KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, July 29, 2001: The Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) has called on the authorities to clamp down on a widespread deviant religious cult which it says uses a Buddhist name but practices black magic, which is contrary to the teachings of Buddhism. The call followed the reported torture of a nine-year-old boy at a Chinese temple here. The MBA said the cult had existed for at least 10 years with its followers in housing estates in many states, especially Malacca. The Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia president said Buddhists practice compassion, patience and kindness and would not condone abuse. The Rev K. Dharmaratana, chief high priest of Malaysia of the Buddhist Mahavihara temple in Brickfields, said there was no system of physical punishment in Buddhism.
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