Introduction
Indian culture has been characterised in terms of the spiritual ideal which is accepted in it as the supurme value. The ideal of a spiritual life is not identical with the idea of a religious life as undersmod in Semitic religiom. In fact, if we define religion as a way of life in conformity with some unique and literal revelation, such that it might lead to a desirable after-life for the individual, then, whatever the dogmas implied whether of God or soul, after life or judgment, or of the invisible efficiency of following spiritual or moral prescriptions. Such a concept would be distinct from that of following the spiritual ideal, even though the former or religious concept in its various forms could well be offered as an interpretation or a theoretical and practical elaboration of the latter, spiritual ideal. In fact, the spiritual ideal tends to manifest itself in different but recognizably similar forms in different culnural ensembles. Spiritual idealium is a universal phenomenon but in different cultures it assumes different forms and is given different degrees of importance. Its essence consists in seeking the true nature of man as a spirit, consciousness, or experience. In fact, it appears to be nothing but the self-revelation of human experience. There is no ideal higher than man provided the essence of man is found within him in the spiritual core of his being rather than in his relation to nature or other men. The spiritual quest is the search for the inner and deeper possibilities of experience. Inspite of geographical barriers and racial obstacles, the intercourse berween India and other countries has remained almost uninterrupted since the early ages of history. It is said that East is East and West is West and East and West can never mingle with each other but Buddhism has broken this myth. The teachings of Buddha were accepted world-wide. Asian countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Kampuchea, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, China, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan. Mongolia, Japan and Korea were the followers of Buddhism since 3 century BCE onwards. The spiritual thoughts developed in India in the form of Vedic and Sramanic tradition, especially Buddhism had reached not only in other Asian countries but also it influenced the western world. The spiritual rays of India lighted the whole word and this incident begins from 35 century BCE when Emperor Asoka sent his missionaries to Myanmar and Sri Lanka to propagate Buddhism. Later the Dhamma was also introduced in the rest South-East Asian countries. Asoka also introduced the Dhamma in Afghanistan through his religious ambassadors. After 2 century BCE during Indian colonization of South-East Asian countries, rays of Brahmanic thoughts also reached in this region through Brahmanic religious ambassadors and tradors. Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shakta cult and other minor Brahmanic faiths were followed by these countries which are well supported by literary as well as archaeological evidences. From the beginning of Christian era with the advent of Kushan Empire, Mahayana Buddhism was propagated in Afghanistan, Central Asia and China. Through China it reached to Korea and then to Japan. Nepal was influenced by Buddhism since the time of Buddha himself, later Asoka has also contributed in its expansion. During 8 century CF Buddhism also entered in the Himalayan region like Tibet and Bhutan. It was the mix form of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism which attracted the people of this region which also affected Ampic literary and archaeological evidences are available in support of these incidents. In this way Nepal. Propagation of Buddhism outside India was done by kings, religious ambassadors and traders, we can say that from 3 century BCEupto 12h century CE the spiritual thoughts of Buddhism and and Central Asia accepted Islam. Hence, the book throws light that how about the whole Asia was Brahmanism highly influenced the whole Asia. After 12th century CE Indonesia, Malaysia Afghanistan influenced by the Indian culture for about 1500 years. Every aspect of Indian culture like religion and philosophy, language and literature, art and architecture, traditions, medical science, astronomy, astrology etc enriched the whole region of Asia. It is a humble attempt to remind the Indian people about their glorious past by presenting archaeological evidences as material remains.
About The Book
As we know from the literary sources that Indian culture has influenced a number of Asian countries and India played a great role to civilize those countries. Evidence of Indian culture in those countries is still present in the form of sculptures, temples, stupas, monasteries etc. In the present book it was tried to throw light on those material remains which is silently presenting the evidence of India's cultural heritage.
About The Author
Dr. G. K. Lama, Professor, Department of AIHC & Archaeology, Centre of Advanced Study, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, having specialization in the field of Archaeology, Buddhism and Asian Studies, has 56 books in his credit. He has presented 90 research papers in various National and International seminars and 128 research papers have been published in various reputed journals, edited books, conference proceedings and felicitation volumes. He has completed a Major Research Project entitled Archaeological Investigation in and around Nalanda, granted by the University Grants Commission, New Delhi, which was submitted in 2014. The author has also completed 16 projects regarding archaeological investigations in Sikkim, Eastern and Western UP and Bihar with the kind permission of Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi. He has invited twice to Sri Lanka, once to Nepal and once to Thailand to deliver special lectures.
Hindu (948)
Agriculture (125)
Ancient (1105)
Archaeology (814)
Architecture (568)
Art & Culture (933)
Biography (731)
Buddhist (550)
Cookery (166)
Emperor & Queen (588)
Islam (245)
Jainism (325)
Literary (889)
Mahatma Gandhi (393)
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