Lankahdostas

Lankahdostas, a term used in historical Sanskrit texts, refers to a group of Buddhist monks who originated from the island of Lanka, which is now known as Sri Lanka. The Lankahdostas were known for their expertise in Buddhist philosophy, particularly the Abhidharma tradition, which focuses on the analysis of Buddhist doctrine.

During the medieval period, a number of Lankahdostas traveled to the Indian subcontinent, where they played an important role in the development of Buddhist thought. The Lankahdostas were particularly active in the Buddhist universities of Nalanda and Vikramashila, which were major centers of Buddhist learning.

One of the most notable Lankahdostas was a Buddhist monk named Dhammapala, who is said to have traveled from Lanka to India in the 10th century. Dhammapala is believed to have been a student of the famous Buddhist scholar Atisha, who was instrumental in reviving Mahayana Buddhist teachings in Tibet.

The Lankahdostas also had an impact on the development of Tantric Buddhism, which is a sect of Buddhism that emphasizes the use of ritual and magical practices to attain enlightenment. The Lankahdostas are said to have introduced the concept of dharani, or sacred sound, which is a central aspect of Tantric Buddhism.

While the Lankahdostas played a significant role in the development of Buddhist thought in India and other parts of Southeast Asia, there is limited information available about their history and teachings. Nevertheless, their contributions to Buddhist philosophy and practice continue to be an important area of study for scholars of Buddhism.