23 Nov 2008

"Buddha boy" returns to the jungles

6:09 pm on 23 November 2008

A Nepalese teenager believed by many to be the reincarnation of Lord Buddha has returned to the jungle after spending 10 days preaching and blessing thousands of followers.

Ram Bamjon, 18, became famous three years ago when he was seen meditating under a tree.

Police in southern Nepal say Ram Bamjon has once again withdrawn into the dense jungles of Bara district.

During the past 10 days he's been blessing pilgrims, who, as before have come from beyond Nepal's borders and joined huge queues to be in his presence.

He's also been preaching and on Friday told crowds that materialism had brought fear and war to Nepal and that for inner happiness one should follow religion.