Thursday, October 3, 2013

BUDDHA SERIAL TO KILL BUDDHISM

BUDDHA SERIAL-

A serial named as 'Buddha' is being telecasted on Zee TV from 08/09/2013 (Sunday), regularly on every Sunday at 11.00AM. It is re-telecasted on same channel at 7.00 PM also. This serial not based on the facts and has gravely insulted the sentiments of Buddhists on India. Apart from presenting the life of Buddha in mythological way, the relatives of Buddha are wrongly shown. Even the incidents in the life of Buddha are being shown erroneously. It is crime to depict the historical Great Persons in this way and the Producer of Serial Mr B K Modi, Director Mr Ashutosh Govarikar, Owner of Zee TV must be booked under IPC 295A for hurting the sentiments of Indian people.

At the time of Inauguration of Buddha Tv Serial, Mr. Subhash Chandra said,” Ashoka asked Buddha on his concern "what he should do with his army", Buddha suggested "If you want to be non-violent double your army... Ref- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-w2duJr1Qg
This proves the ill knowledge of Mr Subhash Chandra of the basic history that Buddha and Ashoka never met each other. There is no question of any communication between them. Ashoka was born on 304 BCE and died on 231 BCE.  Buddha was born on 563 BCE and died on 482 BCE.
The telecasters and producers mention that they had taken many references to produce the history / life of Buddha in a dramatized way  and they claim that they do not want to hurt the sentiments of any body. But the fact is that they (the producer and telecaster) had produced this serial with an malicious intention to distort the life of Buddha and also to hurt the sentiments of Buddhists.

If, their intention is not to distort the history and life and Buddha, then they must have taken the views of the Buddhist Organisations and Buddhist scholars of India, mostly from the Maharashtra, because the Buddhism is revived in India in 1956 by Dr Ambedkar and there are many Learned Buddhist Scholar in Maharashtra. As they had not taken the views of these people and had not screened the serial beforehand from these people, the intention of the producer is nothing but to hurt the religious sentiments of Buddhists of India.

It is will be clearly proved from the following illustrations that there is a cruel and wicked attempt by the producer and telecaster of the serial to distort the factual history of Buddha, depict him as an mythological figure and to hurt the sentiments of the Buddhists of India.

            Therefore this serial must be stopped immediately.

Facts about the Literature on Buddha's Life:

Buddha is not any mythological figure. He is considered as the Most Scientific thinker by the Greatest Albert Einstine and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. Therefore his depiction in any form has to in a true and authentic manner, and not in mythological form.

There are a number of books written in Sanskrit, Sinhali, Hindi and English, on the life biography of Buddha (Siddartha Gautama). First one was written by Ashvaghosha during 1st century in Sanskrit, which is named as 'Buddha Charita'. Later many books were written in Sanskrit like Lalitvistara, Mahavastu,  Nidankatha etc. during 400 to 500 AD  In Srilanka, books named as 'Buddhavansho' and 'Mahavansho' are written in Simhali language during 600 to 700 AD. None of these texts give the true treatise of the biography of Buddha. Buddha's relatives are differently mentioned in all of them except his father's, mother's and wife's name. All of them give diverse names of the relatives of Buddha. This has confused the people.

All of them are mythological and not based on the scientific or natural life of Buddha. To know the true Biography of Buddha (SIddarth Gautama) one has to rely on 'Tri-Pitika'. Tri-Pitiaka' are supposed to be the non-controversial for the life and treatise of Buddha. The another most authentic book may be relied on will be the book "Buddha and His Dhamma' written by the 'Maker of Constitution of India' and 'Greatest Indian' Dr B R Ambedkar.

Any other references or books written on the life of Buddha will be confusing. Therefore it is suggested that to depict the life Buddha one has to refer either 'Tri-Pitika' or 'Buddha and His Dhamma'. It seems that the serial 'Buddha' created/produced by Mr B K Modi do not give the true treatise of Buddha's life. In none of these books there is any mention of the mythological God Ram and Vishnu. But the serial is depicting them now and then in the episodes of serial.

The details of the Episode wise objectionable depictions are as under:

Episode-1:

1.      The beginning is done by showing the mythological figures of Rama, Krishna etc and it is shown Buddha also takes birth on this earth, in their legacy for the betterment of humankind.

Objection- There is no such mention in Tri-Pitika. Also Buddha has denied any incarnation (Please ref- Part II—How Similarities in Terminology Conceal Fundamental Difference,  of Book IV 'Religion and Dharma' of "BUDDHA AND HIS DHAMMA", writer Dr B R Ambedkar)

2.      It is shown that Buddha period is later than the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Objection- In fact Govt of India has declared that Rama and Krishna are the mythological figures. As for as the period is concerned, it is proved from the Archeaological Reports and excavations that Ramayana and Mahabharata are written after the period of Buddha. These books are literature are written in Sanskrit Language, whose script is Devnagari. It is proved that Devnagari script and Sanskrit Languages are created from the Scripts or Pali Language. Upto the period of 100 BC, all the stone inscriptions are in Pali scripts. Sanskrit inscriptions are found from the period of 400 AD, i.e. after 800 years of Buddha. Therefore the Ramayana and Mahabharata were written after after Buddha. Govt of India has published that the Brahminical literature were created after the period of Buddha. There is mention of Buddha in Ramayana. Puranas were started to write from 2nd AD. Mahabharata was written after Ramayana.

Govt of India has published that the Brahminical literature were created after the period of Buddha. There is mention of Buddha in Ramayana. Puranas were started to write from 2nd AD. Mahabharata was written after Ramayana. Showing their existence prior to Buddha is untrue and misleading, which is an criminal attempt to keep the Indians in dark.

3.      It is shown that the first wife of king Shuddodhan is Sterile woman, incapable to bear the child. Later a Yagna is held and she bears the child.

Objection- There is no such mention in the Buddhist Literatures. Secondly, this is a superstitious depiction and stops the development of scientific temper in the people.

4.      The name of Shuddodhan's brother is shown as Durnodhan.

Objection- As per Buddhist literature this name is no where mentioned.

5.      A Brahmin is shown as predicting the birth of Buddha in the same Nakshtra as Rama

Objection- God Rama is a mythological figure, which is accepted by the Supreme Court of India. Secondly, Ramayana is written after Buddha, therefore there is intentional distortion of historical facts. Also propagation of predictions is against the Constitutional provision of spreading the Scientific Temper in the people.

6.      Everywhere an existence of Brahmin is shown in the Serial

Objection- As per the Book 'Digh Nikaya' of 'Tri Pitika' the City of King Shuddhodhana, Kapilvastu is named after a great sage Kapila, who was predecessor of Buddha. He was atheist. His all the followers were atheist and on his name only the city of Shuddodhana was named as Kapilvastu, i.e. Kapila+Vastu. There is another reference in the same book that Buddha is asked by one person, "Why the residents of Kapilvastu do not respect the Brahmins?". This proves that the people of Kapilvastu were atheist and did not respect the Brahmins. Therefore the existence and guidance of Brahmins at every stage of Buddha's life or by his father is away from the truth.

A great researcher Rhys Davis has read all the ancient religious literature in Sanskrit and Pali. He had translated all the Buddhist texts (including Tri-Pitakas) in English. He had analyzed the brahminical literature and Buddhist literatures and had written books, which are considered as most authentic source for the study of history of ancient religions in India. In his book "Early Buddhism" he has mention that, "there was not any Brahminical influence in the Sakya and Koliyas. There was not any caste system. There was not any King in Kapilvastu. There was no worship of human Gods in Kapilvastu." (Part I and II)

7.      It is shown that Mahamaya, the mother of Siddarth Gautama was sterile and bears the child on conducting a yagna called as "Putra Kameshti Yagna".

Objection- As per 3 and 8 above. What is Putra Kameshti Yagna? Dr B R Ambedkar has vividly described the facts of Putra Kameshti Yagna in his book "Riddles of Hinduism" (Part-II) and the Vol 8, Writing and Speeches of Dr B R Ambedkar, published by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of Govt of India and The Education Department, Government of Maharashtra. Dr Ambedkar has clarified that a Putra Kameshti Yagna was performed for the birth of Ram and his 4 siblings, where the infertility of the father King Dashrath is evident and the queens had to have sex with the Brahmins to bare the children. These facts of Putra Kameshti Yagna are also depicted in the movie named as "Eklavya", starring Boman Irani, Sharmila Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan etc. In this movie it is clearly depicted that the King Boman Irani is an impotent and the queen Sharmila Tagore is taken to Kashi to have sex with the sages to bare the children. Thus the concept of 'Putra Kameshti Yagna' is such an ugly tradition.

In 'Tri Pitika' or in any other famous literatures of Buddha life, there is no mention of this type of nonsense matter. Therefore, by showing the birth of Buddha through the concept/tradition of 'Putr Kameshti yagna' is a malicious attempt of proving Buddha's Father or Mother as infertile, and Buddha as illegitimate son of any other person. Therefore this is the biggest insult to Buddha in the 2500 years of Buddhism.

Episode 2:

1.      Serial starts with chanting of brahminical Mantra in Sanskrit.

Objection- As per Objection No-2 in Episode 1. Sanskrit Language was created after 300 years of Buddha. As per the historical evidences the grammar of Sanskrit Language was created by the Sage Panini. He was brahmin Monk. He cultured the Pali Language and crated the Sanskrit Language. Even the script of Sanskrit Language is Devnagari. Devnagari was created from the Pali Script. As per Archeaological reports Sanskrit Language and Devnagari scripts are subsequent to the Pali language.

2.      Prajapati tells Shuddodhan that he can not meet his new born son for one month as per the Vediki Knowledge and Brahmins.
            Objection-  As per Objection No- 6 in Episode 1.
3.      Mahamaya tells to Mahaprajapita that she is the Yashoda of Siddarth.

Objection- As per Objection No-2 in Episode 1.

4.      The representative of Spice Production Group Mr Trehan had met to the representatives of the Bharat Leni Sanwardhan Samitte (BLISS) and had assured to not to show the Putra Kameshti Yagna in future accordingly, strip of not showing the Putra Kameshti Yagna was in future was run in the beginning of this Episode.

Objection-  But there is mention of this Yagna by the king Shuddodhana at the time of burning of the pyre of Mahamaya. The producers and the telecasters are the criminal minded people, they cannot adhere to their assurances and promises. Therefore this serial must be closed and banned from telecast in future. (They had assured on 20/09/2013 to the Morcha carried to the office of Zee TV at Worli, Mumbai, that they will cut the unwanted clips from the future Episodes. They  shown the Episode 3 to the representatives and the representatives asked to remove some unwanted clips, but as per their criminal tendencies they didn't. Episode 3 was telecasted without cuts).

5.      There is continuous involvement of Brahmins in Kapilvastu and in the palace of King Shuddodhan.
            Objection-  As per Objection No 6 in Episode 1.
6.      Shuddodhan wants to make Siddarth as Emperor.  
Objection- As per historical evidences Sakya state of Kapilvastu was not a sovereign kingdom or state, it was under the paramountacy of the Kosala Kingdom. The Maker of Constitution and Greatest Indian Dr B R Ambedkar has mention in his book "Buddha and His Dhamma" ("::BOOK I::" SIDDHARTH GAUTAMA—HOW A BODHISATTA BECAME THE BUDDHA, PART I : FROM BIRTH TO PARIVRAJA) that " The result of this paramountcy was that the Sakya State could not exercise certain sovereign powers without the sanction of the King of Kosala".  In this part itself Dr Ambedkar has mentioned that Kapilvastu was a dependant state and Sakyas used to rule their state in turn i.e. there was not a system of becoming King from a single family. Therefore the proclamation of Shuddodhan that he wants Siddartha to become an Emperor is distortion of History.

Episode 3:
           
Major Objection: As per Objection No 2 in Episode 2. The producer and the telecasters had assured on 20/09/2013 to the Morcha carried to the office of Zee TV at Worli, Mumbai, that they will cut the unwanted clips from the future Episodes. They shown the Episode 3 to the representatives and the representatives asked to remove some unwanted clips, but as per their criminal tendencies they didn't. Episode 3 was telecasted without cuts).

1.      Mention of birth of Siddartha due to yagna.

Objection- This is untrue and superstitious. Such type of portrayal kills the scientific temper in the minds of the people. The producer and telecasters did not followed their assurance of not mentioning the yagna.

2.      Chanting of Brahmin Mantras in Sanskrit.

Objection- As per Objection No 2 of Episode 1.

3.      Mention of Mahabharata by King Shuddodhan.

Objections- As per Objection No 2 of Episode 1.

4.      Illogical character of Shuddodhan.

Objection- Mangala tries to  sexually entice Shuddodhan, where he admonishes her with the sermons of moral conduct. At another instance he is shown as watching female dances lecherously in his courtroom. This type of depiction is illogical. Shuddodhan was moral, his watching of dancing women libidinously is unacceptable.

5.      Declaration of war on Magadh and Kosal Kingdom by Shuddodhan

Objection- As per Objection No 6 of Episode 2.

6.      Depiction of Shuddodhan as a cruel King.

Objection- The whole serial tries to show the King Shuddohana as a cruel king and not abiding to rules of Gana. Shuddodhanas state was a Ganrajya. There was not Monarchy as per Dr B R Ambedkar in his book "Buddha and his Dhamma". The Kings in such state where the Kings are changed regular basis can not be a unruly and behave in an autocratic way. The presentation of expelling the villagers by beating with sticks and total absence of any humanity is  irrational and unacceptable. It is an untrue history. As per Dr B R Ambedkar's book the King of the Kapilvastu were also used to plow their farm themselves physically. Only they had the bigger farm compared to others. There can not be a feeling of pride and arrogance in the Kings of Shakya Clan. Whole depiction is ugly, untrue and illogical.

7.      Irrelevant blaming to Siddartha for the death of his mother Mahamaya:

Objection-   This is highly irrelevant and objectionable statement.

8.      Wrong depiction of Mother of Devdatta

Objection- As per "Buddha and His Dhamma" and Tri-Pitika, Devdatta is the son of Amita, the sister of Shuddodhana. But in this serial Devdatta is shown as the son of one (unknown character in Buddha history) Dronadanraja and Mangala. These characters are absent in Tri-Pitika and "Buddha and His Dhamma". Such type of mythological depiction distorts the History.

9.      Showing the Statue of Vishnu in the palace of Shuddodhan

Objection-   As per Objection No 2 in Episode 1.

10.   Mention of Bharat Varsh by Shuddodhan

Objection-  Bharat Varsh or Bharat name/word to the kingdom of ancient India is no where mentioned in Tri-Pitaka and "Buddha and His Dhamma". As per the Archealogical findings this nation was called as Jambu Dwipa. As per the historical finding the introduction of word Bharata is much later. Indian was known as Jambudwipa in ancient period, then it was known as Hindustan in period of Mugal Rule, then it was known as India in the Rule of Britishers. India was never called as Bharat till the framing of Constitution. The Maker of Constitution gave the name "Bharat" to this Nation, by mentioning "India means Bharat" in the Part-I of Constitution.


11.   Superstitious depiction of tears from the eyes of Siddarth

Objection-   This is totally illogical and harmful for the Nation as it hampers the development of  scientific temper. This type of presentation spreads superstition in the people. This is against the Article 51 A of Constitution, which deals for the Fundamental Duties of the Citizen.


Episode 4:


1.      Worship of Idol of Rama by Little Siddarth;

Objection- There was no idol worship in Buddha's period. The Maker of Constitution of India and the Greatest Indian has categorically denied the existence of idol worship in the period of Buddha. Dr Ambedkar had researched out the history of Rama, Krishna, Ramayana, Mahabhabharta, Vedas, Upnishads, Puranas etc on the basis of Brahminical and Buddhist Literature, which is compiled by the Govt of India as "Riddles of Hinduism". His research and findings are published the Ministry of Social Justice of Govt of India in form of "Writing and Speeches" of Dr Ambedkar. Further the Archeaological findings also prove that there was no temple in the period of Buddha.

Indian Buddhists have embraced Buddhism on 14/10/1956 at Nagpur along with the 22 Pledges given by Dr B R Ambedakr. These Pledges were devised by him on the basis of lifelong research work. He had arrived to conclusion that without following these pledges nobody can be a Buddhist.  To become a Buddhist, one has to follow these 22 Pledges. These 22 Pledges had become the breath to the Buddhists. 1st Pledge of it, is that 'I will not worship and do not believe in Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh'. 2nd Pledge is that "I will not worship and do not believe in Rama and Krishna". Therefore imbibing Rama, Krishna, Vishnu in Buddhism in any form, is a dire insult to Dr B R Ambedkar and the Buddhists. The followers of Ambedkar cannot tolerate this in any circumstances.

The history of Buddha has to be based on the Tri-Pitikas, which are the only authentic books of Buddhism. As per Tri-Pitika there is no temple and worshipping of Gods or worshipping of Rama during the period of Buddha. Therefore showing the worship of Rama, by Siddartha in this Episode is grave deviation from the truth and is cruel mischief of Brahminical people to defame Buddha.

2.      Based on the research of Dr Ambedkar, the followers of Dr Ambedkar know that there is always a mischief played by the Brahminical people to depict Buddha as incarnation of Vishnu (Dashavatara). Govt of India has banned such movies and depictions in the Past, based on this research of the Maker of the Constitution of India.

3.      Yashodhara (wife of Siddarth) is shown as daughter of Amita (sister of Siddartha's father)

Objection-  True reference need to be taken from the Tri-Pitaka. Yashodhara was not the daughter of Amita. But the daughter of Pamita, another younger sister of Shuddodhana. Please refer the Book "Old Path, White Clouds", P No-32, by Thich Nhat Han. The story writer of the serial Mr Gajra Kotari himself had said that this book is the complete book on Buddha (Refer. Times of India, Dated 19/09/2013).


4.      A huge statue of Vishnu in sleeping posture is shown in the house of Siddartha

Objection-  As per Objection No 2 in Episode 1. This is the criminal violation of history.


5.      Chanting of OM by Little Siddartha:
Objection-   Chanting of OM is a brahminical tradition. It is no where found in the Buddhism. Buddhists hate the chanting of OM. It is an intentional crime on the part of the producer and telecasters to hurt the Buddhists.

6.      Shuddodhan (father of Siddartha) says that he wants Siddartha to be an Emperor of Bharat

Objection-  As per Objection No 10 of Episode 3.

Wrong depictions in serial has invoked the Indian Buddhists and they had held demonstrations in various cities of India. In Mumbai a violent morcha was lead to the office of Zee TV on 20/09/2013, they might have broken the office of Zee TV.

Therefore this serial from its 1st episode has impaired the religious sentiments of Indian Buddhists and also had violated the historical facts. This type of wrong depictions makes the Indian National fools. Wrong history will be imbibed in the memory of the people and kids of India. Future generation of India will know only this wrong history.


Therefore, it is earnestly requested to your esteemed authority to ban this serial totally and stop its further telecast immediately, for maintaining peace and harmony in the society.


It is felt by the Buddhist Scholar and Learned people of India that Buddha was not a mythological figure, but an exceptional phenomenon in the history of the humankind, who had an expression of Love, Benevolence and Compassion always on his face. This type of expression can not be possible for any actor . The followers of Buddha have an unparallel respect for him. Showing of Buddha's face has been avoided in the past, in visual media. In the past, Buddha was shown only in the form of images or shadows. Buddha's face can be portrayed in painting but bringing it on the face of a real human person is next to impossible. Therefore in any visual medias except paintings, showing of Buddha's face need to be prohibited. 

60 comments:

  1. We totally agree with Dr.Param Anand. The distorted image of Buddha will not be tolerated by Indian Buddhists. Stop this serial immediately.

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    1. I don't think the Buddha would mind how he was depicted if it was to lead just a single person to his path.

      What I read comes across expressions of grasping to an ideology people have found themselves attached to.

      With all its human imperfections this may be the closest some people ever get to the Buddha - let it be, as it is.

      :)

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    2. Where in the serial did you and the writer find this observation that Buddha is shown as mythological character? Sorry, but I could only see Buddha as a scientist or researcher who truly lived.

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    3. Beautiful series. I can watch it over and over again. I have already watched it three times now, and I will definitely watch it again. I am a much better person since watching this series. It has inspired me to delve more into Buddha’s teachings and meditation. My life and my son’s life have changed for the better. I used to be very anxious, frustrated, and sad but my outlook in life has changed completely. I pay no attention to the relationships in the series but more the situations and the outcomes. There is so much to gain from watching this series.

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    4. very true.live in present"present as Buddha had said"Budha is beyond any distortion or insult.Respect Dr.Param Anand for his historic knowledge. Salute.Those books written on Buddha never knew before, thanks to Dr. Anand. I am going to read. However, Best powerful and life changing creation.

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    5. very true.live in present"present as Buddha had said"Budha is beyond any distortion or insult.Respect Dr.Param Anand for his historic knowledge. Salute.Those books written on Buddha never knew before, thanks to Dr. Anand. I am going to read. However, Best powerful and life changing creation.

      Delete
    6. very true.live in present"present as Buddha had said"Budha is beyond any distortion or insult.Respect Dr.Param Anand for his historic knowledge. Salute.Those books written on Buddha never knew before, thanks to Dr. Anand. I am going to read. However, Best powerful and life changing creation.

      Delete
    7. very true.live in present"present as Buddha had said"Budha is beyond any distortion or insult.Respect Dr.Param Anand for his historic knowledge. Salute.Those books written on Buddha never knew before, thanks to Dr. Anand. I am going to read. However, Best powerful and life changing creation.

      Delete
    8. life changing Serial.live in present"as Buddha had said" Buddha is beyond any distortion or insult.Respect Dr.Param Anand for his historic knowledge. Salute.Those books written on Buddha never knew before, thanks to Dr. Anand. I am going to read. However, Best powerful and life changing creation.

      Delete
  2. While going through the Book "Early Buddhism' by Rhys David, he has clearly mentioned that there was no influence of Brahmins in Kapilvastu and also there wasn't any worshiping of Human Gods. He has also researched out that there wasn't any casteism. .............. Rhys David's work is considered as another most authenticate work on the ancient Literature of India, Pali and Sanskrit both. He has done analysis of all the religious literature of India, Tri-Pitkas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Vedas, Upnishadas, Arnyakes, Shrutis and all. ..............

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    1. Because of people like you and articles such as this, is that so many people get divided and astray from faith and/or religion. This Buddha series is beautiful and sends great messages of peace and awakening of human kind. Who really knows all precise facts about Buddha? No one really unless we build a time machine and go back so many years BC and see it for ourselves right... what we believe is based on faith and your own conciesness. What you're doing even goes against Buddha's teaching! I'm sure the producer of the series means well and not offenses to anyone! It's a great series and depicts Buddha as a great being!

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    2. Yes,I completely agree with you,we r not concerned with the historical facts of Siddharth's life. We are concerned only with the great teachings of Buddha and the way it transforms humanity at large.And none of the films on buddha except this serial has been able to depict these incidents"other than historical facts and mythological elements" so beautifully that it touches the innermost core of one's being. Thank you!

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    3. Dr Param Anand, I feel really sorry for people like you & Ambedkar. Instead of spending so much time and energy on all the nonsense you have spewed, if only you had the sense to listen to Buddha's teachings and sit still in meditation and practice what he thought. Not only would you stop spreading the hate in your poisoned mind you would also cure yourself of your ignorance and find some peace too.

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    4. It is a pity that people like you are so busy analyzing the tree, measuring its age, counting the leaves, height, width of the tree, the number of fruits, their color and all possible technical details of the tree that you have no time to taste the sweetness of the fruit the tree yields.

      Stop wasting your time on useless details - you study a great soul like Buddha not for scholary debates on right and wrong. Buddha never asked anyone to worship him, love him and fight for him. One TV serial is not going to destroy his gift to mankind anymore than your jingoistic attitude is going to make a dent in keeping his legacy alive. Buddha stood for truth and his teachings and truth has stood the test of time for centuries. Truth can stand on its own and does not need people like you to protect it. All Buddha wanted was to spread love and truth. You Study Buddha to attain his state of peace and love. And it is clearly evident from one look at your article and Ambedkar's book that you are heading in the exact opposite direction of Buddha's teachings. Your thoughts are miles away from any sense of love and peace.

      Practice what Buddha preaches first before you consider yourself a Buddhist. You don't become a Buddhist by doing research on history - you become one by researching the inner recesses of your mind and clearing the ignorance and hate you are nurturing towards others in your filthy mind. Before you preach right and wrong to the world by reading and quoting someone else's interpretation of history and their books, experience first hand the teachings of Buddha and make yourself a better human being. You will do more to help spread the message of Buddha when you speak from your own experiences of truth.

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    5. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    6. Buddha's teaching says don't say false don't support false don't propagate false information and if anyone does try always to correct him and spread the Truth. Apart from that ahimsa and karuna is one basic character of Buddhism. He himself said that he should not be prayed because he not god and he is not omnipresent. So my dear friend if anyone trying to mislead and propagate untrue information of such a scientific person then it is ought to be stopped. You may say anything you want to as you dont seem to be following Buddhism. Suppose such malicious intent is carried out on other religions mythological gods, what if anyone depicts rakshas(evil or demons) as incarnation of God and God as a rakshas(demons), what will happen to it will run smoothly or there will be uproars and riots? If you don't believe then I must remind you of a movie named padmavati what happened before it's release whole India is aware of. And mind you the right to live with dignity and with all fundamental rights is assured by Dr BR Ambedkar which he gave us in the form of Constitution. The person like you are really the reason for hellishness in the society of India. Do upgrade your brain to upgrade read real Buddhism which is devoid of such illogical superstitious and magical fairy tales and portrays true history of Buddha which makes one scientific and logical. Namo buddhay

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    7. Himanshu,
      I am not sure if you are Himanshu Soni who portrayed the character of Buddha. If you are, congratulations and God bless you. I have seen many other actors playing this character. But none could compare to your portrayal of such a incomparable, larger than life being, as Buddha. You have made such a humongous task seem simple. Don't ever under estimate your talent. You were born to play this role it seems. And you showed to every one What Siddharth and Buddha might have been in the true sense. Really great. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
      What ever the historians say, this is what the audience needed.
      God bless you
      P.s.if you are not Himanshu Soni I am referring to, my sincere apologies.

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  3. आपसे पूर्णतया सहमत हूँ .. इस सीरयल का विरोध ही नही इसको बन्द भी कर देना चाहिये ।

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  4. very good effort. we totally agree with you.
    --anand

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  5. Hi, I was just wondering if any one can give me clarification on this :

    This is from Ebook of Buddha and His Dhamma by Dr. Ambedkar
    The link is : http://www.aibsindia.com/buddha_and_his_dhamma.pdf

    If the Idea of God was not there at time of Buddha
    Who is the Isvara the minister is talking about here In Chapter :: 6. The Minister's reply. ::?


    12. " Others say that creation comes from Isvara, —what need then is there
    of the effort of the conscious soul ? That which is the cause of the action of
    the world, is also determined as the cause of its ceasing to act.

    Who is Rama he is talking of here ???
    17. " And as for thy meditations on the evils of life ending in thy return from
    the forest to thy home,— let not the thought of this trouble thee, my son,—
    those in old time also have returned from the forests to their houses." He
    mentioned Ambarish Drumakesha, Rama and others

    If they were not practicing any religion in Kaplivastu, how come there was a Brahmin with them

    9. Then the minister and the Brahmin, both full of tears, having heard his
    firm determination, and having followed him awhile with despondent looks,
    and overcome with sorrow, slowly returned to Kapilavatsu.

    In :: 7. Early Traits ::
    Why did Dr Ambedkar writes about Siddharth as a Kshatriya

    15. Prajapati Gautami was deeply worried over this attitude of Siddharth.
    16. She used to argue with him saying : " You have forgotten that you are a
    Kshatriya and fighting is your duty. The art of fighting can be learned only
    through hunting for only by hunting can you learn how to aim accurately.
    Hunting is a training ground for the warrior class."

    If Dr Ambedkar is to be believed then there was a caste system before Buddha and it means there was hindu religion before siddharth was born.

    It also implies that according to this book, Siddharth was a Hindu Kshatriya.
    And if he was a Hindu in that case he might have worshiped hindu gods before he became a Buddha.

    I tried to find out from where did Babasheb did his research about this book but there is no bibliography anywhere.. can anyone please help me.

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    1. Glad to find this information. Ideally, these facts should settle the current debate.

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  6. these are baseless aligations. Buddha is giving very good message to society. this is a great job.

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  7. Awesome serial..........
    I loved it....

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  8. Well, as i see it, Ambedkarists are upset because serial isnt as Buddhas life from Dr. Ambedkars book. That shown only one think - silly fanatics with little knowledge and following only one old and outdated book. There are too many of them. Lazy minds to study even basics of pali or sanskit. Lazy to read original suttas and all their argument coming from one outdated and not precise baoo from Dr. Ambedkar... :(  Poor Indians....

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  9. Please dear Indian friends, learn and read more than study one OLD and NOT precise book from your beloved Dr. Ambedkar. Search for original suttas and try to educate your self. At least the basics please! That will make you and all the rest of the world who suffer with your blind fanatism much happier! THANX! :)

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  10. Whatever the sentiments of people whether the serial is historically accurate or not no one will ever known as there's still a debate over the Buddha's actual time of birth. Though I wholeheartedly agree with Anand that the Buddha is not a mythological figure. But nonetheless as a Buddhist I myself think that the message spreads by this serial is a positive ones.

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  11. Whatever the sentiments of people whether the serial is historically accurate or not no one will ever known as there's still a debate over the Buddha's actual time of birth. Though I wholeheartedly agree with Anand that the Buddha is not a mythological figure. But nonetheless as a Buddhist I myself think that the message spreads by this serial is a positive ones.

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  13. What ever the conflict is and whoever's sentiments are hurt I truly feel sorry but for me all the messages are good ones and full of wisdom. I think that's what matter when it comes to buddhism, that's what lord Buddha did whole life teaching us and taking us to the joy full path.

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  14. This nice nice blog. I would like to glad for this information beacuse I like so much Watch TV Serial

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  15. People seem to be missing the message spread by Budh and arguing on ownership and spreading hatred. Is the serial not showing good messages? It takes a lot of effort to create a serial don't just try to debunk someones creative creation. If you are a true Budhist, you will find in your heart to forgive and find good in this serial too.

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  16. Hmm. Nice bit of propaganda on your part. While many of the events are dramatized, the story seems to be accurate. If Kapilavastu did not follow Hinduism (with it's good and evil) then what was the religion? Why is Gautama a Kshatriya? In your hatred of Hinduism and one bad aspect of Hinduism (ie. the caste system) you are disseminating your own propaganda. I wonder what Buddha would say if he read your post?

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  17. Also Budhha was born in Lumbini, Nepal but the series tells you he was born in northern part of India. This series is giving very false information.

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    1. The borders of India Uttar- Pradesh and Nepal around 2500 years ago were and not as clear as they are now. Just because such details are unclear... How can you judge them entirely wrong?

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  18. The series is CLEARLY a "dramatization" of the life of the Buddha, created for entertaining purposes, not necessarily for educational purposes based on strict historical facts. If you take it as such, it is a very enjoyable series, which still manages to share some of the main ideas of the Buddha

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  19. Because of people like you and articles such as this, is that so many people get divided and astray from faith and/or religion. This Buddha series is beautiful and sends great messages of peace and awakening of human kind. Who really knows all precise facts about Buddha? No one really unless we build a time machine and go back so many years BC and see it for ourselves right... what we believe is based on faith and your own conciesness. What you're doing even goes against Buddha's teaching! I'm sure the producer of the series means well and not offenses to anyone! It's a great series and depicts Buddha as a great being! I, myself follow Buddha's teachings and support this series.

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    1. I totally agree. It is a great serial with a very good message. Why agonize about details?

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  20. I have seen episodes from 33 to 45. I am really got attached with one Arya Satya that is mukti Marg, param Satya, purna Gyan all are same and the way shown in these episodes is real and fact. I have not read any Buddha historical books but I have studied and learnt from many gurus that simple life style and deep meditation for self-realization in the best way to achieve param Satya, param gyan, Buddhism. I m peaceful and following this path and feeling peace and happiness. My number is 7587401402. Anyone can call me for talking about Buddha and his teachings. buddham sarnam gacchami.

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  21. The TV series is beautiful and inspiring. Nothing about Buddha's life can be known for sure. This TV series is true to the message of Buddhism. Calm down, breathe, and enjoy the show.

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  22. I am curious too about the authentic story line in the serial. However, Buddha lived around 400 BC and no formal scriptures were written about him till nearly 300 years after his life. How can anybody claim about authentic facts?

    Apart from that I really expect more polite expression from people following Buddhism. No one is perfect, but the way the producers and director have been accused as criminals is more like a dramatization in itself. To the writer, why are so much hurt or suspicious of intent? And you have no focus on the peace message of the show? Please do a little meditation and wisdom for kind manners.

    I would agree with you that a little more facts would help the tv show become more appealing but it doesn't divert from the peace message. Your anger and aggressive moves such a Stop the serial, it's an "insult" and no one consulted a scholar such as you.. are way off Buddhism... And calls for my empathy towards you.


    Yet, do you feel 2500 years ago with an existence of Mahabharata and Ramayana 500 years even before that ... People of Kapilvastu were Atheists?

    Again why do you Believe what you haven't seen?

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  23. This is so interesting and great read. Will check this website, thanks for sharing it.
    Bigg Boss 11 Written Updates

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  26. You are focusing on the little details that you missed the big picture of Buddha's trainings. I was born a buddhist but never knew it deeply about it until I got a glimpse of the video and addicted to watch the whole series. I learn the main gist of Buddha's message. I think had it not for the videos, I probably never try to understand it deeply.

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  28. Beautiful series. I can watch it over and over again. I have already watched it three times now, and I will definitely watch it again. I am a much better person since watching this series. It has inspired me to delve more into Buddha’s teachings and meditation. My life and my son’s life have changed for the better. I used to be very anxious, frustrated, and sad but my outlook in life has changed completely. I pay no attention to the relationships in the series but more the situations and the outcomes. There is so much to gain from watching this series.

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  29. Hmmm...I just read the whole blog post and could easily make out your frustration with the great history of our culture. Your knowledge is entirely based on some recently written texts, which could easily offer you very distorted history.

    I don't wish to waste my time to disapprove all your claims. However, I would suggest if you're seriously keen to defend the teachings of Buddhism then you should study about his life only from people who are renounced and not politically active.

    Otherwise, the truth that you claim to present could be the figment of someone's political motivation.

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  30. I feel it is a great serial. Learnt a lot about Buddhism. You talk about stopping the serial, but ironically I am upset why this series is no longer on YouTube. There are fanatics in all faiths who keep condescending faithful efforts others rather than looking at the big picture and learn something.

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  31. History, in general, seems to show that in every major culture a special, or unusual, person arises, on a rare basis. These individuals convey a new set of principles, often but not always in conflict with traditional male aggressive and domination tendencies found in the human species.

    Thus Buddha, Jesus, Lao Tse, Confucious, Aristotle, Muhammad, and others. It is smart to examine the historical truths about each special personage ... but the histories cannot always be determined accurately. It is also smart to grasp the messages and to see hiw they support or may advance human sustainability ... especially given the global issues now confronting our species.

    We aren't going to agree on specifics, about either the histories or the principles advanced ... but we will be consistently pushed to form or reshape global moralities to allow for human sustainability and human flourishing.

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  32. I actually really like the series, I am a Buddhist, I know that it is not absolute truth and for entertainment purposes. As a Buddhist I do not take things too seriously as we all know, that all things pass. I think at least it is an attempt and an entertaining try.

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  33. This guy is nuts and nothing else...

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  34. I am a Buddhist. I come from a generation of Buddhists.
    I studied Buddhism in school. That is my religion if you could call that. Up until I saw Buddha,
    I only knew him as a supreme being who was so divine and unreachable that I am too low in the human evolution to think otherwise. All the teachings gave that notion. Everything written about him was geared only to tell point blank how he was a Prince and how he left everything to go find the truth and how he eventually found it. That truth was so strong and genuine, that until 2500 years it has influenced millions of people around the world. I never read any deep Buddhism. And never saw Buddha or his life from any other angle. When I saw the series I realised that contrary to what I believed Buddha was a beautiful and rare human being who happened to be born to so called royalty in his time. And was as human as any one could be which brought me so much closer to him as a kind, compassionate honest human being who was deeply in touch with his emotions and was deeply concerned about the human suffering that he set out to find the truth about that suffering and the way out of it. He sacrificed every thing to persue that path.
    Whatever the historians say this is the jist of the truth and that truth and the path are what all who value his philosophy are following around the world. This film has so wonderfully, beautifully and humanly brought forth Buddha's story looking at it from so many angles. From the angles of his father, mother, wife, son and every one else who were associated with him including Channa and his horse. It shows the sacrifices made by all of them and the anguish of going through the process of losing him, at a time people's worth was measured by all that they owned and prestige was all people lived causing calamity in kingdoms. The whole cast was brilliant in acting out his story. Special mention to the lead actor who seems to have eased into the character with a natural charm of a compassionate person. It is so beautiful, enlightening and entertaining at the same time. I am very grateful to every one who had made,this possible. I became so much more close to Buddha and Buddhism in my heart after so many years of being a Buddhist, so much so I wish this exact film came out long time ago. I felt very sad thinking about what every one in the drama of his life would have gone through.
    Please sir, don't spoil it for every one. What does it really matter after 2500 years? Who really knows what exact words they spoke? Where exactly they went? What were their exact relationships? Who really cares? It will be wonderful if you just follow his philosophy. The world will be a much better place if we tolerate, sympathise with other people's mistakes and appreciate the good things others try to do. I can tell you for one I got so much closer to Buddha and Buddhism after watching this film and definitely I am not the only one. All my Hindu relatives and friends appreciate him and his philosophy and see them from a totally different angle after seeing the series. What else do you want . To split hair?
    You may be very well versed in researching history and have a good understanding of it. Did you ever try to render that understanding to the common man? Well then you failed. Remember, this is a "STORY" based on some facts about Buddha and his life, not a documentary.
    To all peoples of the world I humbly request, please follow his teachings as a way of life, not as a religion.
    It will do you only good.
    Thank you and may you be blessed.












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  35. The only real issue at hand is that non-buddhists and entry level Buddhists may see the series as a factual account of the Buddha's life thus refraining from studying the Pali Canon and understanding fact from entertainment. The series captures the Buddha's emotions and intent very well unfortunately it does so by weaving fictional scenarios which can be misleading. Either a disclaimer should have been ran before each episode or the producers could have stuck to the actual scriptures... However we must remember it has been made for the Indian general public first and foremost, thus in order to gain popularity the stereotypes have been fulfilled with song & dance, evil villains, dramatic plots, action scenes etc. Judging by the poor CGI and editing one can tell it was never intended to become an international release outside of Asia. Now it's available on Netflix, I hope westerners also do not take the series as true factual accounts, thus as mentioned before, a disclaimer before each episode would be appropriate to explain its intent as entertainment before educational.

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  37. I see your point Muay Tea that why some Buddhists giving importance to facts may not like this serial. However, I would not call this serial purely an entertainment, as it kinds of negates the purpose behind the serial. Like you said it captures the emotions of Buddha nicely, which I think is what really matters. Entertainment as per me is something one does to amuse and enjoy oneself and once entertainment is over, forget about it. As mentioned by many commentators; I found this serial very educational, teaching one to be compassionate to all living beings, being a good human and dealing with hardships in life. In this day and age where people are fighting over various topics, we definitely need a serial that conveys the message of tolerance and compassion. What is the use of facts from which one does not learn anything.

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  38. I am Hindu and I am buddhist too. Why? Because I consider buddha, Mahavir, Ram, Krishna as role models. The author of this blog Dr. Prem Anand is completely wrong and making baseless allegations on so many things in his blog. It is extremely sad that he considers himself as buddhist but he has no idea about buddhist philosophy. Moreover, how he is trying to prove that Ramayan was written after Buddha was born. For his information, Ramayan was written by Maharishi Valmiki around 10,000 years ago. Mahabharat happened around 5000 years ago and it was written first as "Jay" book by Maharishi Vedvyas. Since then, there are many versions of Ramayan and Mahabharat. Buddha was born around 2500 years ago. Buddha was never interested to make it a separate religion as Buddhism. He was dead against this. He never wanted his followers to make his statue and worship him. Rather he was a true scientist as our ancient seers and sages and a truth seeker who guided people during his time to how to get rid from miseries and gain peace and happiness. Buddha put lot of emphasis on the eight limbs of yoga" - Ashtanga..It is exactly Patanjali's classification of classical yoga, as set out in his Yoga Sutras. Buddha defined the eight limbs as yama (abstinences), niyama (observances), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption). This is exactly same what Patanjali mentioned in Yoga Sutra much before Buddha was born.

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