Elpida, the reason I posted this thread is that these statements offend people. I consider myself as very broad-minded, but I felt sad and hurt when I see those claims. It may be pointless discussion, and buddha is who he is no matter who claims what. Truth is truth. I agree with what you wrote. Hindus are polytheists and they claimed even Jesus as their god once upon a time. I'm not being possessive about wise people, nor do I need to. My mere point is that these kind of claims offend many buddhist people. Regarding possessiveness, India can claim buddha belong to India and was born in India. The indians may say, what is on it, don't be possessive, and afterall he's an universal figure. But despite that, they continue to claim he was born in Buddha. But that claim offends people of Nepal, and creates sentiments against India. Likewise, hindus can claim, but buddhists are not going to feel good about it.