History & Life Stories Archives

Buddhism in India History & Life Stories

January 12, 2022 Yogi Prabodha Jnana & Yogini Abhaya Devi

History of Buddhism in Kerala

There was wide-spread presence of Buddhism in Kerala from the 3rd Century BCE to at least the 12th Century CE. Some world-renowned scholars and yogis in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition like Bhavaviveka, Vajrabodhi, Ayyappa and Paramabuddha were from Kerala. The practices of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and Bodhisattva Tara originated and spread from Potalaka (Agastyakoodam / Potikai) in the Malaya mountains to the rest of the world. There were also some world-renowned Mahayana Viharas in Kerala, such as Sreemoolavasam.

Buddhism in India History & Life Stories

November 28, 2019 Yogi Prabodha Jnana & Yogini Abhaya Devi

Buddhism in Banavasi, an Archeological Treasure Trove

There was strong presence of Buddhism in Banavasi right from the time of Emperor Ashoka. Sravakayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana flourished there till 12th Cen.

Buddhism in India History & Life Stories

March 7, 2019 Yogi Prabodha Jnana & Yogini Abhaya Devi

Buddhism in Kanchi – An Ancient City of Learning

Kanchi (Kanchipuram) in Tamil Nadu was the most significant Buddhist center of learning in South India. Kanchi produced world-renowned scholars and masters of Buddhism such as Bodhidharma, Dignaga, Dharmapala, Buddhaghosa, etc., spanning across Sravakayana and Mahayana. It is also one of the twenty-four power places of Vajrayana Buddhism.

Blog Buddhism in India History & Life Stories

March 6, 2019 Yogi Prabodha Jnana & Yogini Abhaya Devi

Dealing with History without Attachment

Exploration of history and archeological evidence of Buddhism in South India shows that Buddhism had been widespread in the South at least till the middle of the last millennium. While historical explorations dispel the attachment to misperceptions about heritage, we should also take care not to turn these new findings into another object of attachment and a cause for negative emotions.

Biography Buddhism in India Enlightenment Stories History & Life Stories

December 14, 2018 Yogi Prabodha Jnana & Yogini Abhaya Devi

Paramabuddha (Padampa Sangye) and Ayyappa

Paramabuddha (Padampa Sangye), an Indian Buddhist Mahasiddha, taught Zhije & Chod in Tibet. his birthplace can be identified to be in Kerala, near Sabarimala hills. His connection with Ayyappa is also explored.

Blog Buddhism in India History & Life Stories

July 25, 2017 Yogini Abhaya Devi

Sreemoolavasam – an Ancient Buddhist Monastery in Kerala

Sreemoolavasam Mahayana Monastery was one of the ancient Buddhist centers in South India (in South Kerala) and had a famous Avalokitesvara statue, with Tara and Bhrikuti on two sides. The then Ay King Vikamaditya Varaguna was a patron of this monastery.

Biography Featured History & Life Stories

June 13, 2017 Yogini Abhaya Devi

Bodhidharma – a Trilogy on his Life and Teachings

A biographical sketch of Bodhidharma along with an introduction to his essential teachings. The first part narrates his life story. The second part of the trilogy delves deeper into his teachings. The final part explores Bodhidharma’s links with martial arts and healing traditions of India, China and Sri Lanka.

Enlightenment Stories Featured History & Life Stories

July 4, 2016 Yogini Abhaya Devi

Acharya Nagarjuna – the Second Buddha

One of the greatest figures of rationality and critical thinking world has ever seen. He is revered by the Mahayana Buddhists as the Second Buddha and many streams of enlightened traditions such as Zen, Dzogchen, Anuttara Tantra and Nalanda scholasticism comes through him.