• 80% Hindu
• 10% Buddhist
• 4% Islam
• 4% Karat
• 2% Others

Buddhism

A religion based on the meditations of Gautama Siddharta, also called Sakyamuni (wise man of the Sakya clan) and later the Buddha (Enlightened one). It is philosophical doctrine and code of conduct, based on the three jewels; Buddha himself, Dharma, (Buddha’s teachings and prescribed conduct) and Singh ( the community).

Buddha was born in Lumbini Nepal around 544 BC, he was the son of a Raja (rulers and wealthy landlords) .

Unhappy with his existence he left his family to seek reason for human misery, he experimented and traveled. It is unclear how many years Buddha meditated but it is accepted to be many years. At last he found enlightenment through meditation at Bodh Gaya.

Sangha in the past meant a community of Buddhists, the concept broadened later to mean showing the path to enlightenment. Around 100 years after Buddha’s death, communities disagreed and split over ways to achieve enlightenment. The traditional school of Theravada Buddhists followed Buddha’s original teachings whereas the Mahayana School accepted some changes.They believed there were various ways to enlightenment known to them as Zen.

New scripts appeared introducing the changes,these included the deification of Buddha,separation was made between mortal Buddha, Sidhartha who will reappear, and transcendental ones which are only understood through meditation (Dhyani Buddhas). While enlightenment reached through individual effort and idea spreads through meditation, Buddha gives merit to those who worship them. Bodhisatva are humans who reached enlightenment, however, instead of joining Nirvana chose to help others to reach enlightenment.

Buddhist Study:
Today in the Kathmandu valley many monasteries, schools and colleges are found where the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha are practiced, much in the same manner of two and a half thousand years ago.

What makes Buddhism unique is its scientific and logical explanation of life without an outside creator. The Buddha tells us we are responsible for our lives and environment and with practical methods, we can achieve enlightenment in this very lifetime. Buddha’s teachings of peace are practiced not as a religion, but as a way of life which are more relevant today than ever before. Peace begins from within our own hearts and minds.

Two of the largest Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world are in the Kathmandu valley, the Bouddhanath and Swayambhunath stupas attract thousands of Buddhists and visitors each day.

In ancient legends it was taught that Shambala lies in the heart of the Himalaya and the Himalaya lies in the heart of many Buddhists, where Shambala exists.

Vajra or Dorje: Vajra or Dorje appears like two crowns with bases attached by a metal ball. Each crown has four outer spokes and one inner spoke to represent the meditation Buddhas who are united at the top to convey that they are but one. Means “ thunderbolt” symbolic attribute of Hindu God Indra who is the divine power of natural forces, and the “diamond”, the substance that is translucent and unbreakable. The Dorje is primarily a symbol of power but is also a representation of the male.

Ghanta: The bell is bronze and topped with a crown shaped handle. This symbolises the female in a metaphysical sense, male represents knowledge and female represents wisdom. Both are important to rituals, statues and temples for Buddha or to Bodhisattvas.

Chaitya: A somewhat conical stone structure found in shrines for gratitude or worship. The Chaitya always shows four statues representing each of the Dhyani-Buddhas or meditation Buddhas. Buddha facing North, called Buddha Amogasiddhi : can be seen with right hand upward and palms outward to express fearlessness and blessing. This is represented with a green colour.
Buddha facing East, called Buddha Akshobya : can be seen with right hand outstretched and fingers touching earth calling the Earth-Goddess to witness that Buddha resisted temptations put forth by the demon Mara who was trying to lure him away from his meditation.

It is also thought of as calling to witness Buddha’s deserving supreme enlightenment. Represented with a blue colour.Buddha facing South, called Buddha Ratnasambhawa : can be seen with right hand palm outwards to express compassion. Represented with a blue and yellow colour. Buddha facing West, called Buddha Amitaba: can be seen with two hands folded, resting on his lap in meditation. Represented with blue and red colour. Some Chaityas or scrolls show a fifth central figure, the Buddha Vairocana : who is situated above or in the middle of the previously mentioned four. He can be seen with hands folded in front of his chest. He is considered as a perfect sovereign, “turning the wheel of the Buddhist doctrine.” Represented with a blue and white colour. Another common Buddhist statue is that of the Tara, either white or green Tara. They were the two wives of Srong Tsam Gampo, a prince of Tibet who converted him to their faith of Buddhism.

Art and Buddhism
A historical look demonstrates that artistic expression reflects the religious and ethnic diversity within the valley. Nepalese art became prominent in the 13th century through the work of Balbahu, also known as Araniko. He was an architect for the King of Tibet and possibly the Emperor of China. Nepalese art is recognized for its candour ,simplicity and harmony finely balanced with intricacy and decoration. The Malla dynasty promoted all forms of artistic expression from the 14th to the 19th centuries, it was during this time that most of the temples and famous works on art to be seen today within the valley were constructed. Tibetan forms of expressions influenced art in the valley beginning in the 17th century, Tantric and Buddhist themes introduced greater differentiation between Nepalese and Indian art.

Hinduism
The word Hinduism was introduced in the 19th century to define the aggregate beliefs of the Arya immigrants who left Central Asia in 1500B.C..They originally followed an animist religion of the native population in India.

Basic concepts : Cosmic law rules the good order of the world.
Be aware and respect cosmic law which leads the life of a good Hindu. Observe rules, perform all rites, accept the caste of birth for the caste system supplies code of conduct. Rites done encompasses all parts of life : where and who to take a drink from, associate with, marry etc.

Bramha, creator of the universe
Attributes are the rosary, the receptacle of holy water, the ladle and book. Mode of transport is either a goose or swan. Brahma is usually represented with four heads and four hands which allow him to watch over the world. Very few statues of Brahma have been made since the original design was done. He is regarded as the God of Wisdom with the Vedas ( the book of wisdom learning ) in one hand . He holds a sacrificial spoon which is symbolic of spiritual nature, another hand is generally raised by way of blessing everyone. He carries water in a Kamandalu ( water pot ) to point out that the globe has evolved from water.
In Nepal there is no temple dedicated to Brahma although several beautiful sculptures of Brahma are found. A story in mythology depicts that once he told a lie and was given the curse of Lord Shiva, he lost the glory of his position which explains why Brahma is generally not worshipped by Hindus.

Vishnu, preserver of life and the world
Attributes are the conch shell, the circle, lotus and the mace. Mode of transport is Gurada, a mythical half man and half bird. Vishnu is also popularly called Narayan in Nepal, he is often seen standing upright with four arms with Wheel (charka), and Gada (Mace),

In his other two hands he carries a Sankha (conch) and a Padma (lotus – bud). Two good examples of Vishnu can be found at Budhanilkantha, and in Balaju water garden.