Introduction
Buddhism, one of the world's major religions, has had a significant historical presence in Afghanistan. Though it is no longer a dominant religion in the country, its influence is still evident in the cultural and historical landmarks that dot the Afghan landscape. Buddhism in Afghanistan is associated with a rich history, various sects, festivals and scriptures. Afghanistan also has some famous temples and monasteries, and recognizing governmental organizations in Afghanistan support Buddhist Heritage.
History
Buddhism in Afghanistan dates back to the time of the Maurya Empire in the 3rd century BCE, when Emperor Ashoka sent missionaries to spread the teachings of Buddha. By the 1st century CE, Buddhism had firmly established itself in the region, thriving particularly during the Kushan Empire (30-375 AD). The ancient city of Bamiyan, renowned for its giant Buddha statues carved into the cliffs, became a significant center of Buddhist learning and culture. However, with the advent of Islam in the 7th century, Buddhism gradually declined, and by the 12th century, it had largely disappeared from Afghanistan. The main kingdom was Gandhara and Bactria. Gandhara included the areas of both the Pakistani Punjab and Afghanistan sides of the Kyber pass and Jalalabad centre of Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan. Eventually the Afghanistan half, from Kyber pass to Kabul valley, received the rare Nangarhar while the Punjabi side retained the rare Gandhara.
Sects
Historically, Afghanistan was a melting pot of various Buddhist sects. The two main branches of Buddhism that flourished were Theravada and Mahayana. Mahayana Buddhism, with its diverse practices and philosophical schools, was particularly prominent. The region also saw the development of unique schools such as the Sarvastivada and the Lokottaravada, which contributed to the rich tapestry of Buddhist thought and practice in ancient Afghanistan.
Festival
During its peak, Buddhist festivals in Afghanistan were vibrant and widely celebrated. Wesak (or Vesak), commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha, was one of the most important festivals. Another significant festival was Uposatha, observed on full moon days, focusing on meditation and adherence to Buddhist precepts. These festivals not only served religious purposes but also fostered a sense of community among followers.
Scriptures
Buddhist scriptures in Afghanistan were primarily written in Sanskrit and Prakrit languages. Important texts included the Tripitaka, comprising the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka, which formed the core of Theravada Buddhist canon. Mahayana texts such as the Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra, and the Mahavastu were also prevalent. The discovery of the Bamiyan manuscripts, a collection of ancient Buddhist texts, has provided invaluable insights into the Buddhist literature that once flourished in the region.
Famous Temples and Monasteries
Afghanistan was home to several magnificent Buddhist temples and monasteries. The most famous among them were the Bamiyan Buddhas, two colossal statues carved into the cliffs of the Bamiyan valley. These statues, dating back to the 6th century CE, were destroyed in 2001 but remain a symbol of Afghanistan's Buddhist heritage. There are efforts being made by the Afghan Government to restore the statues. A multi-million dollar Italian funded UNSECO has been Initiated. Another notable site is the Tepe Sardar monastery near Ghazni, which was a major center for Buddhist learning. The Mes Aynak site, currently under excavation, has revealed numerous stupas and monasteries, shedding light on the extensive Buddhist presence in the region.
Present Status
Today, the Buddhist population in Afghanistan is virtually non-existent. However, the country remains an important archaeological and historical site for Buddhism. Efforts are underway to preserve and protect Buddhist heritage sites, despite the challenges posed by political instability and conflict. International organizations and local authorities are working together to document and conserve what remains of Afghanistan's Buddhist past.
Government Recognized Organizations
The Afghan government has shown interest in preserving the country's Buddhist heritage, recognizing its historical and cultural significance. The Ministry of Information and Culture oversees the conservation of archaeological sites, including those of Buddhist origin. International collaborations with UNESCO and other heritage organizations aim to protect and restore key sites. These efforts underscore a commitment to acknowledging and preserving Afghanistan's diverse historical legacy, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the rich tapestry of its past. The national Museum in Kabul has received support from the US govt. to restore several destroyed artefacts. The museum is rich with Buddhist art and artefacts. The present govt. in Kabul realise that protecting Buddhist art and heritage will undoubtedly enhance the image of Afghanistan at the international level.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY SIMON NORFOLK; PHOTOGRAPHED AT NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFGHANISTAN, KABUL (LEFT); PHOTOGRAPHED AT MES AYNAK, COURTESY AFGHAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHAEOLOGY (RIGHT)
Left: Buddhas in two tiers, schist, 9.8 inches, 3rd-4th century. Right: Horse, clay, 3.3 inches long, 3rd-7th century.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY SIMON NORFOLK; PHOTOGRAPHED AT NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFGHANISTAN, KABUL (LEFT); PHOTOGRAPHED AT MES AYNAK, COURTESY AFGHAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHAEOLOGY (RIGHT)
Since excavations began in 2009, thousands of artifacts have come to light, reflecting the wealth that copper brought to this religious and industrial site. Left: Bodhisattva schist, 15.3 inches, 3rd-5th century. Right: 11.4-inch fragment of 7-foot-tall Buddha, clay, 5th-6th century.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY SIMON NORFOLK; PHOTOGRAPHED AT NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFGHANISTAN, KABUL
Among the works of art rescued from destruction are the oldest known complete wooden Buddha (left), eight inches tall, and a painted clay figure of a rich female monastery patron, 32 inches tall. Both date from around A.D. 400 to 600.