It was not until the 19th century, as if from the ashes of legend, that the ruins of Nalanda rose to tell of its former greatness. Today, these sacred ruins, recognized by UNESCO as the heritage of all mankind, remind of the glorious past of the university.
And like an echo of ancient glory, in 2010 there was hope for revival. The Government of India has taken the wise decision to breathe new life into Nalanda. A modern university, like a phoenix rising from the ashes of history, seeks to recreate the spirit and traditions of its great predecessor.
Major works related to Nalanda:
Nalanda was the cradle of many important Buddhist texts and philosophical works. Although many of the original manuscripts have been lost, translations and references have survived, giving a glimpse of the richness of the university's intellectual heritage. Among the most significant works are:
Nagarjuna's Mulamadhyamakarika (Basic Verses on the Middle Way): A fundamental text of the Madhyamika school that explores the concept of emptiness (sunyata).
Aryadeva's Chatuhshataka (Four Hundred Verses): A commentary on Nagarjuna's philosophy, clarifying key aspects of Madhyamika.
Vasubandhu's writings, including Abhidharmakosha (Treasury of Abhidharma): Although Vasubandhu worked in various centers, his influence on the development of Buddhist philosophy at Nalanda was considerable. The Abhidharmakosha has become an important text for the study of Buddhist psychology and metaphysics.
Dignaga's writings on logic and epistemology: Dignaga laid the foundations of Buddhist logic, influencing the subsequent development of philosophical thought.
Shantideva's writings, including Bodhicharyavatara (The Bodhisattva's Way of Life): A poetic text describing bodhisattva ideals and practices that was very popular at Nalanda.
Nalanda is not just a page in history, it is a living heritage, a symbol of the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual depth. It has preserved for us invaluable Buddhist teachings, influenced the development of world culture and remains a beacon of education, reminding us of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and international cooperation in the field of education. The rebirth of Nalanda is not just about rebuilding the ancient walls, it is about returning to the origins of wisdom to light the way for future generations.