Contents: 1. The Thagata. 2. Buddhist art and architecture. 3. Buddhist Acharyas of Andhradesa. 4. Andhra Pradesh and Buddhism. 5. Buddhist site maps. Major Buddhist Sites in Andhra Pradesh: 1. Dantapuram. 2. Erragudi. 3. Amaravati. 4. Bhattiprolu. 5. Bavikonda. 6. Pavuralakonda. 7. Thotlakonda. 8. Chandavaram. 9. Dhulikatta. 10. Guntupalli. 11. Jagayyapeta. 12. Salihundam. 13. Kondapur. 14. Phanigiri. 15. Nandalur. 16. Sankaram. 17. Ghantasala. 18. Ramatheertham. 19. Adurru. 20. Nelakondapalli. 21. Nagajunakonda. 22. Anupu. 23. Ananda Buddha Vihara. 24. The Buddha Monolith.

It is indeed a privilege for all of Andhra Pradesh that His Holiness, The Dalai Lama is favouring the state with his presence in January 2006. For a cause as sacred as bestowing the Kalachakra initiation, at Amaravati, the site of the first ever Kalachakra sermon delivered by the Buddha himself, 27centuries ago!

The Kalachakra Tantra, the highest Yoga Tantra, embodies the essence of 84,000 categories of the Buddha’s teaching. It is meant to help us purify our body, speech and mind in order that we attain enlightenment. Traditionally, this initiation has been a closely guarded secret open only to Buddhist practioners. The Dalai Lama, however, has begun presentations of the Kalachakra Tantra to the public at large, as a cultural offering. This is his 30th Kalachakra initiation.

We welcome His Holiness to the State of Andhra Pradesh. A land that will be consecrated by his presence. (Jacket)