Buddhist culture & tradtion

Buddhist culture and traditions in Nepal

Objectives

            This paper is divided into three parts based upon the major Buddhist traditions that prevailed in Nepal. The main objective of this paper is to give introductory knowledge of the Buddhist traditions, which are in practice in the daily life among the Buddhist society of Nepal. The three parts of this paper are namely, Buddhism of Nepal Mandala, Buddhist Heritage of northern Nepal and Theravada Buddhist tradition in Nepal.

            The Buddhism of Nepal mandala ha unique indigenous tradition, culture and a long history. Buddhist heritage of Northern Nepal, the Himalayan area of Nepal possessing the history of more than one millennium, is deeply influenced by the Tibetan Buddhist Heritage. Theravada Buddhist tradition has also occupied the history of a little more than five decades very successfully in Kathmanduvalley and in other few cities.

Part I

Buddhism of Nepal Mandala

Unit 1  Introduction to Development of Buddhism in Nepal Mandala

1.1    Origin and concept of Nepal Mandala

1.2    Mythological accounts as depicted in the Svayambhu Purna

1.3    Literary sources, Buddhist literature, chronicles and foreign accounts

1.4    Historical accounts with special reference to archaeological evidences of the Lichhavi and the Malla period

Unit 2              Buddhist Viharas of Nepal Mandala

                        2.1. Classification

                        2.2. Orders

                        2.3 Functions

Unit 3              Buddist Society of Nepal Mandala

                        3.1 Buddhist communities

                        3.2 Traditional professions

                        3.3 Contribution for the promotion of Buddhism

                        3.4  Life style (Dasa karma rite and rituals)

Unit 4              Buddhist Feast and Festivals of Nepal mandala

                        4.1 Pancadana

                        4.2 Gunladharma

                        4.3 samyakdana

                        4.4 Sanghabhojan

                        4.5 Vratas

Unit 5              Important Buddhist sites of Nepal Mandala

5.1 Swayambhu Maha-Caitya and Khasti-caitya, Cavahi-Caitya and Srighacaitya

5.2 Four Asokan Stupas

5.3 Four Karunamaya

5.4 Four Yoginies

5.5. Tirtha

Part II

Buddhist Heritage of Northern Nepal

Unit 1              Introduction to Buddhism in Northern Nepal

1.1  Geographical location of Northern Nepal

1.2   Belief, myth and history of Buddhism in Northern Nepal

1.3  Buddhist societies and their life style in Northern Nepal

Unit 2              Prominent Sects and Gompas of Northern Nepal

                        2.1 Prominent Sects

                        2.1.1 Nyingmapa

                        2.1.2 Kagyupa

                        2.1.3 Sakyapa

                        2.2 Prominent Gumbas

                        2.2.1 Classification

                        2.2.2 Orders

                        2.2.3 Functions

                        2.3 Hierarchy of sangha members

Unit 3              Buddhist festival and pilgrimage Sites in Northern Nepal

3.1 Buddhist Festivals

3.1.1 Losar

3.1.2 Yartong

3.1.3 mani Rimdu

3.1.4 Tiji

3.2 Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites

3.2.1 maratika

3.2.2 Muktinath

3.2.3 Shey

Unit 4 Observation on Tibetan Buddhism in Modern Nepal

            Part III

Theravada Buddhist Tradition in Nepal

Unit 1 History of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal

1.1  Introduction to Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal

1.2  Observation on Theravada movement in modern Nepal

Unit 2 Monastic Functions of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal

            2.1 ordination

            2.2 Orders

            2.3 Functions

Unit 3 Popular Practices of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal

            3.1 Samgha Bhojan

            3.2 Kathinadana

            3.3 Maha Paritrana Pathas

Reference Books

1. Aanderson, Mary M- The festivals of Ne