Verse-glorification of the Buddha from the first Canto of the Bhagavata Purana

Abstract

This article is devoted to the study of the image of the Buddha, manifested in the pages of perhaps the most influential Purana, namely, the Bhagavata Purana, or sim­ply the Bhagavata. The study of this image will allow us to see the points of possible mutual understanding and interaction between Buddhists and Vishnuites (Vaish­navas). This study is limited to the analysis of the first stanza in the Bhagavata Pu­rana that glorifies the Buddha. This stanza is analyzed by various medieval and mod­ern Indian commentators (Sridhara, Madhva, Vallabha, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, Bhaktiprajnana Kesava, Bhaktivedanta). As a result of the analysis of the text, it was revealed that the first stanza-the glorification of the Buddha from the Bhagavata Pu­rana-has at least four readings, each of which offers variations around the name of the father (or mother) The Buddhas. Bhaktiprajnana’s suggestion of two different Bud­dhas, Shakyamuni Buddha and avatara Buddha, who preached at different times, is remarkably interesting, but not obvious. The place of the appearance of the Buddha, indicated in the Bhagavata Purana – Bodh-Gaya, does not coincide with the birth­place of Shakyamuni Buddha, but coincides with the place of his Enlightenment.