Buddhism in Nepal (465 B.C. to 1199 A.D.)

The book is arranged into six main chapters. Chapter One, “Buddhism in Nepal during Kirat Period,” discusses early traditions concerning Buddhism in ancient Nepal, including the possible introduction of Buddhism during the Buddha’s lifetime, the Ramagrama Stupa containing Buddha’s relics, the Aśokan pillars in Nepal, and the debate over Aśoka’s visit to the Nepal valley. Chapter Two, “Buddhism in Nepal during Licchavi Period,” examines royal support for Buddhism through rulers such as Vṛṣadeva, Mānadeva, Śivadeva I, Aṃśuvarmā, Narendradeva, Śivadeva II, and others up to 1199 A.D. Chapter Three studies prominent Licchavi-period vihāras, including Guṇ Vihāra, Śrī Māna Vihāra, Rāja Vihāra, Śrī Rāja Vihāra, and Madhyama Vihāra. Chapter Four traces Buddhist sects or schools in the Licchavi period, showing the doctrinal and institutional diversity of Nepalese Buddhism. Chapter Five focuses on Nepalese Buddhist scholars, including Buddhabhadra, Śīlamañju, Bandhudatta Ācārya, Vāgīśvarakīrti, Kanakaśrī, Advayavajra, Kṛṣṇapāda, and others. Chapter Six discusses Tibetan scholars who visited Nepal, presenting Nepal as a centre of Buddhist learning and transmission between India, Nepal, and Tibet.