Tag: sarnath

SUTRA OF THE LION’S ROAR

What is the significance of the four lions depicted in the National Emblem of India? What teachings of Gautam Buddha do these represent? Why did Emperor Ashoka get the statue of these four lions built on the top of the Ashoka pillar? Today, even after almost 2600 years, the embodiment of Buddha’s teachings is a unique example of the richness of the Indian culture.

Recently a controversy has arisen over the “Lion Capital”, the national emblem of India.

The reason for this controversy was the replica of the LionCapital to be installed on top of the newly constructed building of the Parliament of India.

Highlights of the Lion Capital statue to be installed on the roof of the new Parliament building

@ The Lion Capital statue to be installed on the roof of the newly built Parliament House is a replica of the original statue located in the museum of Sarnath, Varanasi.

@ The replica to be installed on the roof of the Parliament House is made of bronze and weighs 16,000 kg. The total height of this replica is 6.5 meters.

@ The replica was made by 100 artisans over a period 9 months. This statue is completely hand made, no machine has been used in its construction.

The controversy behind this statue-:

Major opposition parties mainly Congress and Communist Party are attacking the ruling party over this statue. These political parties say that in the construction of this statue, the four lions have been shown as aggressive, whereas in the Lion Capital statue at Sarnath, the four lions have been shown calm and majestic.

Some people say that these lions seem to be violent and man-eaters.

This dispute increased so much that some people went to the court, well the court rejected this petition, but many people are still angry about this incident.

At first glance, it seems that because of being associated with Buddhism, these four lions must have been depicted with a calm nature in the Original statue.

Are the four lions actually depicted as calm & majestic in the original statue located in the Sarnath Museum?

Close up of Lion Capital in Sarnath Museum. (Wikimedia commons )

In fact, even in the original Lion Capital, the four lions are depicted in an aggressive posture.

All four lion’s mouths are open, sharp teeth, their tongue flapping, protruding veins, heavy mane, their claws sticking out (It is worth noting that lion’s claws are retractable and they come out of their paws only when hunting.) It becomes clear at the very first sight itself that all the four lions are depicted in an aggressive posture.

Now an important question arises here.

There is a lot of emphasis on non-violence in Buddhism, then why are the lions depicted in an aggressive posture in the Lion Capital ?

Along with this it becomes necessary to find answers to some more questions.

@ What does the Lion Capital built by Emperor Ashoka on the top of the pillar symbolize?

@ What teachings of Buddha did Emperor Ashoka consider as the basis for the construction of the Ashoka Pillar?

To answer these questions, we must turn to Buddhist literature and Lion Capital. Fortunately, all of these sources are available in abundance.

IN THE WORDS OF THE BUDDHA HIMSELF

THE SUTRA OF THE LION’S ROAR

A teaching of the Buddha was named the Sutra of the Lion’s Roar by his disciple Ananda. Buddha had emphasized the need of Buddhist organization(known as SANGHA, a BUDDHIST COMMUNITY) under this and highlighted the importance of organization.

SANGHA : Monastic community of bhikkhu (monks )and bhikkuni (nuns) Buddha described Sangha as the community that supports one along the path.

Buddha explained this importance of Sangha by giving the example of rice that joint effort is better than single effort, just as a rice grain has the natural tendency to turn into a rice plant, but for this to happen some other Factors are also required such as: sunlight, soil, water, air etc.

Similarly, a person can also try to attain enlightenment all by himself, but with the help of other people, his/her path becomes easier, so association is necessary for attaining knowledge. According to Buddha, by concerted effort under the Sangha, the wall of ignorance crumbles in the same way as darkness with the advent of light.

After explaining the importance of the Sangha, Buddha described the Sangha as powerful as a lion roaming in the jungle.
According to Buddha, The lion is the king of the jungle, when he comes out of his cave, the message of his arrival spreads in all four directions.
When the lion roars before the hunt, fear prevails in all the animals and all the creatures start hiding.
Birds start flying high on hearing the lion’s roar, crocodiles start searching the depth of water, foxes hide in burrows, even the majestic elephants which are decorated with precious jewels, equipped with golden canopies start running away from the roar.

Sangha is the proclamation of the path of enlightenment like the roar of a lion in the jungle. Buddha says that Sangha is like the roar of a lion. All false ideas and misconceptions lurking in some corner are replaced with the ideas and concerted effort of the Sangh.

The teachings of the Buddha, known as the Sutra of the Lion Roaring, make it clear that the lion that the Buddha portrayed the Sangha as, was a majestic and aggressive one.

Now another question arises as to why did Emperor Ashoka get Buddha’s sermons depicting Sangha like a lion installed on the top of the pillars in the form of idols at Sarnath and some other places?

Not only did Buddha give the first sermon in Varanasi Sarnath, but he also gave the concept of the Buddhist Sangha here and established the Sangha. Later, a huge Buddhist monastery was also established here.

The great Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang, during his visit to India, mentioned the residence of 1500 monks and nuns in this huge Buddhist monastery.

In 1905, during the excavation of Sarnath, the ruins of the Ashoka Pillar were found. A picture from that period shows the Lion Capital, and the section of the pillar bearing Emperor Ashoka’s edict. Presently the top of the pillar is located in the Sarnath Museum and the fragments of the pillar are located in a glass show case among the Sarnath Ruins.

Ashoka Pillar Fragments and the warning of Emperor Ashoka can be seen in Sarnath.

English translation of Emperor Ashoka’s warning It is mentioned by Mr. F.O Oertal. The credit for the archaeological excavations of Sarnath in 1905 and the discovery of the Ashoka pillar goes to Mr. F.O Oertal.

Thus saith the beloved of the Gods announced in the Order of Monks and in the Order of Nuns. The Church (Baudh- Math)is not to be divided But whosoever, monk or nun, shall break up the Church, shall be made to dwell white garments and dwell in a place which is not a residence for the clergy. Thus must this edict be announced in the Order of Monks and in the Order of Nuns…………………

Key points of Emperor Ashoka’s warning

Emperor Ashoka was very upset and worried about the rising trend of rebellion in the Sangha. In order to convey his point clearly to the Buddhist monks and nuns, the emperor got his warning inscribed on a pillar.

The top of the pillar reflects Gautam Buddha’s description of the Sangha as a lion and reflects the majestic qualities of the lion, certainly for this reason, Emperor Ashoka built the Lion Capital on the top of the pillar.

Observing the teachings of Buddha himself in the Buddhist literature and the warning of Emperor Ashoka, which is still inscribed on the Ashoka Pillar and the top of the pillar kept in the museum of Sarnath, there is no doubt that the Lion Capital’s lions are majestic. Depicted in an aggressive and virtuous posture.

If you want to find out the significance of the Ashoka pillar, the carved figure of other animals on the lion capital, the wheel with 32 spokes, the wheel with 24 spokes and the base like a lotus flower? You can check out this blog post that I wrote earlier—– https://nithinks.com/2022/11/23/ashokan-pillar-its-history-and-importance/

Source :- OLD PATH WHITE CLOUDS (THICH NHAT HANH)

BUDDHACARITA (ASHWAGHOSH)

THE ROMANTIC LEGEND OF SHAKYA BUDDHA (FO SO HING TSAN )

CHAUKHANDI STUPA(SQUARE EDIFICE) SARNATH VARANASI

CHAUKHANDI STUPA WAS BUILT TO MARK THE SITE WHERE BUDDHA MET HIS FIRST FIVE DISCIPLES WHILE TRAVELLING FROM GAYA TO SARNATH.

DHARMA IS NOT THE RESULT OF THINKING. IT IS THE FRUIT OF DIRECT EXPERIENCE.

It was at this place that Buddha met his first five disciples and informed them all about his enlightenment and inspired them to follow the path of truth.

Later these five disciples of Buddha~1. Assaji 2. Bhaddiya 3.Kondanna 4. Mahanama 5,Vappa were called Panchvargiya.

Chaukhandi Stupa can be divided into two parts.

1.Ancient stupa (Chaukhandi stupa)

2. Humayun Burj

CHAUKHANDI STUPA

The stupa is square in shape. Because of its four-armed plan structure, it is called Chaukhandi Stupa. It is made of solid bricks placed on three floors.

Like other major Buddhist buildings in Sarnath, this stupa was also built during the reign of Emperor Ashoka (250 BC). Later this stupa was given a grand form during the Gupta period (500CE).

During the excavation, a statue of Buddha and some other statues were found. The famous Chinese traveler XUANZANG also described this stupa. Xuanzang came to Sarnath in 637 AD.

The archaeological excavations conducted in 1835 and 1904-05 brought light to this 93 feet high, brick stupa laid in mud mortar having three diminishing square terraces each about 12feet High and 12ft broad, each terrace is supported by an outer and inner wall with a number of cross walls to strengthen the structure. The outer walls of the terraces are ornamented with a series of niches separated by pilasters.

There is a deep hole, about 5 feet in diameter on the topmost part of Chaukhandi Stupa (which is, also the floor of the Humayun Burj). The hole extends, vertically coming down to the ground. It looks like a tunnel when viewed from above.
This hole was dug by the archaeologist JOHN MARSHAL (1835 AD) during the excavation of Chaukhandi Stupa to see it from inside.

A clear impression of the buildings of the Gupta period can be seen at the base of the stupa.

Humayun Burj

The top part of the Chaukhandi Stupa, known as Humayun Burj was built during the Mughal period. Information regarding the construction of this octagonal building is written on the square stone plate on it’s Northern Doorway. This stone plate can be seen at top in this picture.

There is an octagonal structure(Humayun Burj) on top of the Chaukhandi Stupa, its height is about 23 feet. It was built during the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar. There is an inscription written in Persian language regarding the construction of Humayun Burj. Which says–

To commemorate the stay of Humayun at the Chaukhandi Stupa, Govardhan, son of Raja Todar Mall, built this octagonal building in 1588 CE during the reign of Akbar.

One such another octagonal building is located near Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi which is known as Sabz Burj.

When Humayun had conquered the fort of Chunar, he had camped in Banaras for a few days, perhaps then only he might have come here.

In the documents of Mughal era, this place has been mentioned as Humayun Burj.

A painting for Mr. Colin Mackenzie in 1814 by a painter named Sheikh Abdullah.

In this painting Humayun Burj, the top of Chaukhandi Stupa can be seen at some distance from Dhamekh Stupa. DHAMEKH STUPA: The larger stupa in the image is the Dhamekh Stupa. Dhamekh Stupa was built on the sacred spot where Buddha delivered his first sermon.

During that time there was no information regarding the history of Chaukhandi Stupa. The structure built in the Gupta period was completely buried under layers of soil for centuries and only the octagonal building built in the Mughal period was visible at its top.

In 1835, to understand the history related to this building, and to get some important articles related to Buddhism, John Marshall dug a vertical hole in this building as I had already mentioned above.

Mr. F.O.Oertel gets the credit for introducing the world to the grand form of the Chaukhandi Stupa hidden in the mud under the octagonal Mughal building.
It is quite clear from the above painting that the actual Chaukhandi Stupa was completely hidden under the soil .

The memories related to Sarnath and Buddha’s teachings remained in the minds of the people of Banaras till the fourteenth century, but after that they were forgotten under Islamic rule. The pre-Islamic history of India was shrouded in ignorance and darkness for a long time.

At the end of the seventeenth century a sense of interest and curiosity about the pre-Islamic history of India aroused within some Britishers . Soon many British intellectuals, including people of all kinds, orientalists, linguists, archaeologists, historians, engineers, started doing serious work on the pre-Islamic period of the Indian subcontinent.

Soon, by the end of the eighteenth century, the ancient history of India appeared before the world in a gleaming form. The discovery of this glorious past later became the backbone of India’s nationalist movement.

Whisper of History

In 2019, Chaukhandi Stupa was accorded the status of a monument of national importance.

Presently it is a well preserved building. Chaukhandi Stupa is situated in a very beautiful garden. At a distance of about 800 meters from the main Sarnath complex , tourists also rarely come here. The serene atmosphere here is made on sight. If you are interested in ancient Indian history, then this place is no less than a jewel for you.

Even if you do not want to look at Chaukhandi Stupa from the subtle point of view of history, you can sit here comfortably for some time, which is no less than a boon in today’s run-of-the-mill life.
The Chaukhandi Stupa is flanked by rows of large trees where meditating is undoubtedly a supernatural experience.
While meditating in this calm environment under the sunlight filtered through the leaves of trees, it seems that the old times want to tell their history to by whispering it in your ears.

BODHI TREE Complex (SARNATH)

WHEN I LOOKED AT THE KINGS OF TREES,” I KNEW THAT EVEN NOW I WAS LOOKING AT THE SELF – EXISTENT MASTER”. (ASHOKA )

The Sacred Courtyard of Awakening :

The Bodhi Tree Complex in Sarnath is a sacred place built around a branch of the original Bodhi Tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

It includes Buddha’s statues, images of his disciples, a large prayer bell, and meditation spaces. Monks and visitors gather here for prayers and rituals.

THE BODHI TREE SARNATH

The Bodhi Tree is the most important part of the Bodhi Complex. More than just a tree, it has served as a symbol of enlightenment, peace, and continuity through the centuries.

The Bodhi Tree was planted in Sarnath because, after getting enlightenment under this sacred tree in Bodh Gaya, Buddha came to Sarnath and gave his first sermon. It is said that here he planted the seed of the Tree of Knowledge. To remember this great event, the tree was planted again in Sarnath.

The Journey of the Bodhi Tree

It was under this sacred tree at Bodh Gaya that Prince Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha, attained enlightenment. This moment not only transformed his life but also laid the foundation for Buddhism, a tradition that would go on to influence millions worldwide.

The Bodhi Tree soon became more than a religious symbol; it was woven into the politics and culture of ancient India.

The Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, deeply moved by Buddhist teachings, used the tree as a powerful emblem in spreading Buddhism across Asia. In the 3rd century BCE, a branch of the tree was carried by Ashoka’s daughter, Sanghamitra, to Sri Lanka, where it still thrives today as a sacred object of worship.

Centuries later, in 1931, another branch was brought from Sri Lanka and planted in Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon.

Thus, the Bodhi Tree endures not merely as flora, but as a living witness to two and a half millennia of Indian religion, politics, and cultural memory.

Sarnath – The Eternal Connection

Sarnath has always been more than just a location. It is a symbol of India’s ability to give birth to ideas that change the world. Just as Varanasi is the eternal city of Hinduism, Sarnath is the eternal place of Buddhism.

Here, under the Bodhi Tree Complex, you can see life-size statues of Buddha with his disciples, reminding us of the day when five seekers became the first to receive the Dharma.

Here, you can feel the continuity of history—from Ashoka, who raised the great pillar with its Lion Capital, to Xuanzang, the Chinese traveler who described the magnificence of Sarnath in the 7th century, to the Dalai Lama, who blessed the complex in 1999.

The Bodhi Tree Complex: A gift of peace for the new millennium.

The Bodhi Tree Complex

The Bodhi Tree Complex is now a vibrant spiritual hub in Sarnath. It is more than just a tree—it is a sacred courtyard filled with symbols of Buddha’s teachings.

A life-size statue of Buddha delivering his first sermon.

Sculptures of his five disciples—Kondanna, Vappa, Bhaddiya, Mahanama, and Assaji.

28 statues of past Buddhas, representing those who also attained enlightenment under the sacred tree.

A giant sacred prayer bell, weighing nearly 2000 kg, is engraved with Buddhist scriptures.

A granite plate inscribed with the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, the sermon that began Buddhism’s journey.

The complex was expanded in 1999, and the 14th Dalai Lama himself inaugurated it, calling it a gift of peace for the new millennium.

Bodhi Tree Complex Entrance

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In the Bodhi Tree Complex at Sarnath, there is a big life-size statue of Buddha giving his very first sermon. Around him are beautiful sculptures of his five disciples—Kondanna, Vappa, Bhaddiya, Mahanama, and Assaji.

These statues remind us of the important moment when Buddha shared his wisdom with his followers for the very first time. It shows the beginning of his teachings, which later spread to many parts of the world.

In the Bodhi Tree Complex, there is a granite plate with the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta written on it. This was the first sermon given by Buddha, and it marked the beginning of Buddhism’s journey. The plate reminds visitors of the great moment when Buddha first shared his teachings with the world.

The Giant Sacred Prayer Bell

Every monastery in Buddhist tradition had a bell to guide monks and nuns in their daily routines. Following that tradition, the Bodhi Tree Complex has a giant bell, made of mixed metals and weighing almost 2000 kilograms.

Its sound can be heard up to four kilometers away. Engraved with sacred texts, the bell is not just an object but a living voice of Buddhism in Sarnath. Its ringing spreads the message of Dharma across the holy land of Varanasi.

Around the Bodhi Tree, there are 28 statues of the Buddha, ranging from Tarakan Buddha to Gautama Buddha.

Monks believe these statues are very holy. They walk slowly around the tree, praying and showing respect. This walking around the tree is called circumambulation, and it is an important part of their worship.

If you want to feel history breathing, visit the Bodhi Tree Complex in the evening. As the sun sets, monks wrapped in saffron robes begin their slow circumambulation of the sacred tree.

Oil lamps flicker near small Buddha statues, and the air fills with the sound of mantras chanted in Pali, the very language in which Buddha himself spoke.

At first, the words may seem unfamiliar—it is not Sanskrit, nor modern Hindi—but soon the rhythm and devotion touch something deeper than meaning.

Over 2,600 years ago, the Buddha chose Pali, the language of ordinary people, instead of Sanskrit, which was reserved for the elite. This choice made his teachings accessible to all, breaking barriers of caste and privilege.

Even though Pali is no longer a spoken language, it lives on in texts, universities, and in the voices of monks at Sarnath.

To hear the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta in Pali, at the very place where it was first spoken, is more than a ritual—it is like standing in that ancient Deer Park, witnessing the first turning of the Wheel of Dharma.

Why the Bodhi Tree Complex Matters Today

We live in an age of restlessness, division, and noise. The Bodhi Tree Complex is not just a tourist spot; it is a reminder. A reminder that 2600 years ago, a man sat under a tree and found peace—not in war or wealth, but in wisdom.

The lamps lit by monks in the evening are not just rituals; they are symbols. They say to us: peace is possible, harmony is possible, awakening is possible.

Buddha’s message was never meant for one caste, one region, or one religion. It was a message for humanity. That is why the Bodhi Tree Complex in Sarnath is not just for Buddhists—it is for everyone who seeks meaning beyond material life.

The Bodhi Tree Complex at Sarnath is a bridge across time. From the original enlightenment tree at Bodh Gaya, to Sanghamitra’s branch in Sri Lanka, to Anagarika Dharmapala’s planting in Sarnath—it is a journey of faith, resilience, and universal compassion.

When you stand before the Bodhi Tree in Sarnath, you are not just standing before a tree. You are standing at the crossroads of history, where Buddha’s first words still echo, where Ashoka’s vision still inspires, and where the chant of monks still carries the ancient language of Pali.

In the heart of Hinduism’s holiest city, this complex stands as proof of India’s true strength—unity in diversity, respect for all paths, and an eternal search for truth.