Newar Buddhism practiced by Newars of
Nepal accolades the cultural identity of Newars. The remnants and ruins, and the living
Buddhist shrines in and around Kathmandu valley reflects the epitome of
Buddhist tradition and culture preserved and pursued by the Newars.
The Newar Buddhism reflects the glorious
traditions of Nalanda and Vikramasila monasteries in India. The traditions of these monasteries were
taken to Tibet and Kathmandu by great Masters.
In Tibet the tradition established as Tibetan Buddhism with the value
addition from Tibetan Masters. In Kathmandu, to the texts and traditions brought from Nalanda and Vikramasila,
unique texts like Swayembhu Puran were added.
Indeed it is Swayembhu Purana that gives Newar Buddhism a distinct
identity.
Besides Swayembu Puran, some of the
other specific texts that Newar Budhism reveres include Namasamgiti,
Buddhacarita, and Gunakarandavyuha.
Among the Buddhas; Buddha Dipankara, who is Dharmakaya
Adi Buddha, the sole and self-existing and all pervading being, is revered most. It is evident from the culture and traditions of Newar society, such as
Panchadaan, the fivefold charity, festival.
Newar Buddhism is the only form of
Vajrayana in which the scriptures are in Sanskrit and the significant aspect of
it is that the priests are not celibacy.
The caste system has its root in Newar society with socio-cultural tasks
being perpetuated by respective caste title holders. The Vajracharya, the Master of Vajra
tradition, a sub-caste within Newar society, is the holders of the Vajra tradition.
The beauty of Newar society is that the
socio-cultural tasks could be traced to the sub-caste. This has contributed immensely in preserving,
through family lineage, the knowledge and skills in making Buddhist arts and
craft, be it painting or making statues.
Newar Buddhism is a lay tradition. It is under pressure of changing circumstance
for preserving and perpetuation of Newar Vajra tradition practiced by
Newars.
Due to lack of strong institutional
tradition and the tradition of lineage, as in case of Tibetan Buddhism, it has not attracted attention and promoted Newar Vajra tradition outside its own society. For this reason, Newar Vajra culture is seen
more as societal culture rather than Dharma tradition.
May you correct me, if I am wrong.
My desire to understand more about new Buddhism has always been strong. This is an excellent article. I am a huge lover of Thai Buddhas and would appreciate it if you could write about them as well. Thanks
ReplyDelete