Buddhism in Himachal Pradesh

About the Book The Book "Buddhism in Himachal Pradesh" presents from Buddha to Emperor Asoka, Milind, Kusan Kings, Harsh vardan, Faxian, Juyang Sung Guru Padam Sambhav, Atisa, Dipankar, Angarika, Dharampal, Anand Kosalyan, Dalai Lamas and S.N.Goenka Ji.

I am sure the life and work of there great Indian buddhist masters will inspire our readers to a better understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspect of the Buddhist Philosophy. The book also offers the glimpse of courage, compassion, dedication and devotion of the masters and their impact on the innocent, peace loving, contented people of the Himalayan Valley where life is sustained by love, compassion and wisdom and not by wealth. This is detailed in-depth study of the actual life of Buddhist in Himachal region.

Innocence and Simplicity on the face of people of valley speaks of the impact of Buddhism in their real life, due to practice of compassion and loving kindness as taught by Buddha. The impact of Monastic life could be seen on every aspect of life which can guide and solve the tension full life of modern times to live a simple, happy and compassionate life.

About the Author Dr. Lal Singh (Born 1948, Punjab) is a medical graduate from A-1.1. M.S, New Delhi. To serve the rural masses he is practising dermatology at Ballabgarh district Faridabad. He adopted Buddhism in the year 1984. Since then remained engaged in writing and publishing Buddhist literature. In 1975 he was awarded by W.HO. He visited China, Tibet, Nepal, Burma, Thailand and Sri Lanka. He wrote many book like: My Visit to China, Mynmar ki Tirth Yatra, Astangik Marg, Samrat Asok (Q/A). Vipasana, Vinay Pitak (Q/A), Sutta Pitak (Q/A), Chalo Bhuda ki Aur, Buddhist India by Vivekanand and Published Articles in Magazine and National News Paper on Buddhism. Presently he is President Buddhist Society of India, Haryana Predesh.

Forward This book 'Buddhism in Himachal Pradesh' is written with a purpose to introduce the teachings of Buddha, its history and development from 6 century BC. to the present time and the work done by different luminaries to keep this torch of wisdom alive from time to time. The history of Buddhism in Himachal starts from Buddha himself to Emperor Asoka, Maurya king, Bradrath, king Minander (Milinda), Sakya ruler Maues, Kusan kings, king, Samudergupta, Skandgupta, HarshVardhan, Fa Xian and Xuan Tsang in the ancient times.

The second era of present Buddhism in Himachal was started by Guru l'adamsambhav, Rin chen-bzang po and Atisa Dipankar Srijnana in 10th century A.D. to 12 century AD. and later supported by Asokaballa, Ajber Singh and revived by Anagank Dharampal, Bhadant Anand Kaushalyayan, Dr. BR Ambedkar, and Sh. SN Goenka. The greatest impetus to revive Buddhism in Himachal, Himalayan region and the world was given by H.H. Dalai Lama 14 and later by Trinlay Donji and the 17th Karmapa.

This book also gives archaeological details of Bodh stupa at Chaitru (Dharamshala), stone inscription at Kanihara, Pathiar, Trilokinath Lahaul and other inscriptions and artifact found from different parts of Himachal Pradesh which is a living repository of the artistic Buddhist Monasteries, ageless wooden temples, magnificent monolithic and structure stone temples like Tabo, Dhankar, Kungri, Kaza monastery, Key monastery, Kibber monastery, Tirlokinath monastery in Lahaul and Spiti. In Kinnaur, monastries at Kalpa, Ribba, Jangi, Nako, Chango and Kamru are well described. Kinnaur Kailash is main religious attraction in Kinnaur.

In Kangra District, Dharamshala is the main Buddhist centre where Dalai Lama's temple at Mc Leodganj is always occupied by visitors. Norbulinga institute is well known for arts and crafts. A Tibetan doll museum, Buddha temple enshrined with large Buddha statue and a Thangka painting school remains large attraction of this place.

Library of Tibetan works is one of the best well maintained library of India containing centuries old manuscripts, documents and contemporary publications along with foreign language reference library and audio visual archive. The museum originated as a repository of arts and artifacts offered to H.H. the Dalai Lama the major attraction in the museum includes a three dimensional wood squared mandala of Avalokiteshwar and a threadcross mandala of Arya Tara.

**Contents and Sample Pages**