Resurgence of Buddhism in India

“Resurgence of Buddhism in India”

Date and time

Monday, 15 July, 2019 15:00-16:30

Venue

B-206, Wagenkan, Fukakusa Campus, Ryukoku University

【Speaker】： Dr. Mrigendra Pratap (Savitribai Phule Pune University) 【Abstact】：India is a birthplace of Buddhism. It started with the attainment of enlightenment by the Buddha and his pivotal decision to share this knowledge of enlightenment with the society at large. Across the span of centuries, Buddhism got divided into many sects and developed various traditions. Thereafter, Buddhism disappeared from India in 13th Century and remained hidden in the teachings of great saint poets like Kabir, Tukaram and Ravidas. Later Indians started discovering Buddhism in the middle of 19th century. The social message of the Buddha was relevant in the context of Indian society which was divided into castes and it was a major barrier to realise justice in India. Many archeologists, scholars, writers, social reformers, Buddhist leaders have contributed to revive Buddhism in India. This talk will give a brief history of the resurgence of Buddhism in India till the middle of 20th century. It will also highlight the nature of revival of Buddhism in the north and south India.