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Buddhism - Motilal Banarsidass

Buddhism

Buddhism, originating in ancient India around the 6th century BCE under Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, is a major global religion. Its core teachings, encapsulated in the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, centre on understanding suffering, its causes, and the path to its cessation through compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom.

With its spread across Asia, Buddhism has influenced art, philosophy, and societal structures, adapting to diverse cultural contexts while retaining its fundamental principles. Its impact extends beyond Asia, influencing fields such as psychology and interfaith dialogue.

Today, Buddhism boasts millions of followers worldwide, transcending borders and cultural boundaries. Its enduring appeal lies in its emphasis on personal transformation and societal harmony, making it a significant force in the search for inner peace and enlightenment globally.

Blog posts

  • The Sacred Fire: Agni in Hinduism, Fire Rituals in World Cultures, and Anthropological Insights from Art, Language & History

    The Sacred Fire: Agni in Hinduism, Fire Rituals in World Cultures, and Anthropological Insights from Art, Language & History

    From the earliest cave paintings to the most complex Vedic sacrifices, fire has been humanity’s most sacred companion. It cooks food, protects life, transforms matter—and connects the human world with the divine. Across civilizations, fire is worshipped, feared, and revered as a living presence, not merely a physical phenomenon.

    In Hinduism, this sacred presence is Agni, the divine fire. In world cultures, fire appears as ritual flame, hearth spirit, eternal lamp, and sacrificial offering. Anthropology, linguistics, and art reveal that fire is one of the oldest religious symbols in human history.

    This article explores:

    • Agni’s role in Hindu philosophy and ritual

    • Fire rituals across world cultures

    • Anthropological insights from art, language, and history

  • Fierce Demons in Mahavatar Narsimha: Movie vs Mythology - Motilal Banarsidass

    Fierce Demons in Mahavatar Narsimha: Movie vs Mythology

    In the mythic grandeur of Mahavatar Narsimha, the eternal struggle between dharma and adharma is not merely a tale of good versus evil—it is an exploration of cosmic balance, divine justice, and human arrogance. The movie Mahavatar Narsimha reimagines this...

  • What is The Main Theme of Kadambari: Unveiling the Literary Grandeur and Timeless Themes of Banabhatta’s Ancient Indian Masterpiece - Motilal Banarsidass

    What is The Main Theme of Kadambari: Unveiling the Literary Grandeur and Timeless Themes of Banabhatta’s Ancient Indian Masterpiece

    The main theme of ‘Kadambari’ centers on the transformative power of love, the cyclical nature of fate and rebirth, and the artistic richness of ancient Indian prose fiction. Authored by Banabhatta in the 7th century CE, the novel stands as...

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