14:00
SOAS
November 13
Senate House, SOAS
This lecture will give an overview of Chinese sources on Bodhgayā and will trace the history of Bodhgayā reflected in them.
Bodhgayā, the place of the Buddha’s awakening, is arguably one of the most prominent places in Buddhist history and imagination.
It was one of the four ‘Great Places’ (mahāsthāna) recommended for visits by the Buddha towards the end of his life (Mahāparinirvāṇasūtra); hence, it is not surprising that it very quickly became one of the major Buddhist pilgrimage places, not only visited by Indian monastics and laypeople but also, from at least the 4th century to the 12th century AD, by Chinese travellers and pilgrims. Some of these travellers wrote records or left inscriptions in situ. This lecture will give an overview of these sources and will trace the history of Bodhgayā reflected in them.
This event is free and open to all.
The Buddhist Forum series is kindly sponsored by the Khyentse Foundation. It has been organised by the Centre of Buddhist Studies.