Theos-Talk Archives (May 2012 Message tt00196)

An interesting historical account of how Buddhism in South India is the
pre-cursor to current Dravidian political movement. It is also interesting
to note how Buddhist viharas were established in South India and Sakya
Buddhist Society was setup in Chennai in 1898, for which a building was
rented at Royapettah. Interestingly the rent, Rs.10 was contributed by
Henry Steele Olcott of Theosophical Society, another pioneer who
established free schools for the oppressed along with free meals.

Current politicians would be well served if they read the part played by
Buddhism in Tamil Nadu.

Here is the full link:

<
http://www.lankaweb.com/news/items/2012/05/30/pandith-iyothee-thass-believed-the-untouchables-of-tamil-nadu-were-former-buddhists-and-converted-himself-to-be-a-buddhist-by-visiting-sri-lanka/
>

mkr


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