What is the Nalanda Tradition?

A Beacon of Enlightenment

In the heart of ancient India, a shining jewel once stood—a place where knowledge flowed freely like a river, nurturing the minds and hearts of many. This was Nālandā University, also known as Nālandā Mahāvihāra. Ecumenical in nature and With roots deep within the teachings of the Buddha, Nālandā blossomed into a center of wisdom and learning that attracted scholars and students from lands far and wide. In our modern times, the spirit of Nālandā continues to inspire as we embark on efforts to revive its rich legacy. Forest of Wisdom in Scotland, CT is one such effort. Read on to understand more about this fascinating tradition that has untold treasures to offer to our modern world.

The Lotus of Knowledge

Nālandā was not just a university; it was a magnificent garden of thoughts and philosophies, where ideas flourished like the delicate petals of a lotus flower. Flourishing between circa 2nd and 12th centuries CE in the region now known as Bihar, India, it was a sanctuary for seekers of knowledge. The name 'Nālandā' embodies a beautiful essence that reflects the true spirit of the university—'Na ālām dadāti iti Nālandā,’ which translates to "the place where there is an unceasing flow of the gift of knowledge." In these halls, students immersed themselves in the teachings of the Buddha, exploring subjects as diverse as philosophy, logic, epistemology, astronomy, medicine, and grammar, thus robustly contributing to the intellectual and spiritual landscape of the time.

Imagine walking through the vast campus of Nālandā, where grand halls echoed with spirited debates and discussions. Great minds like Ārya Nāgārjuna, Ācārya Bhāviveka, Xuánzāng, Ācārya Chandrakīrti, Bodhisattva Śāntideva, and Kenchen Śāntarakṣita engaged in deep inquiry, rigorously exploring profound concepts such as emptiness (śūnyatā) and dependent arising (pratītyasamutpāda).

The major questions of modern Western philosophy were likewise explored: the nature of consciousness and perception; foundations of knowledge itself; what constitutes reason; what are the fundamental constituents of the universe; how to understand entropy, matter, energy, and forces; how to be ethical and best serve the world; what constitutes a cause; what is the nature of time; is there such a thing as a God or Supreme Being; and what are the reliable methods for any ordinary human being to evolve their own mind into the mind of such a Supreme Being. Each lesson served as a stepping stone, paving the path for enlightenment.

Teaching at Nālandā was characterized by a highly interactive style, where debates and discussions played a central role in the academic process. Classes were often organized in large halls, where students engaged in discussions to deepen their understanding critically. The core curriculum revolved around Buddhist texts, including the Tripitaka and various philosophical treatises. Nālandā was known for its rigorous training in logic (tarka), which was a fundamental aspect of Buddhist scholarship. This included the study of works by Acārya Dignāga and Acārya Dharmakirti, who laid the foundations for Buddhist logic and epistemology.

A Timeless Legacy

As knowledge radiated from Nālandā, it traveled across the seas to distant lands, showing that true wisdom knows no boundaries. The influence of Nālandā extended far beyond its temporal existence. At its peak, it played a crucial role in reviving Buddhism and spreading Buddhist teachings and philosophy across Asia. Many prominent scholars from Nālandā later traveled to countries like Tibet and China, such as master Xuánzāng and Kenchen Śāntarakṣita respectively, establishing centers of learning that echoed the Nālandā model. Nālandā’s impact extended beyond its immediate geographical area. The university served as a melting pot of cultures, bringing together scholars from India and abroad. As foreign students returned to their homelands, they carried with them a wealth of knowledge, Buddhist texts, and practices that informed local interpretations of Buddhism.

Tibetan Buddhism, for instance, owes much of its development to the teachings and texts disseminated by scholars who trained at Nālandā. Figures like Ācārya Śāntarakṣita introduced Indian practices and philosophies to Tibet, helping to shape the trajectory of Tibetan Buddhism, emphasizing compassionate action and the critical importance of community and ethics.

In short, ancient Nālandā University was not just an educational institution; it was a beacon of enlightenment during ancient times, fostering a spirit of inquiry, debate, and philosophical exploration. Its history, characterized by remarkable achievements in various fields, serves as a reminder of the rich intellectual tradition of ancient India and its contribution to global knowledge. The legacy of this institution extends far beyond its temporal existence, as it played a crucial role in shaping Buddhist thought and influencing cultures across Asia. This legacy is preserved and kept alive by the great masters of Tibet through the rigorous study of the five major genres of literature, each based on a primary Indian treatise - namely, Abhidharma, Pramāṇa, Prajnaparamita, Madhyamaka, and Vinaya - over the span of more than 20 years in monastic universities (many where laypersons may also enroll).

The Revival: A Call to the Heart

In the 21st century, efforts to revive the Nālandā tradition have gained momentum, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been at the forefront of this movement. His advocacy encompasses various dimensions, aimed at reinvigorating the scholarly, ethical, and spiritual teachings that defined Nālandā. His Holiness is not just a spiritual figure; he represents a bridge connecting ancient wisdom to contemporary life. Noting that his body is nourished by Indian food while his mind is cultivated by Nālandā thought, he has often reflected on his connection to the Nālandā tradition, attributing his compassion, philosophical insights and understanding to the ancient teachings that flourished at the ancient Nālandā university. His Holiness has often remarked that Indians were the Gurus and Tibetans the dedicated chelas (disciples) who, since the arrival of Abbot Shantarakshita in Tibet in the 8th century CE, have faithfully embraced and cared for this invaluable treasure to this day.

With a heart full of great compassion for all sentient beings, he is dedicated to revitalizing the ancient Nālandā tradition, which embodies a rich heritage of scholarly inquiry and compassionate living. This commitment is encapsulated in his four primary life commitments: (1) Promoting human values such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment, and self-discipline; (2) Promoting religious harmony and understanding among the major religious traditions of the world; (3) Preservation of Tibetan culture; (4) Creating greater awareness and interest in the value of ancient Indian knowledge, such as the rich Nālandā tradition, among young Indians today. Each of these commitments plays a critical role in fostering a renewed understanding of the ancient wisdom of Nālandā, ensuring that its legacy continues to benefit humanity today. All of his compassionate activities pave the way forward in this direction.

Here are some specific areas of his vision, highlighting his innovative approach to serving humanity:

1. A New Vision for Education
   The Dalai Lama envisions an education system that seamlessly blends ethics, compassion, and scientific inquiry. He believes in fostering dialogue between spiritual insights and scientific perspectives, allowing students to think critically and cultivate their minds. The set of curricula which have been developed to effect His Holiness’ vision for education has been dubbed SEE Learning (Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning) and is called “SEL 2.0” by the founder of SEL; learn more about it at https://seelearning.emory.edu/en/home

2. Dialogue Across Faiths
   In this diverse world, the Dalai Lama emphasizes the significance of interfaith dialogues—just as scholars once did at Nālandā. He invites individuals from different spiritual traditions to share their visions, promoting unity and understanding. By echoing the spirit of Nālandā, we can build bridges of respect and love, fostering a community where diverse beliefs can coexist harmoniously.

3. Blending Buddhist Education with Scientific Insights
   Education, as envisioned by the Dalai Lama, should go beyond religious confines. He is dedicated to supporting the education at monastic universities that embraces rigorous debate, critical thinking, and ethical living, while seeking ways to weave the Nalanda Tradition’s unique style of philosophical reasoning and psychological insight into academic programs at the university level at colleges across the globe. He envisions education not as a mere religious exercise but as a synthesis of scientific understanding, ethical reasoning, and profound spiritual wisdom. In doing so, he seeks to ensure that the teachings of Nālandā evolve to meet today’s societal needs. This is our aim for all our programs and classes at the Forest of Wisdom.

4. A Foundation of Universal Ethics
   At the heart of the Dalai Lama’s revival efforts lies the promotion of universal ethics. He teaches that principles of kindness and compassion can guide human relationships, transcending cultural boundaries. These values reflect the core teachings of Nālandā, reminding us of our shared humanity and the bonds that connect us all. Universal ethics are based in common experience, common sense, and scientific findings. There is thus no requirement for religious faith to prescribe to a deeply ethical life. His Holiness repeatedly reminds us that the very fact that we are alive today is due to the Herculean kindness of our mothers and caretakers, which deeply implanted the seed of love and compassion within every one of us.

5. Leadership with Heart
   In his teachings on governance, the Dalai Lama promotes compassionate leadership—an ethos deeply embedded in the Nālandā tradition. He encourages leaders to embody ethical behavior, creating ripples of change within political dialogues, fostering a culture of care and understanding in the world. He emphasizes that women tend towards more peaceful ways of conflict resolution, while men have been responsible for the world’s wars; he thus encourages women to take on political leadership roles and for the public to entrust them in such roles.

Conclusion: Enlightenment Anew

As the Dalai Lama ventures forward in educating others, promoting dialogue, and advocating for a compassionate world, he carries forth the profound legacy of Nālandā, ensuring its timeless teachings resonate throughout the ages. The revival of the Nālandā tradition, under his stewardship, promises to illuminate the path toward understanding, cooperation, and collective well-being.

In a world rife with challenges, the principles of compassion, wisdom, and ethical living—first nurtured in the hallowed halls of Nālandā—offer a guiding light as we strive to craft a future imbued with knowledge, understanding, and peace. As we embrace the ancient legacy of Nālandā and its revival, we embark on a timeless journey towards enlightenment, forever flourishing like the lotus that symbolizes the profound and blossoming intelligence rooted in the teachings of the Buddha Śākyamuni.

There are numerous individuals heeding the call of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to help make the world a wiser, more compassionate, and more peaceful home for us all. It is this vision and work that inspires everything we do right here at the Forest of Wisdom in Scotland, CT.