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Significance of Nepal

According to Tibetan Buddhism, Nepal serves as a crucial location for the development and dissemination of Buddhist teachings. It is noted for being a place where significant historical figures like Lha rje zla ba'i 'od zer and Atisha engaged in religious practices and interactions. Additionally, Nepal is recognized for its rich cultural heritage and its role in Tantric Buddhism, contributing to an influential backdrop for Buddhist traditions. The country is often associated with the origins and evolution of various teachings within Tibetan Buddhism.1
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In Dutch: Nepal; In Finnish: Nepal; In Spanish: Nepal

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Nepal'

Buddhism Books

Nepal in Buddhism represents a significant cultural and historical site where influential figures like Atisha and Marpa engaged in practices and teachings, fostering rich Tantric exchanges and the development of Buddhism beyond its origin, particularly within Tibetan traditions.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)

(1) A neighboring region visited by Atisha, where he engaged in religious practices and built temples.[1] (2) The place where lha rje zla ba'i 'od zer attended many teachers, including Jayasena.[2] (3) A location where Dhanarakshita continued his teaching efforts after his initial attempts in bru zha.[3] (4) A region where the subject visited on seven occasions, suggesting his influence and activities beyond his home area.[4] (5) A location to which khro phu lo tsa ba traveled to study extensively with various scholars.[5]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: The gods of northern Buddhism

(1) A country where Buddhism persisted in a disfigured form under Lamaism, remaining a significant aspect of its culture.[6]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Nepal'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Nepal is interpreted as a culturally rich South Asian country renowned for its artistic traditions, and as a sacred Pitha, significant for its connection to the goddess in the spiritual geography.

Significance in Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy):
Natyashastra Books

From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)

(1) A country in South Asia, known for its rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions, particularly in sculpture and painting.[7]

Natyashastra refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

The concept of Nepal in local and regional sources

History Books

Nepal is described as a region significantly influenced by Indian civilization, especially in its early developmental phases, reflecting the cultural and historical interconnections between Nepal and India as noted in regional sources.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A region influenced by Indian civilization, particularly during the early periods of development as noted in the text.[8]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) Jules Bois was prevented from entering this place, which is where he could not go.[9]