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Atish Dipankar, Sri-Gyan 982-1053 |
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Born in Bazrajogini village in Bikram Pur, Dhaka. Writer and Pandit.
Parents named him Adinath ChandraGarva. At the age of 19, he was converted to Buddhism by Maha-Songikacharjya Silrakkhita of Danda Puri, and was given a new name, Dipanker Sri-Gyan. He was, at the early age, educated by his mother, and later by Abadhuta Jaterie on theology. He was educated on Buddhist theology by Krisna Giri Rahul of Bihar and awarded 'Gujhha Gyan Bajra' title. In 1011, he went to Subarna Island(Sri Lanka?) with about a hundred deciples. He researched on Buddhist theology for 12 years there before coming back home. At that time, the territory Banga was ruled by King Mahi Pal. At the request of the king, he became the principal of the Bikramshilla Mahabihar. Hla Lama, king of Tibbet, sent him expensive gifts and invited him to go there to spread Buddhism, but he refused. After the death of Hla Lama, he was invited again by the next king, Chan-Chab Gyan-Pravo and went to Tibbet in 1041 crossing the difficult Himalayan ranges. On the way to Tibbet, he was given reception by the Nepalease king, Ananta Kirti and the Nepalease prince, Path Prava, was converted to Buddhism by him. He was given Royal reception in Tibbet. Even nowadays, you can see the meural of that reception in a Buddhist Mot. He wrote books on Buddhist theology, medicine and engineering in Tibbetan language and was given the prestigious title, 'Atish'. He discovered many old Indian Puthi(poems) in Sanskrit in Tibbet. After making copy of those priceless books by himself, he sent them back to Bangala. He translated may Sanskrit books in Voot language. He also wrote 'Pradip Panjika', 'Budhipat Pradip', 'Ratna Karandowtghat', and letter to Emporer Neaye Pal, 'Bimal Rotno Lekh'. His original Sanskrit books are lost but the Tibbetean translation still exists. There was a massive flood in Tibbet, and he spent all of the money he was given by the Tibbetans to construct protection in the river. While he was in India, he worked as a mediater to end confilct between Emperor Neaye Pal and King of Karna and bring peace in those regions. He was worshiped as a prophet(Abotar)of Buddha in Tibbet. He lived there for 17 years and died at the age of 72. He is buried in Krethang, near capital Lama. |