[Buddha-l] New pagoda with relics being built in Mumbai

[jkirk]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6106128.stm
A huge stone pagoda being built on the outskirts of India's financial 
capital, Mumbai (Bombay), has been opened to the public after Buddha's ashes 
and bones were enshrined in it.

Excerpts:
"The site where the relics are kept is out of bounds for women."

"Mr Goenka said the place was only meant to promote meditation and not any 
particular religion."

Really! While the Buddha in person was not out of bounds for women devotees 
or bhikkhunis, who could speak with him, or sit in the outdoor congregations 
when he was teacing, this place which is said to not serve any particular 
religion prevents women from paying respects to the remains--a kind of 
descrimination promoted by many so-called religions.  Hilarious.

Joanna