At Lumbini, visited the sacred Mayadevi Temple & the iconic Asokan Pillar. Was warmly welcomed by my friend and leading scholar of Buddhism Professor Arvind Kumar Singh, Dr B.R.Ambedkar ICCR, Chair Professor at Lumbini Buddhist University. Was happy to receive his latest book “The Dhammapada: Retelling the Verses & Stories from Fresh Perspective” and the latest issue of “Lumbini Prabha”, official journal of the Lumbini Buddhist University. Also reconnected with senior monks in Lumbini.

A serene atmosphere, made especially sublime in the twilight, greeted us. Leading nationalist historian Radha Kumud Mookherjee visited the site 99 years ago, in February 1927, and has left behind a detailed description, which is still fascinating to read.

“Buddha stands closest to the spirit of the Upanisads. In fact, it is not possible to appreciate the life and teachings of Buddha adequately without understanding the spirit of the Upanisads.”

(Swami Ranganathananda, Bhagavan Buddha & Our Heritage, 1957)

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