Todd Lewis is one of a small group of scholars who have quietly been carrying out a revolution in our understanding of Mah?y?na Buddhism. We still find it stated that the Buddhism of Nepal is ‘inauthentic’, ‘corrupt’ and ‘unworthy of consideration by those wanting a better understanding of Buddhism because of its syncretistic nature with Hinduism’. Yet scholars like Todd Lewis have taught us to see the Buddhism of Nepal as a perfectly ‘orthodox’ expression of Mah?y?na Buddhism ‘in a place’, Buddhism which has to be understood – as Buddhism always should be – located in its authentic cultural situation rather than relying for our understanding of Buddhism mainly on elite doctrinal and philosophical texts torn from their historical context in real Buddhist life and usage. Not only this, but Todd Lewis and others have shown us that the Buddhism of Nepal, which was historically often esteemed by other Mah?y?na Buddhists for its purity and vigour, is capable of giving us an important insight into the nature of late Indian Buddhism, the Buddhism that was transmitted to Tibet and is absolutely crucial to understanding the development of Tibetan Buddhism. We now appreciate all the more – as we should have done all along - that no one can begin to understand the history of Tibetan Buddhism without frequent reference to Buddhism in Nepal.
Author:Todd T. Lews
Publisher:Vajra Books/ Vajra Publications
Publish Year:2017
Edition:First Edition
Cover:Paper Back
Language:English
Pages:236
Religious Books
Religious books found in Nepal encompass a wide range of literature related to different religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, and more. These books are essential for spiritual guidance, education, and practice, and are considered sacred by many Nepalese people.
Hinduism is the predominant religion in Nepal, and as such, many religious books are related to it. The most popular ones are the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, Ramayana, and Mahabharata. These books contain information on Hindu deities, their stories, philosophies, and practices. The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text, is also widely read and revered in Nepal, and is considered the essence of Hindu philosophy.
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Buddhism is another significant religion in Nepal, and many books related to it can be found in the country. The most popular ones include the Tripitaka, a collection of Buddha's teachings, and the Tibetan Book of the Dead, which is a guide for the dead through the afterlife. Other important Buddhist texts include the Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra, and Diamond Sutra.
Islamic books, such as the Quran and Hadith, are also prevalent in Nepal, particularly in the Muslim community. These books contain teachings, stories, and principles related to Islam.
In addition to these, Nepal is also home to a small Christian population, and there are several Christian religious books available in the country. These include the Bible, which is considered the holy book for Christians, and other religious texts and teachings.
Overall, religious books found in Nepal are an integral part of the country's diverse cultural and spiritual landscape. They offer insight into various religions, philosophies, and practices and provide guidance and inspiration to many Nepalese people.
