A short history of Buddhism in Bangladesh.

Part-2 (End)

British and Pakistan period:

The British East-India Company established their rule in Bangladesh on September 1760. The moderate policy of the British enabled the Buddhists, although a smaller number, to re-establish them in Bangladesh on a solid foundation.

On the other hand, Buddhist religious texts were not obtainable in Bangladesh. Yet Buddhist monks and monasteries were only a few in quantity. The Buddhists were influenced by Hinduism and performed numerous classes’ .Hindu rites and rituals rather than Buddhist ceremonies.In the meanwhile the Chakma Kingdom was a feudal state beneath the British government and its ruler was Queen Kalindi (1830 - 1873). She additionally invited Ven.

Sangharaj Saramedha Mahasthavir from Arakan State In Union of Burma to return to People's Republic of Bangladesh. Ven. Sangharaj Saramedha came to chittagong and brought with him a full chapter of trained monks so as to offer higher ondination to people who were willing In 1864.He was then staying in Chittagong at Pahartali Mahamuni. During the annual “Mahamuni Fair” many Buddhists assembled there and thereon auspicious occasion he gave higher ordination afresh to seven monks of Chittagong within the Udaka-Ukkhepa.

Sima of Hancoar-Ghona close to Mahamuni village. This was the primary historic Upasampada ceremony in chittagong by that Theravada Buddhism was formally inaugurated. the traditional kings of Arakan had created a precedent of honouring pre-eminent Bhikkhus, who had served the causes of faith with marks and titles of distinction. Ven. Saramedha was honored with a high title by the British Government.This is why he was wide referred to as “Sangharaj” and his followers established the establishment of Theravada Buddhism that is popularly referred to as “Sangharaj Nikaya”.

When the British rule came to finish in 1947, Bangladesh was called East Pakistan. In 1959, a Buddhist pious association named Parbatya Chattagram Bhikkhu Samiti (Chittagong Hill Tracts Bhikkhu Association) beneath the leadership of Ven. Aggavansa Mahathero was shaped it. It compete a big role in spreading Buddhism inChittagong. Supported this organization, a substantial variety of Buddhist monks and Buddhist monasteries were increased during this half. It’s still prevailing in Chittagong and enjoying identical role. The revival of forest meditation came about during this period.

During the Period of Bangladesh:

In 1971, through a bloody war, the East Pakistan came into a country named Bangladesh. . In 1972, a Buddhist temple named Dharmarajik Bouddha Vihara was established in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. As well as to this, Shakyamuni Buddhist Vihara, in Dhaka was also established. There are four temples at present in Dhaka.

 Current Bangladesh is truly a commendable country of religious harmony though' some occasional qualifiers are to be another to such an announcement. Even so, the Government maintains that there is enough history and tradition to form Bangladesh a land of religious and intercultural harmony.The best example of religious and intercultural harmony is to be found within the observance of Pahela Vaisakha (Bangla New Year’s Day). This can be an event which pulls folks from all walks of life, and therefore the day wears a gay look over the other festival of any community.

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