Rajgir: Hundreds of Buddhist monks from all over India and abroad gathered in Rajgir in Bihar on Saturday to pray for world peace. The prayers were held as part of the 39th anniversary of the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, situated atop the Ratnagiri hill. On the occasion an American follower of Buddhism donated a peace bell made of an alloy of eight metals, weighing five tonnes, to the stupa.

          Richard Dixcy, the donor of the bell said that the peace bell was a gesture for the hospitality shown to Tibetans by the State Government by giving them refuge. "This peace bell is a gesture for the hospitality shown to Tibetans taking refuge in this sacred ground. To the government of Bihar and to the directors of this place of worship, we offer thanks for permission to place the peace bell at the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, where its voice can resound throughout the hills of Rajgir," said Dixcy. Vishwa Shanti Stupa is the world's highest peace pagoda, facing the Griddhrakuta Hill, where Lord Buddha preached the sacred 'Lotus Sutra' for eight years. It is a major attraction for the Buddhists across the world.     
-October 26, 2008