Atisha: The Revered Monk Scholar is a journey into the history of cultural renaissance of Buddhism around a thousand years ago, when Atisha--a spiritually colossus monk--who held responsibilities of several monastic universities in India, crossed the Indian frontiers and undertook a challenging journey ready to sacrifice even his life. The canvass covers his life and legacy in India, Indonesia and Tibet; his journey from India to Indonesia, back home and then to Tibet via Nepal; his activities reviving Buddhism in Tibet when it was almost destroyed and the monks were in a state of utter confusion. It showcases some rare photos of places from his birthplace, which is now in Bangladesh to Nyetang, where he entered into final nirvana; the monasteries which are associated with his visits, stays, activities and where he preached--where his divine presence can still be felt. The book presents the distilled essence of his teachings and quotes from his texts that are perennial and pervasive.

Atisha: The Revered Monk Scholar, Shashi Bala, Wisdom Tree Publishers, Hardcover (8.5" x 8.5"), 80 pages, $24.95

Prof Shashi Bala, Dean, Centre for Indology, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Delhi Kendra, specialises in Buddhism as core of cross-cultural connection among Asian countries. Nineteen publications and seventy-five research papers are to her credit. She worked as a Research Professor at the International Academy of Indian Culture and taught 'History of Japanese and Southeast Asian Art' at the National Museum Institute, a deemed University. As a researcher and explorer, she has been travelling widely almost all over the world, invited for teaching assignments, conferences and special lectures.

CONTENTS: Atisha: The Revered Monk Scholar
Editor's Note	7
Atisha: The Revered Monk Scholar	9
Tara: Atisha's Tutelary Deity	15
Atisha: Voyages in Indonesia and Tibet	23
Nyetang: The Final Abode of Atisha	73