ABOUT THE BOOK:
Atisa Sri Dipankara-jnana, a great saint-philosopher of the 10th-11th century, almost forgotten in India over the past centuries, had been venerated as an outstanding personality in Asian countries and regions, especially north of the Himalyas for centuries. He is a shining symbol of peace, compassion, humanism, self sacrifice, harmony and amity who devoted his energies for preservation of Dhamma to Odantapuri, Vikarmasila, Sompuri, Nalanda and other universities and monastic complexes. He played a singular role in infusing wisdom and in the resurgence of Buddhism, laying a foundation of pure Buddhism in Tibet.
Indian historians have not documented Atisa’s life and legasy in India, Indonesia or Tibet. The m major source to study him is Tibetan historical chronicles collected over the past 100 years-accounts of the spiritual teacher’s life found in 44 Tibetan texts-biographies, doctrinal works, catalogues and hymns written in his praise.
FOREWORD:
IGNCA organized an international conference in January 2013 on "Atiga Sri Dipankara-jnana and Cultural Renaissance". Atisa Sri Dipankara-jnana an eminent Indian scholar during the 10th-11thcentury was invited to Tibet to re-establish Buddhism when it was almost wiped out from there. It is due to his enormous efforts that we see today Tibetans spreading it in the world over. Atiga Sri Dipankara-jnana is venerated over the past one thousand years as a shining star in the history of Buddhism because of the sacrifices he made for reviving the faith; his activities in Tibet and the great legacy that he has left behind. Unfortunately his life and legacy remained unsung by the Indian historians or scholars so far. Therefore IGNCA took the initiative of organizing an international conference focusing on the life and teachings of this great scholar which are meant not only for Tibet or for India but for the humanity. I congratulate Dr. Shashibala for convening the conference and editing the proceedings under the overall supervision of Dr Advaitavadini Kaul, HoD, Kalakosa Division of IGNCA.
The readers will find for themselves in the presentations compiled in this proceeding, that the life and the work of Atisa Sri Dipankara-jnana are inspiring and will remain so for generations to come. Let us celebrate his dedication for the wisdom path to establish peace and harmony in the world. |
