Naulana India. Nalande - Buddhism Encyclopedia

Nalanda is a place not far from Rajgir. The most famous from the ancient Indian universities was located here. Naulant was a prosperous city in the time of the Buddha. He visited him during his missionary wanderings. In Nalande, Buddha stayed along with his students in the Mango Grove Ambahn. We have extensive information about the University of Nalands Thanks to the works of Xuan Zzany and Fa Xiang, who have leaving notes about their travels and staying at the university.

The first monastery in Nalande built King Quumara Gupta (415-455 AD). This was a seminary for training Buddhist monks. She was not far from the city and for this reason was chosen by monks as an ideal center for Buddhist training. As a result of the expansion and expansion of this seminary, the University of Nalands has emerged. Tsar Budddha Gupta (455-467 AD), Tsar Jatagatha Gupta (467-500 AD), King Balajdia (500-525 AD) and Vizhro (525) contributed to the expansion of the university in terms of additional facilities. King Balajdia erected the sanctuary of 300 feet height. His son of the wizard built the fifth monastery. King Harsha Soldy built the sixth monastery and surrounded the university with nine high walls.

In the tenth century, when Xuan Zzan came to the university, 10,000 students lived here. All of them arrived here from various parts of India and other countries. It was the leading Indian University. His rector was considered the most outstanding Buddhist scientist in India and during the residence of Xuan Zzanya was such a Sybhadra Mach Thara. At that time there were 10,000 students, 1510 teachers and 1,500 workers. Pupils arrived from Tibet, China, Japan, Korea, Sumatra, Java, Sri Lanka.

Oral exam was allowed to study at the university. He was held in the lobby of Professor, whose name was Dvora Pandit. It was necessary to know the Sanskrit well, because the training was carried out on it. All Chinese monks who wanted to get a higher education in India, first sent to Java to hone the skill in possession of Sanskrit. Xuan Zzan wrote that only 20% of foreign students passed difficult exams. Among the Indians the percentage was higher - 30%. Thus, the standard requirements were high. Neither the caste nor the worldview, nor the nationality, in complete agreement with the Buddhist approach, did not affect the exams. The university did not have students on absentee training. The university was provided at the expense of seven villages by the decree of the king. The study of Buddhism Mahayana was mandatory. Also, the student could choose the study of the doctrines of the other 18 Buddhist schools of Krynyany, as well as secular items: science, medicine, astrology, visual art, literature, commerce, management, and so on. Also taught six systems of Hindu philosophy. At the highest building was the observatory. Part of the university training course were lectures, debates, discussions. Xuan Zzan wrote that every day was given 100 lectures. An exemplary discipline reigned at the university.

A major role was played by Nalande in the propaganda of Buddhism and the spread of Indian culture abroad, especially in China and Tibet. Without exaggeration, it can be said that during the heyday (VII centuries) of Naulant was one of the largest Asian education and science centers. From Central Asia, Tibet, China, Korea, Japan, Indochina, Indonesia, Ceylon to India came to the Buddhists, who wanted to complete their education under the guidance of famous teachers. So, and Jing, we learn that in the forty years between the trip Xuan Tszan and his own, in India, 56 scientists from East Asia countries and most of them were studied in Nalande. Even more foreigners came to India in subsequent centuries. Having received a comprehensive education here, having gathered hundreds of most valuable manuscripts, they returned to their homeland, where Buddhist communities were founded, taught Sanskrit's compatriots and translated into their own products of Indian literature. So, Indian culture leaned into the most distant Asian countries.

The university held an area of \u200b\u200b30 acres. There were three large libraries: Ratna Sagar, Ratna Nidi, Ratna Range, one of whom was nine-story. Nalande is known to the greatest Buddhist thinkers, among which you can allocate Nagarjuun, Arjadwev, Dharmapalu, Sybakhadra, Santaarakshit, Camalacela, Bhavivek, Denagag, Dharmakirti. Their work is represented by fourteen Tibetan and Chinese translations. Originals, however, have sunk in the fly, when Muslim invaders under the leadership of Bhaktiara Khilji burned the university and beheaded monks in 1037. Up to this point, Nalander flourished a thousand years, was a storehouse of wisdom and training, the only one in their way throughout the world.

Ruins and excavations Nalands are guarded by the Indian government. In 1958, India's President Radhendra Prasad solemnly opened Nava Naulana Viharaja near the place where an ancient university was located.

Now almost all ruins are put in order, and the territory of the complex itself is carefully well maintained and places look like a huge flower garden, with clean tracks, benches, flower beds.

Unfortunately, we can only see the ruins of the monastery. But they are striking with their scales. According to archaeologists, most of the buildings remain hidden under Earth. But since even what is already open to the gaze, covers an area of \u200b\u200bone and a half hundred thousand square meters, then there is no doubt that the university was impressive.

On the site of today's ruins once there were several temples, seven monasteries, numerous buildings for classes (according to some calculations there were several hundred), large audiences, hostels. In addition, of course, there were other buildings here - it was a whole city limited by the walls, and it was all that is necessary for a normal life (and there was about ten thousand people in Naulate) and excellent learning.

Even the ruins of the monasteries allow you to see a lot - lecture halls, student rooms, cooking rooms, you can even see how the ventilation and sewage system was arranged. A wide foundation, the preserved wall bases allow themselves to imagine the magnitude of the buildings ..

In the center of the complex, a large educational institution was elevated with the eight-standing spacious halls adjacent to him. Fabulously beautiful pavilions crowned gorgeous, brightly painted multi-storey buildings. Among them was the observatory concerned, according to Xuan Zzan, his tower top of the clouds. Numerous rooms for the clergy and mentors, grouped around courtyards, were distinguished by the richness of the decoration: painted eaves, carved balustrade, red pillars covered with carvings and painting, on the roofs of glistened and overflowing with thousands of shades. Bright colored tiles.

Separate buildings were above 60 m, and in one of them - the five-storey-standing copper statue with a height of 24 m. The roofs were covered, possibly gilded with copper or colored tiles. In the inner decoration used precious stones and gems. Wood columns and beams brightly painted (often in red). The highest building in Nalande, which reached the height of about 90 m, was one of the largest structures of his era.

The whole training town was charged with a wall with angular towers and several gates. The towers were adapted for astronomical observations. At the gate, every newcomer could read the names of the famous Naulants teachers and, thus, from the very beginning he was penetrated by respect for this temple of science.

It is best to our time that the STUP sharging, with outer stairs, stucked images of the Buddha on the walls, with many small stars nearby. Obviously, other temples were as richly decorated with sculptures and bas-reliefs. The history of this construction of this stupa is:

The closest students of Buddha - Shariputra and Mudghalian were from Rajgira, the village, which is close to Nalande. It was in Rajigir that Shariputra returned to read his last sermons before leaving to parley.

In one of the jaclat, it is described by its care: "By learning about the care of Shariputras in Nirvana, the Lord of the Indra gods surrounded by many hundreds of thousands of deities, which took flowers, incense and other subjects of the sacrifice, headed to the other side, [where this event was performed]. The gods worked closely on the upper heaven, the rain poured their tears, and the fallen flowers covered the ground to the knees.

All residents of the city and its surroundings, having learned that Shariputra went to Nirvana, took with them the items necessary for sacrifice - animal and vegetable oil, incense, flowers, arrived at the place and embraced by unbearable sorrow, committed a sacrifice.

Then the Lord of the gods Indra gave Vishvakarm the next order: "Cook the chariot decorated with many jewels! Put the body shell of Shariputras on it. " After that, gods, nagi, yaksha, king, dignitaries, the entire population of the country, the wall loudly, delivered [the remains of Shariputras] in a calm and benevolent place. " So the body of Shariputra was moved to Nalanda, where the gods themselves made farewell rituals over him. Over the remains of Shariputra Anathappunda, stupa was built.

After catching the ruins of the monastery, you can feel the spirit of knowledge. Buddhism is a tradition associated with learning. What makes him in his own way unique. Buddha is an enlightened creature that it can be said that it is the perfect scientist, one who came to the final and perfect comprehension of the nature of reality. And this comprehension was enough for the Buddha freed from suffering. Because he realized that the reality itself gives us the opportunity to free themselves from suffering if you understand her nature. It is the idea of \u200b\u200bthe deep knowledge of reality that lay at the heart of university learning in Nalande. Education - the purpose of which was to achieve awakening. Now it is a fertile place that carried through the spirit of the spirit of the scholar of the wisdom, a state of deep concentration and peace, thousands of tourists from all over the world are visited.

H. the irney is known that Buddhism's flourishing in India marked the beginning of the golden century of Indian culture and civilization. The influence of Buddhism has covered all aspects of Indian civilization. It is much diverted with what happened to the Roman Empire in Europe with the emergence of Christianity. With the arrival of the power of Christianity Europe joined the dark century. During this period, all the development achieved by the Greeks and Romans came to stagnation. Schools and philosophical centers were closed. Under the leadership of Prelas, the Christian crowd burned the famous Alexandria library. A scientist, philosopher and teacher gypathy dragged into the church and climbed the flesh alive from her body. As a result of these atrocities, Europe plunged into the darkness of ignorance and poverty for a thousand years. The dark centuries of European history were actually the golden age of the Christian Church, since it was at that time she turned the barbarians into her faith. The great philosophers and scientists of Europe, who left their mark in human civilization, were pre-Christian pagans who lived before the heyday of Christianity: Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Seneca, Pliny and others. The Christian Era is characterized by the lack of such people. In the dark century, illiteracy and religious intolerance prevailed.

At the end of this period, Muslims won part of the Roman Empire and settled in Spain, Portugal and some regions of France. They introduced the teachings of the Greeks and Romans, and brought knowledge that were collected by means of relations with India. This led to the reforms of Martin Luther, who stunned the power of the Catholic Church. The subsequent liberal policy of Protestants led to Renaissance, after which Europeans broke the power of the Church, and progress began in European civilization.

In contrast to all this, the ascent of the Buddhism in India led to the emergence of numerous accounting centers that were not before. Buddhist monks could choose either life in meditation in the forest, or life dedicated to learning, instruction, distribution of Dhamma, and as a result of such monastic activity, there were places where it was possible to get an education. Such centers of monastic education (pyrive) Gradually developed, and some of them turned into full-fledged universities. As a result, six large universities have emerged in Buddhist India, who received great fame:

1. Nalander
2. Wicharamassila
3. Odintapuri
4. Jagadala
5. Somaoupura
6. Vallabha

University of Naulana

Nalanda is the most famous from the ancient Indian universities. The Indian Department of Archeology discovered the place and ruins of the University of Naulant. He was in the current state of Bihar, on the ground of the ancient kingdom of Magadhi. Magada is known as the cradle of Buddhism. Bihar received such a name because of the large number of Vichard or Buddhist monasteries. Naulant was a prosperous city in the time of the Buddha. He visited him during his missionary wanderings. In Nalande, Buddha stayed along with his students in the Mango Grove Ambahn. Nalande is also known as his hometown. Sariputta. The king of Ashoka erect the stue on the spot where he was cremated.

We have extensive information about the University of Nalands Thanks to Sunzantzanyan - an outstanding Chinese scientist who arrived here for training in the reign of haresh-sorts. Returning to China, he wrote the famous work "Tang-Si-Yu-ki" about Buddhist wanders in the western world. Self Bil, British scientist, for a long time former Ambassador in China, translated this job.

European archaeologists call this work treasury of accurate information. There they found invaluable information that helped discover the ancient shrines of Buddhist India. Indians and Indian scientists knew nothing about these places and could not help archaeologists. And Qin (675-685) was another Chinese monk, which arrived in India and studied in Naland. Like the Cang, he left notes about his travels, including Nalande and his stay there. At the time of the visit of Fa Gaison Nalanda was the usual Buddhist monastery. Tibetan historian Lama Taranat also mentions Nalande in his works.

The first monastery in Nalande built King Quumara Gupta (415-455 AD). This was a seminary for training Buddhist monks. She was not far from the city and for this reason was chosen by monks as an ideal center for Buddhist training. As a result of the expansion and expansion of this seminary, the University of Nalands has emerged. Tsar Budddha Gupta (455-467 AD), Tsar Jatagatha Gupta (467-500 AD), King Balajdia (500-525 AD) and Vizhro (525) contributed to the expansion of the university in terms of additional facilities. King Balajdia built a 300 feet sanctuary height. His son of the wizard built the fifth monastery. King Harsha Soldy built the sixth monastery and surrounded the university with nine high walls.

In the tenth century, when Suanantzan arrived here, 10,000 students lived here. All of them arrived here from various parts of India and other countries. It was the leading Indian University. His rector was considered the most outstanding Buddhist scientist in India and during the residence of Xuanzanzanus such was Sybhadrad Mach Thara. At that time there were 10,000 students, 1510 teachers and 1,500 workers. Pupils arrived from Tibet, China, Japan, Korea, Sumatra, Java, Sri Lanka.

Adoption at the university was carried out through an oral exam. This was carried out in the lobby of the professor, whose name was Dvora Pandit. It was necessary to know the Sanskrit well, because the training was carried out on it. All Chinese monks who wanted to get a higher education in India, first sent to Java to hone the skill in possession of Sanskrit. Sunzantzan wrote that only 20% of foreign students passed difficult exams. Among the Indians the percentage was higher - 30%. Thus, the standard requirements were high. Neither the caste nor the worldview, nor the nationality, in complete agreement with the Buddhist approach, did not affect the exams. The university did not have students on absentee training. The university was provided at the expense of seven villages by the decree of the king. The study of Buddhism Mahayana was mandatory. Also, the student could choose the study of the doctrines of the other 18 Buddhist schools of Krynyany, as well as secular items: science, medicine, astrology, visual art, literature, commerce, management, and so on. Also taught six systems of Hindu philosophy. At the highest building was the observatory. Part of the university training course were lectures, debates, discussions. Sunjantzan wrote that every day was given 100 lectures. An exemplary discipline reigned at the university.

Bhaktiir Khilji invaded Magada and attacked Nalande right at that moment when the monks were going to dine. This is confirmed by archaeological testimonies that showed that the monks left food in a big hurry. The same fact confirms that the charred rice remains in the granaries. Ruins and excavations Nalands are guarded by the Indian government. In 1958, India's President Radhendra Prasad solemnly opened Nava Naulana Viharaja near the place where an ancient university was located. Master trucks. Jagadish Kashyap was appointed head of this institution. The Dalai Lama referred to the Indian government of the famous student Nauland - Sunzantzanya. The Chinese government reconciled the construction of a mausoleum to preserve these relics. Muslims submitted the idea of \u200b\u200bthe university to the West itself, and thus there were their universities in the Western world.

University of Vikramasila

It is believed that Vicaramasil was on the shores of the Gang River near the northern part of Magadhi. Although before this place could not find, in 1980, the Indian newspaper "SeatchLight" reported on the discovery of the ruins of Vikramasili Dr. B.S. Harma - the main archaeologist in the framework of the project to detect Vicaramasille.

According to these data, Vikramasil was located on the territory of the current village of Antiphak, Cauchalon, which in Baggapur district. Vicaramasil was the same institution as Naland, and was founded by a monk named Kamapala under the patronage of King Dharmapala (770-810 AD), which provided the land. Later king Yasapal also patronized the university, making generous gifts in the form of land. During the reign of the kings of Pali, the university was equal to Nalate and even superior to him.

The center of the university was the main lecture hall. He was called Vijagrich. At this building led six inputs. Each entrance was located next to one of the monasteries in which students lived and about 150 teachers. Like Naland, the University of Vicramasil was also surrounded by high walls. Exams at the entry took six Dvora Panditov - professors. High standards also adhered here. 108 professors were engaged in training and administrative affairs. Preference was given to tantric buddhism.

The most famous scientist Vicaramiasil was Dipañaar Sri Gnana, also known as Atisha (960-1055). It was widely known as the Buddhist preacher in Tibet and Tibetans honored him. When he was in Vicaramasil, he was invited to train and distribute Buddhism in Tibet. For some time he was postponing this trip to complete the work in Vicaramasil, and then went on the road in 1038 to approve Buddhist training in the country.

During the life of Sri Gnana Vikramasil reached the highest glory and greatness. He was managed by the University of the professorship, which was engaged in issues of education, administration, discipline and entrance examinations. The university was opened in 800 and existed until the Muslim invaders were destroyed.

University of Odantapuri

Odantapuri was considered the second oldest Buddhist University of India. He was located in Magadhe, in six miles from Nalande. Acary Sri Ganga from Vicaramacius studied here. Later, he was transferred to the University of Odantapuri, on the basis and maintenance of which the king of Gopal helped (660-705). According to Tibetan sources, 12,000 students were studied here. However, our knowledge of this university is scarce and other details are unknown. Like the rest of the universities, this one also fell from the hands of Muslim invaders. It is believed that they mistakenly took high university walls for the fortress, and the monks were considered to be britched brahmans-idolaters.

University of Jagaddala

There is information that the University of Jagadal founded the King Ramapal (1077-1129). This university was the greatest building implemented by the kings fell. Here studied and distributed tantric Buddhism. Methods, practices and traditions of Nalands were used. When Nalande, Vicaramasil and Odantapuri lay in ruins due to the invasion of Muslims, Buddhist teacher Sakya Sri Bhadra joined Jagadal University. It is believed that his student Danasila translated ten books to Tibetan. Sakya Sri Bharad himself answered the spread of tantric buddhism in Tibet. In Jagadal, he lived seventeen years. In 1027, Muslims captured and destroyed this university.

University of Somapura

Somapur University was located in East Pakistan. Tsar Devapala (810-850) built Dharmapala Vihara in Somoyapur. The ruins of this structure are now covered with an area of \u200b\u200bone square mile. There were big gates and buildings surrounded by a high wall. There were 177 keys for monks, in addition to sanctuine and temples. A dining room and kitchen found among the ruins, as well as the remains of three-story buildings. The university flourished for 750 years and was abandoned after the invasion of Muslims.

University of Vallabha

This university has reached almost the same fame as Naland. Tsari Maitra, who ruled Western India, have erected in their capital Walelabha monastery. While Nalande was the center of Buddhism, Mahayana, then Vallabha got fame as the University of Buddhism Khainany. Tsari Maratka generously sponsored the maintenance of their university. They strongly encouraged and promoted Buddhist educational institutions in this school. In the 7th century, Walabha became the same prosperous and famous as Naland. Sunzitzan attended this university and wrote in his notes:

"Wallebha is thick inhabited. The country is rich and prosperous. About one hundred richest families here. In the city you can see many delivered luxury items. There are about 100 monasteries and 6,000 monks. Most of them are at school Summitis. There are also many Hindu temples and the population professing Hinduism. During his wanders, Buddha visited these lands. The places he visited are marked with stups, which built the king of Ashoka.

There are approximately 100 temples and 6,000 monks enrolled at the University of Wallabha. They do not believe that Abhidharma is the teaching of the Buddha. They adhere to the doctrines of Antarakhava and are supporters of the traditions of Puggalavada, who deny the teachings of Abhidharma, who are not consistent with the teachings of the Sutr. "

And Qin wrote that foreign students study in Vallabha. They arrived here from various regions - distant and loved ones - and thanks to these facts, we know that Naland and Valabha were recognized training centers in different countries. There was a big library supported by the Foundation approved by the king, what is the testimony in the form of an inscription from the king of Guhasen. At the University of Walabha, the preference was given to the doctrine of Summithius. The course of study included a comparative analysis of religions. At the same time, six systems of Hindu philosophy were also taught, philosophy of other schools of Buddhism, politics, jurisprudence, agronomy, economics.

And Qin noted that university graduates demonstrated their skills in the presence of representatives of the royal power, nobility and other famous people. The elders of Gunamoti and Stociramatik studied in Naulana and taught for a long time at Valabha University. It is believed that they were the founders of this university. For this reason, the education system and work was copied with Nalands. Walebach University flourished from 475 to 1200. He was minted by the same fate as all the other universities - he was destroyed by Muslims.

The famous historical Buddhist monastery complex and university in Northeast India, which emerged in the V century.

He existed seven centuries, and was destroyed in the XII century during the Muslim invasion.

In fact, it was the first university of South and East Asia, where they were taught not only Buddhism and not only Buddhists.

At the University of Nalands there were workshops on copying books, Buddhist painting and bronze sculpture.

It is possible that it was in Naulana that the main Buddhist visual canons were formed, which were subsequently brought to the art of Nepal and Tibet by Indian Buddhist monks who fled in the XII century from Islamic persecution.

Educational program of the University of Naland

Nalanda was famous for the whole world not only by outstanding mentors, but also strict regulations, as well as high demands for students who had to memorize basic texts by heart, know well commentative literature, participate in public thematic disputes.

The minimum program provided for solid preparation for "five great sciences":

Invasion

In 1193, the universal confession was destroyed during the Muslim invasion of the army of the invaders led by Bakhtiir Halji, having emblammed fire and sword. Thousands of Buddhist monks were burned alive or beheaded, the world's richest library of Naulant destroyed in fire. These events caused a crushing blow to the development of Buddhism in India, from that moment its decline began in this country. This led to the fact that in modern India, only 0.5% of the indigenous population is confessed by Buddhism, this figure is less than in Russia.
In the XII century, hiding from persecution, many Buddhist monks from India fled to neighboring Nepal and Tibet.
In 1351, a monastery was created in Tibet, where Buddhist philosophy was trained, under the same name - Naulant.

Modernity

From the XII century, there were partially preserved ruins on the spot of Nalands - now this is a historic monument that the Indian province of Bihar is famous. Ruins are 90 km southeast of Patna, once this city was the ancient capital of India.

Near Naulanta is now located the modern center of Tharavad tradition.

The zone excavated by archaeologists occupies an area of \u200b\u200babout 150 thousand sq.m., but a significant part of the territory has not been studied. In the nearby museum, manuscripts are stored, which were found during excavations.

India, Singapore and a number of other countries in Southeast Asia discuss the revival of the International University of Naland over the past 10 years.

In 2007, the Council headed by an outstanding Indian economist, the Nobel Prize laureate, AMARTY SENOM, was formed for these purposes. According to his plan, the revived slaughter university should become one-row with such universities famous in history as Bologna, Cambridge or Harvard.

Literature:
Androsov, Valery Pavlovich. Indo-Tibetan Buddhism: Encyclopedic Dictionary. M., 2011, p.294-295.

When Xuan-Tsan went to his distant and full journey, he especially sought to get to Nalanda - a small settlement, which is now difficult to even find on the map. In his times, the glory of this place, located near Rajagrych, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Magada, reached China itself. What attracted Buddhists from distant countries?

Here it was possible to get not only religious merits that the pilgrim acquires when visiting the holy place, but also deep knowledge. In Naulana, Buddhist scholarship flourished for many centuries, it was a kind of university. A long series of monasteries has stretched from the West to the East, and there lived a lot of monks who have learned from famous teachers. They studied Sanskrit, canonical texts and a number of philosophical disciplines.

(Photo: Restorers)

By the VII century Buddhism as a mass religion already inferior to Hinduism and underwent decline, but behind this decline was hidden the high development of philosophical thought: behind the walls of the monasteries there was a tense controversy on very difficult doctrinal issues. The narrow circle of buddhist-intellectuals found a medium to communicate in places such as Naland. According to Xuan-Tsan, it was not easy to get there: "If someone who came from another country, from another city, wants to participate in discussions, then the gatekeeper sets him difficult questions, and then many fail and go. Only those who have learned deeply and the newest, and ancient [work] is allowed to enter. Then again coming to show their abilities in sophisticated disputes. From ten sometimes seven or eight rejected, and the remaining two or three, the most enlightened, being inside the community, may not avoid the temples another time and lose their reputation. "

Coming out of the monastery, the monks were seen built into a series of stups, of which the big and richly decorated was the stupa Shariputra. So called one of the main students of the Buddha, which was distinguished by outstanding abilities to philosophical reasoning.

(Photo: Stupa Shariputras)

In our time, the STUPA Shariputra is a massive construction of bricks, square in terms, inside the filled ground. Excavations showed that Stupa changed his appearance seven times. The first three stages were very small - about 3.5 m in height. The most cardinal changes occurred at the fifth perestroika, then the stupa and acquired the current appearance with four testers in the corners, only the stairs leading upward were changed later.

Judging by the inscription found here, the fifth stupa refers to the VI century. It is assumed that in the sanctuary at the top of the stupas, to which the staircase leads, there was a very large statue of the Buddha, based on the size of the pedestal. The towers in the corners of the stupa are very beautiful, the figures of the Buddha and Bodhisattva were placed in their niches.

(Photo: At the corner of Shariputors)

This large building is surrounded by many small stupas. Such buildings were usually built by rich laity - adherents of Buddhism - to improve their fate in the next life.

(Photo: Small stupas and temple in Naland)

The Chinese pilgrim Fa-Xian, who visited India in the V century, mentions Shariputra stupa, but says nothing about the monasteries: "They came to Naulana - the village where Shariputra was born. Here he returned to achieve Parubirvanas - on this place the stupa existing now is erected. Probably, monasteries appeared later, between the V and VII centuries. Considering the ruins of monasteries excavated by archaeologists, you can imagine their device. All monasteries have a similar layout and almost the same in size. In the center of each there was an open courtyard, along the perimeter of which monastic cells were located. In front of the entrances in Celi, the covered gallery stretched, the remnants of the columns, once supported the roof. In the depths of the yard, opposite the entrance, there was a temple with a revered statue inside. In front of him passed common prayers and mandatory rituals. In the courtyard detected wells and deepening, which served in the furnace; Probably, they were preparing food. Judging by the preserved stairs, there was a second floor in the monasteries, most likely from a tree.

(Photo: One of the monasteries Nalands)

Not far from Nalanda there is a picturesque lake. According to beliefs, it was inhabited by Naga (snipe-like half-skinned creature) named Naland. When monasteries built and dug the ground, his body was accidentally filled. Then the prediction was obvious that the monks in these abode would easily achieve perfection in all areas of knowledge, but some curse would be over them - sometimes they will be sick of blood. So in Buddhism, the sophisticated scientist of philosophers was combined with common superstitions.

(Photo: Lake in the vicinity of Naland)

Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda)

Nalanda - Buddhist University and the Monastic Complex, which existed in the V-XII centuries in the north of India, one of the largest educational centers of his time in which they worked, taught and trained many outstanding Buddhist philosophers from different countries, and where numerous pilgrims moved. Currently, the ruins of Nalands are a historical monument in the Indian province of Bihar, 90 km southeast of Patna, the ancient capital of India.

The university was founded in the first third of the V century. The flourishing of Nalands came to the period of the Board of the Guptian Dynasty, who changed the Guptians, the rulers of the Pala continued to provide the patronage of this institution.

The famous Chinese Buddhist scientist and traveler of the VI century Sunzantzan wrote about Nalande. There taught a thousand professors, ten thousand students studied, the university belonged to nine-story buildings, 6 temples and 7 monasteries, 9 million books were kept in the library. According to Suanjanzan, an early selection of entrance exams existed at the university: the gatekeepers who arrived to participate in discussions asked complex questions, so they failed to give the answer to refuse to enter the idea.

In 1193, the university was destroyed as a result of the invasion of the Turkic conciliatory army headed by the Muslim fanatics of Bakhtiir Halji, who have embraced the Islam of the power of weapons. Thousands of monks were burned alive or decapitated, the richest library Nalands was burned. This event caused a big blow to Buddhism in India, which after that came into decay. Many Buddhist monks, fleeing the persecution, fled to Nepal and Tibet.

In 1351, a training center was opened in Tibet under the same name.

In the IX-XII centuries, thanks to the activities of teachers from Naulant, the Tibetan Buddhist tradition was formed. Thanks to the efforts of philosophers, the Nalands of Doctrine Madhyamaki and Yogachary were formulated in the form in which they were later transferred to Tibet.

At the University of Nalands were located popper Workshops Books, as well as workshops for the production of Buddhist painting and bronze sculpture. In all likelihood, Vajrayan canons images were developed in Nalande, which, in the future, together with the monks fled from Islamic iconoborets, were transferred to the art of Nepal and Tibet.

In place of the university remained partially preserved ruins. Nearby is the modern center of Tharavada. The excavated archaeological zone covers an area of \u200b\u200babout 150,000 m², but a significant part of the excavation is not produced. In the nearby museum, manuscripts found during excavations are stored.

Since 2006, the Buddhist forces of India and other countries has been planned by the revival of the University of Nalands under the name of Nalanda International University.