Preface

 The epic poem Amriteya Buddha, penned by Ms. Savitri Devi, Sahitya Ratna, was first published in Hindi in 2003. A monumental work, it has since been recognized as a masterful effort to unify the timeless principles of Sanatan Dharma with Buddhism, fostering harmony and mutual respect between these profound traditions. The epic seeks to bridge the gap that some Hindus feel toward Buddhist teachings while dispelling any apathy harbored by Buddhist adherents toward Hindu philosophy. By doing so, it aspires to elevate the cultural and spiritual stature of Buddhism to the revered heights of the Ramcharitmanas.

What sets Amriteya Buddha apart is its remarkable scope and depth. It is a comprehensive literary endeavor that intricately chronicles the entire life history and teachings of Lord Buddha, a feat unparalleled in Buddhist literature. This epic fills a longstanding gap by presenting a unified and poetic narrative of Lord Buddha’s life, philosophy, and spiritual journey.

Buddhism, as a global religion, holds a prominent position in the spiritual landscape of the world. It serves as the state religion in Cambodia, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, while enjoying special recognition in Thailand and Laos. In countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, and Mongolia, Buddhism is the majority faith. Furthermore, it is the most followed religion in regions lacking a single dominant faith, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Kalmykia in Russia. Substantial Buddhist populations also thrive in North Korea, South Korea, Nepal, and India. Notably, China has the largest Buddhist population globally, with approximately 470 million adherents—33.3% of its total population, according to 2023 data. Most of these followers align with the Mahayana tradition.

With over 520 million adherents worldwide, Buddhism stands as the fourth-largest religion, comprising seven percent of the global population. Originating as a śramaṇa movement in the eastern Gangetic plains during the 5th century BCE, it gradually spread across Asia, profoundly shaping its culture and spirituality, before reaching the West in the 20th century.

The scholarly nature of Amriteya Buddha necessitates critical and careful study on a global scale. Recognizing this, its English translation, The Eternal Buddha, was undertaken to ensure accessibility to non-Hindi-speaking audiences. Buddhist-majority countries deserve access to this profound biography and teachings of Lord Buddha, many of which remain relatively unknown to the general public.

In a world fraught with conflict and discord, the teachings of Lord Buddha offer a timeless pathway to peace, compassion, and understanding. This work is not merely a literary achievement but a vital contribution to fostering global harmony.

To enhance its readability and accessibility, this epic is being published in four parts. The first part, The Eternal Buddha: From Birth to Renunciation, chronicles the early life of Lord Buddha leading to His great renunciation.

 

Ranchi (Jharkhand), India, 02 January 2025                                  –Prakash-