The University of Nalanda c14.36

c14.36

We have a most vivid and interesting description of Atiśa by the Tibetan envoy who came to India to take Atiśa to Tibet. He is describing a meeting of the monks and students, a “convocation,” as Samaddar has called it. “When all the rows of seats were filled up,” says the awestruck visitor, “there came Lord Atiśa, the Venerable of the Venerables, in all his glory, at whose sight, the eyes felt no satiety. His graceful appearance and smiling face struck every one of the assembly. From his waist hung down a bundle of keys. The Indians, Nepalese and Tibetans, all looked at him and took him for a countryman of their own. There was brightness mixed with simplicity of expression on his face, which acted as a magic spell upon those who beheld him."'1