meditate with their heart and soul.

Among those who are meditating are students and teachers. Shanti Lama of Basamadi-2 has set her livestock free after joining the Buddhist cult. She has freed the animals in keeping with the Buddhist philosophy that one should not torture and captivate animals.

Similarly, Khadga Bahadur Lama, who worked as a peon at the Makwanpur District Education Office has not bothered to report back at the office to collect his gratuity and pension thinking that materialistic leanings would hamper his quest to reach heaven.

The district police of Makwanpur have arrested Dev Bahadur Lama, Bal Kumari Lama, Lav Ratna Syangtan and Khadga Bahadur Lama for misleading the people by giving out false promises to the people that they could reach heaven if they mediated seriously. nepalnews.com am April 13