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Thus, Atisa accompanied by Pandita Bhumi Garbha, Nag-tcho, Gya-tson Senge, Bhumi Sangha, Virya Chandra and a large retinue set out for Mitra Vihara, where the monks received him with joy. Gya-tson with his two attendants, Nag-tcho with 6 and Atisa with 20 attendants set out from there for Tibet. Near the Indian frontier, at a small vihara, the monks looked upon his departure as the sign of downfall of Buddhism in India. As the party reached the sacred place of Arya Swayambhu, Atisa was warmly received by the Raja and was accommodated in a part of the palace itself. Even as Atisa was delighted by the very sight of Swayambhu, he was shattered following the sudden death of Gya-tson, on a relapse of fever. On being convinced by Nag-tcho, who explained the presence of lochavas (interpreters) who could assist him in his mission to Tibet, he proceeded further. It was here that he wrote an epistle to the then King Naya Pala, which has survived in its Tibetan translation.
To be continued...