Extraordinary Book : Supraja Kannan

I feel happy to share the review of my book "Buddhism in Chola Nadu" by 

Supraja Kannan, with thanks to her.

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I am thrilled to share my thoughts on this extraordinary book, “Buddhism in Chola Nadu”.

Delving deep into the book will transport us to an era, where the Buddhism was at its peak. It accords a plethora of information about the history and influence of Buddhism in the Chola dynasty.

Some of the fascinating factors:

  • Before entering into the subject, the author describes the geography of Chola Nadu in detail, including its districts and significant places associated with this ancient region, providing a solid foundation for understanding the history that follows.
  • The author’s meticulous research and references from ancient texts reveal Buddhism’s flourishing past in these areas. The careful curation of quotes and names from various literary sources, including the revered Thirukural, Silapathigaram, and Manimegalai makes for an engaging read.
  • The author elaborates on the religious significance of place names and the items associated with Buddha, making the content both interesting and accessible to those unfamiliar with the subject.
  • One of the book’s strengths is its inclusion of intriguing historical facts like Marco Polo’s visit to India, Walter Elliot’s notes about an ancient tower (lighthouse) in Nagapattinam built by the Chinese, images of excavated remains of Buddha Viharas, etc. By using these historical facts as evidence, the author has likely provided an authoritative explanation of the statues and the places.
  • The rare photos included in the book certainly constitute a rich repository, offering a glimpse into a world that many of us may never have the opportunity to experience in person.
  • Inclusion of the notes at the end of every chapter and the newspaper cuttings is a testament to the author’s commitment to scholarly rigor. The Newspaper clippings are absolute treasure troves.
  • The smooth pages of the book enhance the overall reading, making this book a treasure to hold and read.

Intriguing Facts:

  • What struck me most was the realization that I had previously overlooked the bas-relief Buddha sculptures at the Brihadeeswara Temple and Airavateswara Temple, despite having visited them multiple times. The author’s depiction has inspired me to revisit the temples and search for them.
  • The granite Buddhas are particularly captivating, as each one seems to tell a story. The detailed descriptions of the images including the physical characteristics, iconographic features, hand gestures and symbolism make the read more interesting.
  • The broken statues sparked my imagination about their former glory. Despite the physical state of the statues, the devotion of the local people is truly inspiring. I hope that the remaining Buddha statues will be revered and protected well, not only for their religious significance but also for their historical value.

Some of the unique Buddha statues and the stories I adore:

  • First Buddha statue found offshore
  • Buddha with inscription
  • Moustache Buddha
  • Debtor and lender Buddhas
  • Chettiar Buddhas

Local customs and rituals

  • Using Buddha head for threshing
  • Hurling stones at borrower Buddha
  • Buddhas kept separately to not to see animal sacrifice
  • Reclining posture Buddha for rain invocation
  • Buddha Mantras and Invocations

Lessons gleaned from the book:

  • Upon gazing at the photographs of Buddha sculptures nestled amidst wastelands, ponds, and obscure regions, one can’t help but appreciate the author’s unwavering dedication to seeking and capturing these images in their current state. I am reminded to ” Be true to what you do”, whenever I look at these photos.
  • His commitment to adding detailed notes at the end of every chapter is highly appreciated. Indeed, a valuable resource for researchers, providing a guide for further exploration and studies.
  • The author’s decision to include a preface on Buddha Purnima deliberately showcases his profound respect for the subject and research.”

I recently came across a quote that resonates perfectly with this book.

“The Law of success quoted by Lord Buddha is called, ‘It-thi-bart‘- The path to power/success. ‘The Threefold Path’ is a fundamental principle in Buddhism that leads to success and enlightenment.

  • i) “Prajna” (Wisdom): Understanding the true nature of reality
  • ii) “Dhyana” (Meditation): Cultivating mental discipline and focus
  • iii) “Sila” (Ethics): Practicing moral conduct and compassion”

Although this book does not explicitly explore Buddhist culture and teachings, the author’s remarkable dedication and wisdom evoke the essence of the ‘Three Jewels’

The fruit of the author’s 30 years of dedicative research and field work has finally taken shape in the form of this book and the author’s zeal for uncovering the history of Buddhism in Chola Nadu is truly worthy of acclaim and recognition.

Overall, this book is the epitome of rigorous research that stands as a beacon for researchers and serves as a model for aspiring writers and researchers, exemplifying how a comprehensive research book should be structured and presented.

It is ideal for researchers, scholars, students and enthusiasts interested in history, Chola dynasty and Buddhism. To purchase a copy of the book, contact⬇️

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