The University of Nalanda c15.109

c15.109

First, Nālandā was renowned not for one or two outstanding qualities, but they were, as the inscription says; “manifold”. Nālandā, again, as it appears from other lines, was a centre where “venerable *bhikṣus* assembled from the four quarters,” was an abode where “resided Bodhisattvas well-versed in *Tantras*, and the eight great holy personages,” was a storehouse of old manuscripts (Dharma Ratnas), to copy which learned men flocked to Nālandā, and finally it was an emporium which supplied medicine to the sick, alms to the beggar, garments to the naked, and shelter to the homeless. In Nālandā were thus combined all the diverse features. It was at once a monastery for the monks to reside, a University, and a library (which feature is really subsumed under the