Taranatha's History of Buddhism in India
Summary
Taranatha's *History of Buddhism in India* recounts a narrative involving a Brahmani woman named Jassi and her three sons—Jaya, Sujaya, and Kalyina—near Magadha. The sons, each devoted to different deities (Mahesvara, Kapilamuni, and the Buddha), quarreled over theological disputes until their mother intervened, urging them to seek conclusive answers. After consulting scholars, they encountered the Arhat Uttara, who critiqued the limitations of worldly deities and praised the Buddha’s teachings on non-violence and moral virtue. The brothers then constructed temples: Jaya in Varanasi, Sujaya in the Bamboo Grove (Rajgir), and Kalyina at the Mahabodhi site in Bodh Gaya, using divine artisans. Despite their efforts, the image lacked certain features (radiance, teaching posture, etc.), attributed to incomplete construction timelines. The mother Jassi later verified the image’s authenticity before passing away peacefully. The text also notes discrepancies in historical references and temple terminology, aligning with accounts from Chinese travelers like Hiuen Tsang.
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Conclusion
This passage from Taranatha’s *History of Buddhism in India* highlights the dynamic interplay of religious dialogue and doctrinal clarification in shaping Buddhist identity. The narrative of the three brothers—Jaya, Sujaya, and Kalyina—exemplifies the intellectual rigor of early Buddhist inquiry, as their debate over competing traditions culminates in a nuanced understanding of moral and spiritual authority. The resolution of their conflict through the teachings of the Arhat Uttara underscores the emphasis on ethical conduct and the rejection of violent asceticism, positioning Buddhism as a path of non-harm and universal welfare. The establishment of temples by the brothers, particularly in Varanasi, symbolizes the institutionalization of Buddhist thought and its enduring legacy in India. The text’s focus on doctrinal purity and the rejection of corrupted traditions reinforces the historical significance of Buddhism’s role in fostering philosophical discourse and moral transformation.