Expedition In Search of Nagarjuna’s Life and Works

Expedition In Search of Nagarjuna’s Life and Works

Sage Nagarjuna (AD 78 – 180) was a revolutionary, scholar, alchemist, poet, physician and philosopher who was born in Andhra Pradesh, India and lived in China for many years. He is revered as Medicine Buddha, introducer of Middle Way philosophy and Alchemist in Ayurveda. There are many historical recordings about his life and works, at the same time many differences of opinions about some of the facts interwoven with mythological stories.

Exploratory travel planned from Thiruvizha Vihara Temple, near Cherthalai, Kerala, India to Beijing, China. This is for the purpose of a research based documentary film project and making of a good

Start date : 14 April 2008
End date : 8 July 2008
Beijing (8 – 24 Aug Beijing Olympics 2008)

Countries covered:
o India
o Nepal
o Bhutan
o China (including Tibet)

Objective:
o To redo the travel supposed to have made by Sage Nagarjuna.
o To visit institutions and organisations related with / established on the legendary figure, Nagarjuna.
o To find the books believed to have written by Sage Nagarjuna (Medicine Buddha),
o To analyse the significance of his Philosophy in today’s world
o To understand the reasons behind considering him as the most revered alchemist of ancient time
o To better understand the ancient trade / exploratory routes that existed in South Asia and China, especially in the Buddhist period.

Expedition team members:
1. Expert(s) in philosophy – comparative study between (Madhyamika – Middle path) Buddhism and Vedic Culture
2. Expert(s) in Ayurveda and Sanskrit,
3. Tibetan medicine and Tibetan language
4. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese language.
5. Documentary film maker – camera man / photo journalist
6. Online content writer for travelogue,

Why Thiruvuzha Viharam at Cherthala, Kerala ?
Sage Nagarjuna is believed to have spent some time in this temple and wrote a book called Rasavaisheshika (on use of chemicals in herbal medicine). Even today, there is ritualistic induced vomiting for devotees who have stomach related problems happing in this temple. The medicine used is unknown and is prepared only by a traditional family living nearby, using some plants with rich mineral content.
Though he was born in southern Andhra Pradesh, his works are equally significant in Kerala also.

Why Beijing?
The whole world is coming (attracted) to Beijing in August 2008 for Olympic Games. That is the best opportunity to popularise the teachings and works of Sage Nagarjuna to all those who are interested.
Nagarjuna is revered as Medicine Buddha and one could see his statue (idol) in almost all temples, on the right side of Buddha.
We are already in touch with the eminent scholars and research institutions in Beijing to support this expedition.

Transport by: a suitable vehicle / mode of transport to accommodate all the exploratory travelers

Accommodation: Buddha Vihrams (temples), monasteries, places associated with Universities / research institutions, Youth Hostels and/or budget hotels.

Cost of the exploration travel: Costs involved are for transportation, food and accommodation, documentation and promotion. In-kind sponsorship may be availed for various items – transport, accommodation, digital photography, web launch, media coverage etc.

o The group will also try for support from India-China Friendship Association (Year 2006 is celebrated as India-China Friendship Year),
o Nagarjuna University in Andhra Pradesh and similar institutions will be helpful in background research works.

Prospective Media Partners
o International TV Channels
o International Newspapers
o Indian News papers
o Local (Kerala) Newspapers
o Indian Channels

Proposed Corporate Supporters: (in-kind support or brand promotion)
o General Corporate Supporters
o For Transport
o Web launch
o Documentary Film
o Tourism
o Air Lines

General Corporate Supporters
o To include company / brand name.
o To support as a corporate supporter

Benefits for the sponsoring companies / organisations:
o Brand promotion – Logo / emblem on the vehicle, link from the web site and all other promotional materials including press releases / press conferences.
o CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) – image building
o Increased PR mileage
o Any other promotional activity as mutually agreed upon.

Proposed Itinerary
· April 14 Thiruvizha, Alapuzha, Kerala
· April 15 Kottakkal or Coimbatore (Ayurveda)
· April 16, 17 Buddhist Monastery near Mysore
· April 18, 19, 20 Nagarjunakonda (AP)
· April 21, 22, 23 Ajenta, Ellora and Amaravathy (Maharastra)
· April 24, 25 – Sanchi (MP)
April 26 – May 10 (including Buddha Poornima) – Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Sarnat, …….. (Delhi, UP, Bihar) – During the celebrations there will be millions of Buddhist devotees from across the world at Bodh Gaya and other destinations. AN opportunity to promote the objective of the expedition.
May 15 – 25 Bhutan
May 26 – June 5 – Tibet (including World Environment Day) – This year’s theme is “Melting of Ice – Hot Topic?” is based on climate change and its effects on glaciers / ice deposits on arctic regions. Tibetan Plateau glaciers: The largest area of ice outside the polar regions, these 46,298 glaciers are disappearing at the rate of 50 per cent per decade, threatening water supplies across much of Asia.
June 6 – 30 – China (upto Beijing)
July – August – Further promotional works / Seminars and Workshops / Exhibitions at Beijing. The objective is to create awareness about Sage Nagarjuna’s life and works to the whole world. There is an underlying purpose of cultural integration and scope for better understanding among diversified people.
End of Sep, return to India