The Rise And Fall Of Buddhism In India: Pathways To Revival

di Dr. Ram Nivas Kumar (Autore)

Dr. Ram Nivas Kumar, 2025

The history of Buddhism in India is at once a story of radiant beginnings, transformative impact, gradual decline, and resilient revival. From the quiet groves of Gaya where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment, to the vast monastic universities of Nalanda and Vikramashila that welcomed students from across Asia, India was once the beating heart of the Buddhist world. Yet, paradoxically, in the very land of its origin, Buddhism almost disappeared for centuries, leaving behind ruins, inscriptions, and scattered communities as silent witnesses to its past. This book, The Rise and Fall of Buddhism in India: Pathways To Revival, is born out of a desire to understand this profound paradox and to explore the possibilities of renewal. It is not merely a historical narrative, though it takes history seriously. Nor is it solely a theological or philosophical inquiry, though it engages deeply with Buddhist thought. Rather, it is an interdisciplinary study that seeks to trace the forces—social, political, cultural, and spiritual—that shaped the trajectory of Buddhism in India and to ask how these lessons might guide its revival in the twenty-first century. The work is organized into thematic chapters that move chronologically and analytically. It begins with the early life and teachings of the Buddha, the spread of the Dhamma under royal and popular patronage, and the flourishing of great institutions of learning. It then turns to the complex causes of decline: shifts in state power, internal debates within the Sangha, the rise of competing religious movements, and the devastations of invasion and neglect. Finally, it looks forward, asking what it would mean to revitalize Buddhism today—not only for India but for the global community searching for peace, compassion, and ethical clarity in an age of crisis. A central aim of this book is to present authentic sources in accessible form. Wherever possible, I have drawn upon primary texts such as the Dhammapada, Vinaya Pitaka, and Ashokan edicts, alongside the writings of modern reformers like Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. These are set within the wider context of international scholarship, so that the narrative may be of interest not only to Indian readers but also to students, researchers, and practitioners around the world. This project was written with a dual audience in mind: the scholarly community, who will find references and critical perspectives to support further study; and the general reader, who may encounter here both a window into history and a mirror to contemporary challenges. For both, I hope the text will be a companion on the path of inquiry and reflection. The revival of Buddhism in India is not a matter of nostalgia but of relevance. As humanity grapples with inequality, violence, environmental degradation, and moral uncertainty, the Buddha's message of non-violence, compassion, and mindfulness remains urgently needed. If this book contributes in some small way to renewing that message—whether through academic discussion, public dialogue, or personal practice—it will have served its purpose.

• Autore: Dr. Ram Nivas Kumar
• Anno edizione: 2025
• Editore: Dr. Ram Nivas Kumar
• Formato: EPUB2 con DRMFREE
• Lingua: Inglese
• Compatibilità: Tutti i dispositivi (eccetto Kindle)
• Layout: Reflowable
• EAN: 9798231398836