INTRODUCTION - Although, The People's Republic of Bangladesh is officially an Islamic country at present, previously it constituted the sovereign segment of historical and ethnolinguistic region of Bengal. Partitioned during 1947 from India, and ceded to Pakistan; Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation following the power struggle with Pakistan in 1971. Bangladesh is bordered by India to the north, west, and east while Myanmar lies to its southeast. The southern coastline runs along the Bay of Bengal; through the Siliguri Corridor, Bangladesh shares a brief connection with Bhutan and Nepal while Sikkim connects it with China in the north. The capital of Bangladesh is Dhaka which functions as the nucleus of political, financial and cultural discourse with Parliamentary Republic as the form of the government. Article 2A of the Constution f Bangladesh accepts the state religion of the Republic is Islam, but the State shall ensure equal status and equal right in the practice of the Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and other religions.
HISTORY - As a part of ancient Bharatavarsa, Bengal was once home to renowned Buddhist and Hindu eras, and witnessed the rise, reign and fall of prominent dynasties such as Vanga, Samatata, Pundra, Mauryan, Gupta, Varman, Shashanka, Khadga, Candra, Pala, Sena, Harikela and Deva. The kings patronised learning centres which functioned as universities (Mahaviharas) namely, the Bikrampur and Mainamati and thus attracted scholars from the rest of Asia; especially during the Pala Period, the eastern India was perceived as a cohesive network, characterized by interlinked educational system.
Virūpa was a 9th-century Buddhist Yogi and Mahasiddha. He served as the main guru of the Sakya Vajrayana tradition and was renowned as a teacher of Lamdre. Tilopa, a 10th-century Buddhist Yogi and Mahasiddha, held a prominent position as the main guru in the Kagyu Vajrayana tradition. He was particularly known for his teachings on Mahamudra. Naropa, also a 10th-century Buddhist Yogi and Mahasiddha, played a significant role as the second guru in the mainstream Kagyu Vajrayana tradition. He is famously remembered as the teacher of the Six Dharmas of Naropa, Chandragomin (7th century CE) Atisa Dipankara Srijnana (11th century CE), who went to teach in Tibet from Bengal to restore order (Second Dissemination of Buddhism in Tibet) while he was affiliated with the Somapura Mahavihara.
Atiśa, was recognized as the 18th greatest Bengalis of all time in a BBC poll; 2004; was ordained in the Mahāsāṃghika lineage at twenty-eight by Abbot Śīlarakṣita. He extensively studied Buddhist and non-Buddhist traditions, including Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Tantric Hinduism, along with arts such as music and logic until he was twenty-two. Atiśa mastered three main Buddhist lineages: Profound Action (Asaṅga, Vasubandhu), Profound View (Nagarjuna, Candrakīrti), and Profound Experience (Tilopa, Naropa), under more than 150 teachers, notably Dharmakīrtiśrī and Ratnākaraśānti. After twelve years in Sumatra, Atiśa returned to India in 1025 CE amid a Buddhist revival. Renowned for his debates and reforms, he became abbot of Vikramashila and revitalized Buddhism in India Additionally, Atiśa played a crucial role in nurturing Odantapuri, another prominent Buddhist center of learning, further contributing to the spread and deepening of Buddhist teachings in India during his time.His return from Sumatra coincided with a flourishing of Buddhist culture. Atiśa's journey continued to Tibet, where he authored "Bodhipathapradīpa," a seminal text summarizing the Buddhist path in sixty-seven verses, influencing Tsongkhapa's Lamrim writings. His contributions underscored the spread of Vajrayāna in Tibet, acknowledging previous luminaries' roles.
SECTS - The Pala kings propagated and patronized Buddhism and the period saw significant cultural and religious developments; especially in Vajrayana Buddhism. Contemporarily, the Theravada school is in prominence with approximately a million adherents. The Chittagong Hill Tracts and few urban centres in Dhaka; the capital region hosts a substantial concentration of Buddhist population. The Rakhine, Chakma, Marma, Tanchangya and other Jumma communities, and the Barua community practice Buddhism.
FESTIVALS -
THE BAISHAKHI PURNIMA -
WHEN - First month of Bengali calendar- Boishakh (April-May)
WHY - the Triple Blessed Day of the Buddha; to commemorate the Buddha's birth, His Enlightenment and His Mahaparinirvana.
MADHU PURNIMA -
WHEN - Full moon, Bhadro (August-September)
WHY - The commemoration marks a significant event in Buddhist tradition, wherein the Buddha sought solitude in the wilderness of Parileyya forest with the intention of reconciling two conflicting factions of his disciples. Legend has it that during this period, a remarkable act of generosity unfolded, orchestrated by a monkey and an elephant named Parileyyaka. The elephant tendered fruits while the monkey presented a honeycomb to the Buddha. Overwhelmed by the monkey's offering, the Buddha accepted it, prompting the monkey to jubilantly leap from tree to tree, tragically meeting his demise in the process, he is in reborn in Tavatimsa Heaven.
SANGRAI FESTIVAL -
WHEN - April
WHY - On the eve of 'Paanchowai', Marma youths engage in cake-making, while others curate traditional games and dances, employing various strategies to stay awake. As dawn approaches, groups venture into the mountains to collect 'Sangrai Paing', symbolizing the onset of the new year. In the morning, flowers adorned by ginnis are meticulously arranged, signaling the commencement of celebrations. The day begins with offerings to the Buddha and the embellishments.
KATHIN CHIBAR DAAN -
WHEN - Beginning after the full moon of the eleventh month in the Lunar calendar (October)
WHY - The Laity expressees gratitude to bhikkhus by making donations to temples, especially new robes for the monks. Legend has it that thirty bhikkhus were en route to spend Vassa with Gautama Buddha, but had to halt at Saketa due to early rains, adhering to the Buddha's directive against travel during the rainy season. During their stay, they harmoniously practiced Dhamma. The Buddha demonstrated a practice of sharing and generosity. Donated cloth pieces were fashioned into a robe using a frame called Kathina, and then offered as a gift among the monks.
ASADHI PURNIMA -
WHEN - July
WHY - to commemorate the entry of Sakyamuni in Mahamaya's womb, His Renunciation, Initiating the Dhamma Chakra, and the residence of the first five disciples.
MAGHA PUJA -
WHEN - February
WHY - It commemorates the Buddha's meeting with His first 1,250 disciples, an event significant for the periodic recitation of discipline by monks.
SCRIPTURES - The Theravada Buddhist Canon.
FAMOUS TEMPLES AND MONASTERIES -
THE BUDDHA DHATU JATI - It is located close to Balaghata town, in Bandarban City, in Bangladesh which contains the relics belong to the Buddha. the temple was built in 2000 in Arakanese architecture, an adoption of the South East Asia style. It is the largest Theravada Buddhist temple in Bangladesh and has the second-largest Buddha statue in the country.
DHARMARAJIKA BUDDHIST MONASTIC COMPLEX - Located in the city of Dhaka in Bangladesh it is the first Buddhist monastery built in the city of Dhaka. the temple was founded by Bishuddhananda Mahathera in 1960; it belongs to the order of the Mahasthabir Nikaya, and is a cynosure Buddhist life and culture in Dhaka and throughout Bangladesh. Within its premises lies the Dharmarajika Pali College, established in the same year. Thailand's donation of a 10-foot tall Buddha statue in 1984 was followed by another statue gifted by Japan. The temple has provided shelter and later, During the Bangladesh Liberation War.
PRESENT STATUS - Some sites are considered particularly important, such as Sompura Mahavihara, Shalban Vihara, Mahasthangarh, Bhasu Vihara, and Halud Vihara. The most recently excavated site is the vihara in Bikrampu, Dhaka District. Sompura Mahavihara is located in Rajshahi District and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
POTENTIAL - Presently, to foster goodwill and understanding between Bangladesh and India, the foreign minister of Bangladesh, Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, suggested creating a Buddhist circuit between the two countries. Dr. Momen presented five ideas at a symposium in Dhaka on 2 August 2023 with the intention of utilizing Buddhism and its traditions to strengthen regional ties.
The Five Proposals of the FM:
Using Buddhism and its heritage as a tool; for bonding and friendship among the countries
Adopting a regional-level approach within South Asia and expanding it to Southeast Asia
Strengthening activities within regional organizations like SAARC and BIMSTEC to conserve and promote the cultural diversity in the region, especially a Buddhist circuit.
Fostering a united effort to ensure sustainable tourism development
Organizing regular regional forums and conferences on cultural heritage and tourism development in South Asia.
ORGANIZATIONS
BANGLADESH BUDDHIST SAMITI -The Chittagong Buddhist Association, later renamed Bangladesh Buddhist Association, was founded in 1887 by Nazir Krishna Chandra Chowdhury and other intellectuals. Initially focused on the revitalization of Theravada Buddhism, the association expanded its activities to humanitarian aid, education, and culture. It operates Dhamma Bangsha Institution, a kindergarten, and Dipankar Pali College for religious education. Chintamoni Library provides valuable resources for scholars. The association engages in disaster relief efforts and organizes free medical camps through its youth wing, which also promotes cultural activities. As the Regional Center of the World Fellowship of Buddhists in Bangladesh it actively participates in international conferences, contributing to global Buddhist discourse.
link - https://bbsbd.org/about-us.html
BANGLADESH SANGHARAJ BHIKKHU MAHASABHA - Founded in 1864, BSBM promotes Theravada Buddhism in Bangladesh and globally. It organizes national and international Buddhist festivals annually, including Kathin Chibara Dana and Buddha Purnima. Government officials and leaders extend greetings on these occasions, broadcasted through various media channels. The organization sends Buddhist delegates to national and international conferences yearly. Its administration board is elected every five years.
link - https://www.sbmbd.org/
BANGLADESH BUDDHIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY - Since its inception in 1977, this non-sectarian, non-communal NGO has provided humanitarian aid to orphans, widows, and others in need. Founder Secretary-General Jivanananda Mahathero, a revered Monk, has dedicated his life to serving humanity. He has received recognition for his selfless service, including a gold medal from the Chittagong Divisional Welfare Federation in 1990 and the UNESCO Club prize in 1992. Selected as a peace representative by the World Peace Prayer Society in 1993, Mahathero is a member of numerous international organizations, including The World Congress (New York), The World Peace Prayer Society (New York), and others. The Mahathero is a member of many international organizations such as (a) The World Congress (New York) (b) The World Peace Prayer Society (New York) (c) Asian Fund Raising Group (Madras, India) (d) International Abolitionist Federation (Paris) (e) Buddhist Peace Fellowship, Barkley, USA (f) International Association for Religious Freedom, Frankfurt, Germany (g) World Peace Council, Japan and (h) World Prosecution of Women Protection Council (France).
link - https://www.bbmsbd.org/
BUDDHIST DEPARTMENTS IN UNIVERSITIES -
UNIVERSITY OF DHAKA- One of the prominent institutions is the University of Dhaka's Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, which offers academic programs focused on the study of Pali language, Buddhist philosophy, and history. This department serves as a hub for research and education, contributing to the scholarly understanding of Buddhism in the region.
CHITTAGONG UNIVERSITY- Another important center is the Department of Pali at Chittagong University. Established in the port city of Chittagong, this department emphasizes the study of Pali texts and Buddhist scriptures, catering to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. It serves as a vital academic resource for those interested in delving deep into Buddhist literature and philosophy.