Search Buddhist Channel
Japanese researchers may have found new frontier of ancient Buddhist world
Mainichi Shimbun, November 8, 2008
Kyoto, Japan -- A research team from Kyoto's Ryukoku University has found traces of what's believed to be a Buddhist temple in a set of ruins near Maragheh in northwestern Iran, possibly marking a new frontier of expansion in the ancient Buddhist world.
<< The pillar in the underground complex near Maragheh, Iran. (Photo courtesy of Ryukoku University)
The team found a room containing an octagonal pillar, similar in construction to those found in other temples along the Silk Road, which worshippers would walk around as part of their prayers. They also found alcoves in the surface of the pillar, used to hold statues and other religious icons.
The site lies 1,400 kilometers west of another set of ruins found in Turkmenistan, currently believed to mark the western limit of the Buddhist sphere. The city of Maragheh was a former capital of the Il-Khanid under the rule of Genghis Khan's grandson Hulagu Khan.
An Appeal
In deep gratitude for your support! We are half way to meeting our target (US$ 10,400 of US$ 18,000 already achieved)!
The Buddhist Channel is a dedicated group of "mindful communication practitioners" striving to make a positive impact on the Buddhist community. We deeply believe in the power of mindful journalism and are reaching out to you with a heartfelt request for your support. Your donation, no matter the size, can make a tangible difference in the lives of countless Buddhist monastics, local communities and other dedicated engaged workers. With your help, we make their stories known, and thereby opening up avenues for them to obtain sustainable support for their work.
Please indicate whether your support will be a donation or a loan. We will get back to you via email. We thank you in advance for providing us financial relieve. May the Buddha Dharma ever be your guide and protector.
Note: To date, we have received the following:
US$ 900 from Esa Myllykoski (donation)
US$ 9,500 from Lance Edwards/Kau Soo Kin (loan)
We express our deep gratitude for the support and generosity.
If you have any enquiries, please write to: editor@buddhistchannel.tv