Nepal Religions

Hindus 86%, 8%, Muslims 3.5%, Christians 0.2%
Buddha was born in Lumbini in Nepal, but it is believed that Buddhism was first brought to Nepal by emperor Ashoka of India in 250 BC. Hinduism has always been the main religion in Nepal. The form of tantric Tibetan Buddhism came to Nepal in the 8th century. The main people who practice Tibetan Buddhism are the Tibetan refugees and people from Tamangs and Sherpas mainly in the higher Himalaya regions.

Often the Hindu and Buddhist beliefs have a mixture of Hindu and Tibetan Buddhism Tantric deities. It is believed the Avalokiteshvara, the important Bodhisattva appears as Lokeshvara, a manifestation of Siva and Machhendranath, an important deity in the Kathmandu Valley.

Tibetan Buddhism
There are four main schools of thought in Tibetan Buddhism. All four of these groups are found in Nepal. They are Nyingmapa, Gelugpa, Sakyapa and Kargyupa. The difference between them is often subtle and there may be political and philosophical differences.

It is accepted that Buddhism was brought to Tibet in the 8th century by the Indian Padmasambhava (also called Guru Rimpoche). He helps establish a gompa at Samye. The Nyingmapa order (also called the Old One) is goes back to Padmasambhava.

The Sakyapa were found in the 11th century. It followers ruled Tibet. They were supported by the Mongols.

The Kargyupa order (whispered transmission) is highly influenced by Tantric. It was founded in the 11th century by Marpa. His famous poet disciple was Milarepa.

The Gelugpa order was founded by Tsongkhapa in the 14th century. It began the system of spiritual leaders that reincarnation of past lamas. This order are celibates and it has monks. Members of this order eventually began to rule Tibet in the 17th century, backed by the Mongols. The leaders of this order took the name Dalai Lama (ocean of wisdom). The Gelugpa are known as Yellow Hats.
The other three orders are sometimes referred to as Red Hats.

A Buddhist abbot is known by the title Rimpoche, which means “precious one.” It is traditional to present a white scarf or khata to a Rimpoche when getting their audience. They can be found in Tibetan shops. Many people present them to the Dalai Lama during an audience.

Copyright ©2001 John Howley and Spiritual Guides