Majjhantika
Majjhantika (also known as Madhyantika[1]) was the Indian Buddhist monk of Varanasi who was deputed by Ashoka to spread Buddhism in the regions of Kashmir and Gandhara.[2][3]
Majjhantika | |
|---|---|
| Personal | |
| Born | |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Known for | Spreading Buddhism in Kashmir and Gandhara |
| Philosophy | Buddhism |
| Senior posting | |
| Guru | Gautama Buddha |
Early life
Majjhantika was born in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.[4] He was tasked by Ashoka to travel from Varanasi to Kashmir and Gandhara and spread Buddhism following the Third Buddhist Council which is held in Pataliputra.[5]
Missionary activity in Kashmir and Gandhara
Pali sources detail that Majjhantika was one of the monks sent by Ashoka to cover the Kashmir and Gandhara region. This is also corroborated by the 7th-century monk, Xuanzang. Xuanzang visited this region he noted that most Buddhists belonged to the Sthavira nikāya school which is also the school that Majjhantika belonged to.[1]
References
- Willemen, C (2013). "XUANZANG ABOUT AVALOKITEŚVARA, JIBIN, AND MADHYĀNTIKA". Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. 94: 111–123. JSTOR 26493958.
- Kumāra, Braja Bihārī (2007). India and Central Asia: Classical to Contemporary Periods. Concept Publishing Company. p. 66. ISBN 978-81-8069-457-8.
- Hirakawa, Akira (1993). A History of Indian Buddhism: From Śākyamuni to Early Mahāyāna. Motilal Banarsidass Publ. p. 87. ISBN 978-81-208-0955-0.
- Warikoo, Kulbhushan (2009). Cultural Heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. Pentagon Press. ISBN 978-81-8274-376-2.
- Bibhuti Baruah (2000). Buddhist Sects and Sectarianism. Sarup & Sons. p. 453. ISBN 978-81-7625-152-5.
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