Taranatha's History of Buddhism in India
By Unexhibited
Summary
Taranatha’s *History of Buddhism in India* details the period following the Buddha’s parinirvana under King Ajatashatru (Ksemadarein), who conquered most of Magadha except the Vrijis. After the Buddha and Mahakasyapa’s passing, grief spread, but disciples intensified their study of the Dharma. Ananda, entrusted with the Buddha’s teachings, became the primary teacher, supported by King Ajatashatru, who provided resources for 6000 bhiksus for five years. A challenge arose when Bharadvaja, a magician from Kimmilamala, displayed illusory mountains and gardens, but Ananda countered with magical elephants and storms, ultimately converting Bharadvaja and 80,000 followers. Later, layperson Sanavika sponsored a five-year feast for the clergy, aiding his progress toward arhatship. Ananda trained thousands of bhiksus, including 600 who achieved arhatship in a single hour on the Ganges, their relics later venerated in Vaishali and Magadha. Ananda’s 40-year teachership ended with his death, after which King Ajatashatru died and was reborn among the gods, later attaining the Srotapanna stage. The narrative emphasizes the Dharma’s spread, miraculous events, and key figures’ roles in preserving Buddhist tradition.
Conclusion
Taranatha’s *History of Buddhism in India* underscores the dynamic interplay between spiritual authority, communal cohesion, and doctrinal preservation following the Buddha’s passing. The text highlights Ananda’s pivotal role in sustaining the Dharma through his purity, magical prowess, and ability to inspire even skeptics like Bharadvaja, bridging rivalries and fostering unity. The narrative emphasizes the transformative impact of royal patronage, collective rituals, and the gradual institutionalization of Buddhist teachings, culminating in the Licchavis’ veneration of relics and the elevation of Ananda’s disciples. By detailing the transition from direct encounters with the Tathagata to the codification of tradition, Taranatha illustrates how Buddhism’s early resilience relied on both charismatic leadership and the adaptive strategies of its practitioners, ensuring the Dharma’s endurance and universal appeal. This account remains a critical testament to the interplay of faith, politics, and cultural exchange in shaping Buddhism’s foundational identity in India.