Dialogue #1: The Legacy of Nalanda

I would rather die going to the west than live by staying in the east- Xuanzang

Xuanzang returned from India via Wikimedia Commons

In 629 CE, Xuanzang, a Chinese buddhist monk left China for India to find the original teachings of Buddhism, as he feared that his studies had been corrupted, he sought to discover the true source. He’d heard that Nalanda University held the complete Buddhist scriptures, including the Yogacara philosophy taught by the renowned scholar Shilabhadra. The story follows the Xuanzang’s remarkable six-year adventure to Nalanda.

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When Xuanzang finally arrived at Nalanda, he saw separate courtyards dedicated to different teachings. At the center of the university was a stupa-like library, where he walked in reverence. He toured lecture halls, temples, and courtyards lined with apartments for 10,000 monks and scholars. These scholars studied not only Buddhism but also the Vedas, philosophy, medicine and mathematics.

The Dialogue

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This week, we asked the Bohemian Dialogue community to share their thoughts on Nalanda University at its peak. What images or ideas come to mind when they think of this legendary institution in its prime?

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The sample size is too small to draw any meaningful conclusions

Voices from the Community

@eh_mant: I have hunch that people didn't have to take loans to do their education? I'm pretty sure education was way more affordable and accessible unlike our modern world class universities😂😂😂

Understanding the logistics behind an institution as grand as Nalanda is fascinating. King Harshvardhan of Kannauj, a great patron, granted 100 villages to Nalanda University, with each village leader entrusted to provide supplies to support the monks. Education at Nalanda Mahavihara was free, yet entry was highly selective. New students underwent a rigorous intellectual screening, where senior monks and experienced scholars tested their knowledge, curiosity, and dedication to learning before granting admission.

@womanwholivedlong: learning would've felt like a spiritual practice, wisdom and true knowledge and not like this freaked up system as of now where all we know is to wear the masks of morality and respect and stay as the victim of oppression and suppression and teachers are using this.

A spiritual practice is a consistent, intentional action that fosters spiritual growth and insight. To understand this, let’s look at Xuanzang’s observations when he arrived at Nalanda Mahavihara. He saw students engaged in discussions from morning until night, immersed in learning and reflection. Every day, lectures took place in over a hundred halls, and the students dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to their studies.

@leanwitme_._: presence of real knowledge unlike these modern education system. it was way more about spirituality, we are the only one who can save it

Let’s explore this from the perspective of Xuanzang and his teacher, Shilabhadra. Xuanzang journeyed to Nalanda with the aim of mastering Yogacara, a school of thought that emphasizes meditation and offers a deep psychological analysis of the mind. After three intense years of study under Shilabhadra's guidance, Xuanzang finally uncovered the profound secrets of Yogacara. In addition to their focus on Buddhism, the scholars at Nalanda engaged with a wide array of subjects, including the Vedas, philosophy, medicine, and mathematics.

Reflections and Further Reading

The insights shared by our community shed light on the unique educational environment of Nalanda University, where learning was not just an intellectual pursuit but a holistic, spiritual practice. How can contemporary education systems draw inspiration from Nalanda's model to create more inclusive and enriching learning environments?

For those interested in exploring this topic further, we recommend The Golden Road by William Dalrymple, which delves into the rich history and cultural significance of Nalanda.