Buddhism in Nepal

Buddha was born in Shakya kingdom which lies in Rupandehi district, Lumbini zone of Nepal. 10.74% of Nepal's population practice Buddhism, consisting mainly of groups of Tibeto-Burman origin.

Contents 1 Overview 2 History 2.1 Shakya clans of Lumbin

 Overview

Swayambhunath stupa and prayer flags.

Buddhist influences are evident in the culture of Nepal because Buddha was born in Nepal. It has strong Buddhist background and has played role in spread of Buddhism to Tibet. Nepalese princess Bhrikuti played a significant role in development of Buddhism in Tibet and Far East. Tibetan Buddhist architecture has long been influenced by Nepalese artists and sculptors like Araniko. The sacred Buddhist texts in Mahayana Buddhism are mainly written in Ranjana script (the script of Newars) or scripts like Lantsa which are derived from Ranjana.

In traditional Nepalese Buddhism, there are nine special texts which are called the "Nine Dharma Jewels", and these are considered the nine books of Buddhism par excellence:

• Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra
• Gaṇḍavyūha Sūtra
• Daśabhūmika Sūtra
• Samādhirāja Sūtra
• Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra
• Saddharma Puṇḍarīka Sūtra
• Tathāgataguhya Sūtra
• Lalitavistara Sūtra
• Suvarṇaprabhāsa Sūtra

Among the Tibeto-Burman tribes, Tibetan Buddhism is the most widely practised form. Newar practice Newar variant of Vajrayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism. Many Buddhist groups are also influenced by Hinduism.
Buddhism is the dominant religion of the thinly-populated northern areas, which are inhabited by Tibetan-related peoples, namely the Sherpa, Lopa, Manangi, Thakali, Lhomi, Dolpa and Nyimba. They constitute a small minority of the country's population.
Ethnic groups that live in central Nepal, such as Gurung, Lepcha, Tamang, Magar, Newar, Yakkha, Thami, Chhantyal and Chepang, are also followers of Buddhism. These ethnic groups have larger populations compared to their northern neighbours. They came under the influence of Hinduism due to their close contacts with the Hindu castes. In turn, many of them eventually adopted Hinduism and have been largely integrated into the caste system.
The Kirant tribes, especially the Limbu and the Rai, have also adopted Tibetan Buddhist practises from their Buddhist neighbours. The Jirel, which is considered a Kirata tribe, have also adopted Tibetan Buddhism.

 History

Buddhist prayer flags in Nepal.

Buddha was born in Nepal. He preached in parts of South Asia which lie in modern Nepal.

 Shakya clans of Lumbini

Buddha was born in Lumbini (which is now in Nepal). According to the Tripitaka, he visited his father's kingdom and converted his family and clan to Buddhism. The Shakya clans later moved to Kathmandu valley and helped establish Buddhism there.
Republic of Nepal (2006-present)
Nepal became a secular country in 2006. All religion got equal opportunities to propagate according to their belief. Thus, the role the Buddhist tradition played, is playing and will play to smoothly run society, strengthen it and extend it widely from the narrow frontiers is a great thing worth appreciating.

 

Ethnic Group	Total Population	Total Buddhist	Percentage Buddhist
Tamang	1,282,304	1,157,461	90.3
Magar			24.5
Gurung			69
Newar	1,242,232	190,629	15.3
Sherpa			92.8
Bhote			60.5
Thakali			65
Chhantyal			64.2
Jirel			87
Lepcha			88.8
Yehlmo			98.4

Ethnic Group	Total Population	Total Buddhist	Percentage Buddhist
Tamang	1,282,304	1,157,461	90.3
Magar			24.5
Gurung			69
Newar	1,242,232	190,629	15.3
Sherpa			92.8
Bhote			60.5
Thakali			65
Chhantyal			64.2
Jirel			87
Lepcha			88.8
Yehlmo			98.4

Ethnic Group	Total Population	Total Buddhist	Percentage Buddhist
Tamang	1,282,304	1,157,461	90.3
Magar			24.5
Gurung			69
Newar	1,242,232	190,629	15.3
Sherpa			92.8
Bhote			60.5
Thakali			65
Chhantyal			64.2
Jirel			87
Lepcha			88.8
Yehlmo			98.4