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Professor Basanta Bidari stands as a luminary figure at the intersection of Buddhist scholarship, archaeological discovery, and spiritual practice. Renowned as a foremost authority on the life and teachings of the Buddha, his journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of understanding and a deep commitment to preserving the rich heritage of Buddhism.
Born with an insatiable curiosity and a reverence for the ancient wisdom of the East, Prof. Bidari embarked on his academic journey in the early 1980s, immersing himself in the hallowed halls of the Indian Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan. Under the tutelage of eminent scholars, he honed his expertise in Indology, laying the groundwork for his lifelong exploration of Buddhist history and culture.
In 1988, armed with a diploma in archaeology from the prestigious Institute of Archaeology in New Delhi, Prof. Bidari embarked on a pioneering expedition that would redefine our understanding of Buddhist archaeology. For nearly three decades, he served as the Chief Archaeologist at the Lumbini Development Trust, meticulously uncovering hidden treasures and sacred sites across the landscapes of Nepal.
His tenure at the helm of archaeological endeavors yielded groundbreaking discoveries, none more significant than his epoch-making revelation in 1996—the unearthing of the stone marking the exact birthplace of the Buddha in the Sacred Garden of Lumbini. This historic find not only solidified Lumbini’s status as the holiest pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide but also underscored Prof. Bidari’s profound impact on the preservation of Buddhist heritage.
But Prof. Bidari’s contributions extend far beyond the realm of archaeology. As a prolific author, his seminal works—including “Lumbini: Past, Present, Future” and “Kapilavastu: Siddhartha’s World”—have served as guiding beacons for scholars and seekers alike, offering profound insights into the cultural tapestry of Buddhism.
A consummate educator, Prof. Bidari’s passion for sharing knowledge has taken him across continents, where he has delivered enlightening lectures and seminars on Buddhist history and philosophy. His teachings transcend academic discourse, drawing inspiration from his personal journey as a devoted practitioner of Buddhist meditation.
In recognition of his invaluable contributions, Prof. Bidari has been entrusted with the honor of guiding esteemed dignitaries and spiritual leaders through the sacred sites of Lumbini, including luminaries such as António Guterres, Thich Nhat Hanh and Buzz Aldrin. His role as a consultant for Bernardo Bertolucci’s acclaimed film “The Little Buddha” further underscores his status as a preeminent authority on Buddhist heritage.
Today, Professor Basanta Bidari continues to inspire future generations as a dedicated faculty member at Lumbini Buddhist University, where he imparts wisdom with humility and grace. His legacy stands as a testament to the enduring power of knowledge, compassion, and spiritual inquiry—a beacon of enlightenment in an ever-changing world.
