Sarnatha, Deer Park (India) is the Cradle of Buddhism, an important center of Buddhism, and a place of peace and happiness.
Archaeological discoveries at the Sarnatha site, have confirmed that Sarnatha is the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon to five Anna Kondanna brothers and where he founded the first Buddhist Sangha.
It was from Sarnatha that Buddha's disciples began to share his teachings, a path of bliss and happiness. Within a few years, Buddhism became very popular throughout India. From the common people to the king, all welcomed its spirit of equality and liberty. Today, Buddhism is practiced in many countries around the world.
Sarnatha: The Cradle of Buddhism from an Archeological Perspective, Dr. Bhikkhuni Gioi Hong, Eastern Book Linkers, Hardcover, 354 pp, $50.00
Dr. Bhikkhuni Gioi Hong (world name Sunyata Pham) was born in 1963 in Binh Tuy, Vietnam and ordained at the age of fifteen under the great master, the Most Venerable Bhikkhuni Hai Trieu Am. In 1994, she received a Bachelor's Degree in Literature from Sai Gon University. She studied in India for ten years and in 2003, graduated with a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy from the University of Delhi, India. In 2005, she settled down in the United States and in 2015, she earned a second Bachelor's Degree in Literature at the University of Riverside, California.
Currently, she is pursuing a degree in the Master of Arts Program at the University of California, Riverside and works as a lecturer at the Vietnam Buddhist University in HCM City. She favors quietly reflecting on Dharma, and that leads her to write, as well as translate, Buddhist books and lyrics for music albums on her Bao Anh Lac Bookshelf.
In 2000, she established Huong Sen Temple, Binh Chanh, Sai Gon. Viet Nam. In 2010, she founded Huong Sen Temple in Perris, California, USA, where she serves as abbess.
