BUDDHISM IN CHOLA NADU
I am thrilled to share my thoughts on this extraordinary book, “Buddhism in Chola Nadu”.
Delving deep into the book will transport us to an era, where the Buddhism was at its peak. It
accords a plethora of information about the history and influence of Buddhism in the Chola
dynasty.
Some of the fascinating factors:
Before entering into the subject, the author describes the geography of Chola Nadu in
detail, including its districts and significant places associated with this ancient region,
providing a solid foundation for understanding the history that follows.
The author’s meticulous research and references from ancient texts reveal Buddhism’s
flourishing past in these areas. The careful curation of quotes and names from various
literary sources, including the revered Thirukural, Silapathigaram, and
Manimegalai makes for an engaging read.
The author elaborates on the religious significance of place names and the items
associated with Buddha, making the content both interesting and accessible to those
unfamiliar with the subject.
One of the book’s strengths is its inclusion of intriguing historical facts like Marco Polo’s
visit to India, Walter Elliot’s notes about an ancient tower (lighthouse) in Nagapattinam
built by the Chinese, images of excavated remains of Buddha Viharas, etc. By using these
historical facts as evidence, the author has likely provided an authoritative explanation of
the statues and the places.
The rare photos included in the book certainly constitute a rich repository, offering a
glimpse into a world that many of us may never have the opportunity to experience in
person.
Inclusion of the notes at the end of every chapter and the newspaper cuttings is a
testament to the author’s commitment to scholarly rigor. The Newspaper clippings are
absolute treasure troves.
The smooth pages of the book enhance the overall reading, making this book a treasure
to hold and read.
Intriguing Facts:
What struck me most was the realization that I had previously overlooked the bas-relief
Buddha sculptures at the Brihadeeswara Temple and Airavateswara Temple, despite
having visited them multiple times. The author’s depiction has inspired me to revisit the
temples and search for them.
The granite Buddhas are particularly captivating, as each one seems to tell a story. The
detailed descriptions of the images including the physical characteristics, iconographic
features, hand gestures and symbolism make the read more interesting.
The broken statues sparked my imagination about their former glory. Despite the physical
state of the statues, the devotion of the local people is truly inspiring. I hope that the
remaining Buddha statues will be revered and protected well, not only for their religious
significance but also for their historical value.
Some of the unique Buddha statues and the stories I adore:
First Buddha statue found offshore
Buddha with inscription
Moustache Buddha
Debtor and lender Buddhas
Chettiar Buddhas
Local customs and rituals
Using Buddha head for threshing
Hurling stones at borrower Buddha
Buddhas kept separately to not to see animal sacrifice
Reclining posture Buddha for rain invocation
Buddha Mantras and Invocations
Lessons gleaned from the book:
Upon gazing at the photographs of Buddha sculptures nestled amidst wastelands, ponds,
and obscure regions, one can’t help but appreciate the author’s unwavering dedication to
seeking and capturing these images in their current state. I am reminded to ” Be true to
what you do”, whenever I look at these photos.
His commitment to adding detailed notes at the end of every chapter is highly
appreciated. Indeed, a valuable resource for researchers, providing a guide for further
exploration and studies.
The author’s decision to include a preface on Buddha Purnima deliberately showcases his
profound respect for the subject and research.”
I recently came across a quote that resonates perfectly with this book.
“The Law of success quoted by Lord Buddha is called, ‘It-thi-bart‘- The path to
power/success. ‘The Threefold Path’ is a fundamental principle in Buddhism that leads to
success and enlightenment.
i) “Prajna” (Wisdom): Understanding the true nature of reality
ii) “Dhyana” (Meditation): Cultivating mental discipline and focus
iii) “Sila” (Ethics): Practicing moral conduct and compassion”
Although this book does not explicitly explore Buddhist culture and teachings, the author’s
remarkable dedication and wisdom evoke the essence of the ‘Three Jewels’
The fruit of the author’s 30 years of dedicative research and field work has finally taken shape
in the form of this book and the author’s zeal for uncovering the history of Buddhism in Chola
Nadu is truly worthy of acclaim and recognition.
Overall, this book is the epitome of rigorous research that stands as a beacon for researchers
and serves as a model for aspiring writers and researchers, exemplifying how a
comprehensive research book should be structured and presented.
