Categories: India

Meet Nalanda’s ‘Chinese Baba’, With Followers from Vietnam, Thailand, and US

Fondly known as Nalanda’s ‘Chinese Baba’, Dr Yu Panyalinkara dedicated decades to serving the poor, promoting Buddhism, and fostering harmony, drawing monks and devotees worldwide, and placing Nalanda on the global Buddhist pilgrimage map.

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A Chinese monk visited Nalanda and made it his home. He became a renowned spiritual leader and bought Nalanda in front of the world. He spent his life helping people, promoting peace and spreading the ancient Buddhist teachings. Nalanda honored Dr Yu Panyalinkara on his third death anniversary.

Dr. Paniyalinkara arrived in India in 1981 for higher education and earned a doctorate in Pali language from Nava Nalanda Mahavihara in 1983. Later he became an Indian citizen in 2002.

Since then Nalanda became his permanent home, he is known for his selfless work, serving the poor, caring for the sake and supporting anyone in hard times. He formed bonds with people from all walks of life with kindness.

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Most Respected Monk

The government of Myanmar honoured him with the prestigious ‘Highest Degree in Religion’ award for his contribution to society and Buddhism in 2009. After that, he became one of the most respected spiritual leaders across Asia. His efforts also played a significant role in placing Nalanda on World’s Buddhist pilgrimage map.

Monks from Vietnam, Thailand, and Sri Lanka visited Nalanda to pay respects on Baba’s death anniversary.

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The Buddhist Chinese Temple became a hub of prayer and memories and attracted devotees from around the world. This is the very same place where he once guided thousands of people. 

Visitors to Nalanda feel the lasting impact of Dr Paniyalinkara’s vision, and compassion, even after so many years.

Published by Drishya Madhur