Buddhism in Nepal

Author : Peter Vredeveld

Buddhism is widely followed in Nepal, especially in some ethnic groups like Magar, Newar, Gurung, Rai, and Tamang.

India is widely acknowledged as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha and the origin of Buddhism. However, Nepal plays a crucial role in Buddhism's history, being Buddha's birthplace. Gautama Buddha was born into the Shakya clan's royal family in Kapilvastu, which is located in present-day Rupandehi district, Nepal. Despite being predominantly a Hindu Kingdom, Buddhism has always been a significant part of Nepalese religious life. Buddhism is particularly prevalent in the Northern regions of Nepal, especially among ethnic groups like the Tamang, Magar, and Gurung. The influence of Tibetan Buddhism is notable in these areas.

Nepal is unique in how Hindu and Buddhist communities often share temples for worship and perform their religious practices in harmony. A prime example is Muktinath, a sacred site revered by Hindus and Buddhists. The Newar people of Nepal practice a unique form of Buddhism influenced by both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism. Nepal's rich Buddhist tradition is also reflected in its legends, such as Bhrikuti and Manjushri. The Swayambhu Purana, an essential Buddhist text, narrates the origin of the Swayambhunath Stupa atop a hill. Recent archaeological findings have suggested that Lumbini is home to one of the oldest Buddhist shrines, dating back 2500 years.

History of Buddhism in Nepal

Buddhism in Nepal has evolved through various periods, mirroring the country's dynamic historical landscape. The introduction of Buddhism in Nepal is believed to have occurred during the lifetime of Lord Buddha himself.

Shakya Clans

Prince Siddhartha, who later became Gautama Buddha, was born into the Shakya clan of Kapilvastu, Nepal. He was the son of King Suddhodhana and Queen Maha Maya. After attaining Nirvana in Bodh Gaya, India, Buddha returned to Kapilvastu and converted his family and clan to Buddhism. The Shakya clan later migrated to Kathmandu, playing a pivotal role in spreading Buddhism in Nepal's capital.

During the Pre-Licchavi Period, we witnessed significant events in Nepalese Buddhism. According to the Swayambhu Purana, Manjushri, an essential Buddhist bodhisattva, we created a gorge in Kathmandu. The great Mauryan Emperor Ashoka visited Lumbini in the 2nd century CE, erected a pillar there, and sent missionaries to propagate the Dharma in Nepal. Ashoka is also credited with building four stupas in Patan.

During the Licchavi Period, significant Buddhist sites were identified in the Kathmandu valley, such as the Swayambhunath Stupa and Boudhanath Stupa. This period also saw the beginning of the cart festival to honor Avalokiteshvara (Matseyendranath), a tradition that continues to this day as one of Kathmandu's most popular festivals.

The Green Tara of Tibetan Buddhism, Bhrikuti, believed to be the daughter of the first Licchavi King Anshuvarma, played a pivotal role in introducing Buddhism to Tibet through her marriage to Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The Malla Period is considered the golden age of Buddhism in Nepal, marked by the rivalry between the Tibetan Buddhist Thangka and the Paubha, introduced by the Newars in the Kathmandu valley. However, Buddhism suffered greatly during the reigns of the Shah and Rana Dynasties, leading to the exile of many Buddhist monks.

Famous Buddhist Sites in Nepal

1. Kapilvastu, Lumbini

Kapilvastu and Lumbini are sites of immense significance in the history of Gautama Buddha and Buddhism. Lumbini, recognized as one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites worldwide, is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Kapilvastu, where Buddha spent his early years, witnessed Rahula, one of Buddha's ten great disciples, join the Buddhist order.

2. Swayambhunath Stupa

The Swayambhunath Stupa is a testament to the ancient roots of Buddhism in Nepal and remains one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

3. Boudhanath Stupa

The Boudhanath Stupa is a central hub for Tibetans in Nepal and is noted as the largest stupa in the country. It is believed to have been constructed during the Mughal invasion.

4. Hiranya Varna MahaVihar (Kwa Baha)

Located in the ancient city of Lalitpur, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, known as The Golden Temple, is one of Nepal's most intricate and ornate Buddhist monuments.

Banishment of Buddhist Monks in Nepal

During the oppressive reign of the Rana Dynasty, a campaign was launched to suppress the rise of Theravada Buddhism, culminating in the exiling of Buddhist monks in 1926 and 1944. These monks, front-runners in the movement to revive Theravada Buddhism in Nepal, were forced to flee to India and other regions. Notably, the exiled monks of 1926 included Mahapragya, Mahaviryya, Mahachandra, Mahakhanti, and Mahagnana, and the 1944 exiles were Pragyananda, Dhammalok, Subhodhananda, Pragyarashmi, Pragyarasa, Ratnajyoti, Agga Dhamma, and Kumar Kashyap. Following diplomatic negotiations with the Sri Lankan government, these monks returned to Nepal in 1946 and devoted themselves to meditation and preaching Dharma to the masses.