Wisdom, Compassion and Openness
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.
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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.
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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.
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The southern state of Karnataka has about ten edicts of Ashoka. Among those, Maski edict turned out to be of critical importance in archeologically discovering the history of India. This rock edict discovered by a gold-mining engineer contains a precious message that is worthier than gold.
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Many ancient Buddha statues, dating back to 7th Century CE onwards were discovered from various parts of Kerala. These Buddha statues smile to the world even today as the embodiment of peace, sublime thought, and the excellence of intellectual climate that prevailed in the region in the foregone eras.
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The Buddha’s teachings are not only about Nirvana and Enlightenment. There is also a Way of Wholesome Living for those who haven’t set their aim on Nirvana. It is Buddhism for day to day life, for enhancing wellbeing and cultivating skills for this life.
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Rajaghatta in the outskirts of Bangalore,South India was a Buddhist settlement from 2nd century to 7th century CE. Archeologists unearthed the remains of a Mahayana Buddhist Chaitya hall and Vihara (Monastery) along with stupas, in this village.
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Buddha has no ‘religion’. He transcends all religious clinging. In the pristine clarity of Bodhi, is the Buddha with his great compassion. So, too is the Way that the Buddha taught.
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“Therefore, Ānanda, dwell as a lamp unto yourself, refuge unto yourself, seeking no other refuge; With Dhamma as your lamp, Dhamma as your refuge, seeking no other refuge.” These words clearly show how the Way of the Tathagata is to be followed as a Way that goes beyond religion.
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These words are from the Dohakosha of the great Indian Mahasiddha Tilopa. Tilopa’s sahajīya poetry – his dohas, are composed in Apabhramsha, a dialect spoken those days in the North Indian plains.
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