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Showing posts from November 25, 2012

Origin of State of Bhutan and spread of Buddhism

Ancient stone implements and other archaeological findings indicate there were settlements in Bhutan dating back to 2000 B.C. The recorded history of the kingdom, however, begins with the advent of Buddhism in the 8th Century following the visit of Guru   Padmasambhava   in 747 A.D. Buddhism has occupied a predominant role in shaping the social political, economic and cultural evolution of the country . In 9 th century, Langdarma(836-842),grandson of Thrisung Duetsen , the anti-Buddhist king of Tibet persecuted Buddhist   monks which led to infuse of monks in Bhutan thus spreading the seeds of Buddhism. Langdharma even exiled his own brother prince Tsangma who settled in eastern Bhutan and his descendents came to be known as Tsangla. Though Langdarma was assassinated by monk named Lhalung Pelgi Dorji, most of exiled people never went back to Tibet. Besides, Lhalungi Pelgi Dorji and their brothers also fled to Bhutan thus further spreading Buddhism. Their descendents became priest