Taranatha’s History of Buddhism in India
By Unexhibited
Summary
This translation from Taranatha’s chronicle narrates episodes from the time of the Buddhist sage Upagupta. After crossing the Ganges and settling in Videha, Upagupta established a monastery where monks from the four directions were welcomed and instructed. His teachings inspired many laymen and monks to attain enlightenmentfile:///home/oai/share/563004_compressed-433-636.pdf. The story recounts how a Yaksha queen, having only seen the spiritual body of the Buddha, asked Upagupta to reveal the master’s physical form. Through his spiritual powers he satisfied her request, emphasising the distinction between the Buddha’s material and spiritual bodies. The account situates these events during the reign of Mahendra, son of King Sudhana, illustrating how Upagupta’s influence spread across northern India and contributed to the flourishing of Buddhist practice.
Conclusion
The translation concludes that Upagupta’s spiritual leadership and miraculous powers were instrumental in spreading Buddhism across northern India during Mahendra’s reign.