Significance of Nalanda

Nalanda is an ancient center of learning in India recognized across various traditions, including Tibetan Buddhism, Ayurveda, and Mahayana. It served as a prominent Buddhist university where influential scholars like Shantideva and stens pa lo tsa ba shared teachings and composed significant texts. Known for its massive campus and contributions to education, Nalanda exemplified the height of cultural and intellectual achievement during the Gupta era, attracting scholars from various regions and playing a crucial role in Buddhist philosophy and education.1
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In Dutch: Nalanda; In German: Nalanda; In Finnish: Nalanda; In Spanish: Nalanda

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Nalanda'

Buddhism Books

Nalanda in Buddhism is interpreted as a historic center of learning and philosophy in India, notable for its contributions to Buddhist education, where key figures like Shantideva and sangs rgyas ye shes significantly advanced philosophical thought.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)

(1) An ancient Buddhist university in India where stens pa lo tsa ba obtained teachings and met important scholars.[1] (2) An ancient center of learning in India, significant in the history of Buddhism and various philosophical traditions.[2] (3) An ancient university and center of learning where sangs rgyas ye shes composed a commentary on Prajnaparamita.[3]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara

(1) A great Buddhist university in ancient India where Shantideva composed the Bodhisattva-caryavatara.[4] (2) A significant monastery where Shantideva displayed his perfect activity, noted for its importance in ancient Indian education and philosophy.[5]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Nalanda'

Hinduism Books

Nalanda in Hinduism is interpreted as the largest residential university of ancient India, celebrated for its vast campus and remarkable academic contributions, reflecting a significant center of learning and spirituality in Indian culture.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)

(1) Considered the largest residential university in ancient India, known for its expansive campus and significant academic contributions.[6]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

The concept of Nalanda in local and regional sources

History Books

Nalanda, the renowned ancient Indian university, symbolized the height of scholarly pursuits during the Gupta era, drawing international scholars and is believed to have been a place of study for notable figures like Thonmi Sambhota.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The famous ancient Indian university that represented the pinnacle of cultural and intellectual achievements during the Gupta era, attracting scholars from beyond India.[7]