The buddhist heritage of pakistan

The Wheel of Law, set into motion by Buddha at the Hindu holy city of Benares, blazed a glowing trail across the Subcontinent to Sri Lanka, onto the Far East and along the Silk Road, over the Hindu Kush and the mightly Himalayas into Afghanistan, China and regions far beyond. The road to Buddhism carries enduring imprints of Buddha from Nepal, where he was born, to India where he established the first Sangha, to Sri Lanka, where his footprints are enshrined, to Gandhara, which emerged as a centre of Buddhist learning and civilization, and distant lands in the form of Noble Truths and Noble Eightfold Path, which transformed the lives of countless millions over more than twenty-five centuries. The story of spread of Buddhism is interesting and instructive. The message of the Enlightened One was carried over the mountain trails and trade routes by his followers, traders and travellers. The road to Buddhism passes through many splendid place, from fabulous valleys to lofty hilltop, strewn with majestic monuments and monasteries. There are rich collections of sacred relics and superb specimen of art and architecture which are an integral part of the human heritage. This volume attempts to showcase some of these wonderful places, artefacts and icons in Pakistan which are priceless treasures of national heritage and of immense interest to Buddhists and researchers round the world.