Introduction Among the shining stars of the Buddha’s disciples, Mahā Moggallāna (Mahā Maudgalyāyana in Sanskrit) stands out as the embodiment of meditative mastery and spiritual power. Together with Sāriputta, he was one of the Buddha’s…
Introduction In the vast landscape of Buddhist philosophy, few names shine as brightly as Nāgārjuna (circa 150–250 CE). Often hailed as the “Second Buddha”, Nāgārjuna was not only a saintly monk but also one of…
Introduction If Nāgārjuna was the architect of Mahāyāna philosophy, Āryadeva was its master builder. Revered as Nāgārjuna’s chief disciple, Āryadeva played a pivotal role in systematizing and defending the profound insights of the Madhyamaka (Middle…
Introduction Among the towering figures of Buddhist philosophy, Ācārya Asaṅga (4th century CE) occupies a unique place as the founder of the Yogācāra (Cittamātra or Mind-Only) school and one of the greatest spiritual psychologists in…
Introduction Few names in the history of world philosophy command the reverence accorded to Vasubandhu (circa 4th–5th century CE). Known as the “Second Teacher of the Dharma” after the Buddha himself, Vasubandhu stands at the…
1. Who was Bhishma Pitamah in the Mahabharata? Bhishma Pitamah, originally named Devavrata, was one of the central and most revered figures in the Mahabharata. He was the son of King Shantanu and Goddess Ganga,…
1. Who was Satyavati in the Mahabharata? Satyavati was one of the most influential female figures in the Mahabharata. Born as the daughter of a fisherman, she rose to become the Queen of Hastinapur and…
1. Who was Ved Vyasa in the Mahabharata? Ved Vyasa or Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa, is one of the greatest sages in Hindu tradition and the central literary and spiritual figure behind the Mahabharata. He was…
1. Who was King Shantanu in the Mahabharata? King Shantanu was one of the most respected rulers of the Kuru dynasty, which ruled from Hastinapur. He was the father of Bhishma and the great-grandfather of…
Introduction Among the many fascinating characters in the Mahabharata, few are as notorious as Kichaka, the arrogant general of the Matsya Kingdom. His story, though relatively short in the epic, leaves a lasting impression as…