Lumbini Buddhist University

Master's in Mahāyāna Buddhism

History of Mahayana Buddhism

Semester : 1st Cr.Hours: 3

Paper : I Teaching Hours: 48
Code : MMB 511 Full Marks: 50

Course Discription
The course aims to enable the students with knowledge of History of Mahayana Buddhism
from Śākyamuni Buddha's life to the present time. This course also aims at providing
knowledge about Buddhist Academic centers.

Course Objectives
To give the knowledge about expansion of Buddhism
To give historical knowledge of Buddhism from Śākyamuni Buddha to the Buddhist age
of Present time
To acquaint with Buddhist Vihāra and Buddhist academic centre as a seat of Buddhist
Education learning centers

Course contents Teaching Hours

Unit I. General Background for the study 10

1.1 Sources of History of Mahayana Buddhism- Literary and Archaeological
sources
1.2 Nepal, Homeland of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
1.3 Origin and expansion of Śākya clan
1.4 Gotihawa, the birthplace of Krakucchanda Buddha
1.5 Niglihawa, the birth place of Kanakamuni Buddha
1,6 Lumbini, the birthplace of Śākyamuni Buddha
1.7 Introduction to contemporary major Buddhist States of Nepal and India-
Kapilavastu, Koliya, Ramagrama, Devadaha, Griddhakuta, Dhanyakataka,
Kośala, and Vaiśālī.

Unit II. Śākyamuni Buddha 12

2.1 The Twelve Principle deeds of Sakyamuni Budddha(Dvadasa Carya)
2.1.1 Three Dharmacakrapravartana: Three main Dharmacakra Pravartana of
Buddha in Sarnath, Grdhakūta parvata and Dhānyakataka
2.1.2 Mahāparinirvāna: Meaning, Concept, Ritual and Distribution of relics

2.2 Monastic Order

2.2.1 Formation of Monastic order- Rules and Regulations
2.2.2 Buddha's main Disciples: Monks and Nuns (Śāriputra,
Mahāmaudgalyāyana, Mahākaśyapa, Ānanda, Upāli, Mahāprajāpati
9
 Gautamī, Khemā Sthavira, Yaśodharā, Patācārā, Nandā), Supporters
(Bimbisāra, Anāthapindaka, Prasenajita, Cittagahapati ,Vimalakīrti, Jīvaka,
Sujātā, Viśākhā, Śyāmāvatī) and Opponents (Devadatta, Sañjaya, Risi
Bhāradvāja)

Unit III. Buddhism after Mahāparinirvāna of Śākyamuni Buddha 8

3.1 Impact of Buddha's Mahāparinirvāna on the Sangha (order)
3.2 Attempts for consolidation of Buddhist Sangha
3.3 Historicity of the early Buddhist Śrāvakayāna and Mahāyāna Sanghāyanas
(Councils)
3.4 Development of different Nikayas of Buddhism
3.5 Development of Sūtra Mahāyāna and Tantra Mahāyāna (Vajrayāna
Buddhism

Unit IV Expansion of Buddhism 10

4.1. Aśoka's Religious Policy and the Expansion of Buddhism including Buddhist
Missionaries in native and abroad
4.1.1 Aśoka and Third Buddhist council
4.2 Milinda and his contribution to the promotion and spread of Buddhism
4.3 Kaniska and his patronage in conducting fourth Buddhist Sanghāyana
4.4 Harsavardhana and his religious policy
4.5 Role of Pāla rulers and their contribution in spread of Buddhism with
Reference to Gopāla, Dharmapāla, Devapāla and Mahīpāla

Unit V. Buddhist Education: Development of Buddhist Academic Centres 8

5.1 Buddhist Vihāras as seat of Learning Centres and Centres for training
Monks and Nuns
5.1.1 Development of Buddhist Academic centres: Taxilā, Nālandā, Vikramaśīla,
Odantapurī, Jagadalla, Vallabhī
5.1.2 Fall of Ancient Buddhist Learning Centres

Prescribed Texts:
Bajracharya, Nisthananda (tr.), Lalitavistara, Lalitpur: Yuvaka Baudha Prakasan, 1978.
Powers, John (tr.), Wisdom of the Buddha: The Saṃdhinirmocana Sūtra, Berkeley: Dharma
Publishing, 1995.
Sastri, Sri Ramacandradas, Mahakavi srimadasvaghosa viracitam Buddhacaritam,part I
and II, Varanasi: Chaukhamba Vidyabhavan, 2002
Sohastri, Ramchandra Das. Buddhacaritam, Varanasi:Chaukhamba Vidhyabhavan, 2002

References:
Bajracharya, Bhaktananda, Lumbini, Birthplace of Lord Buddha in Nepal, Ranjana
Bajracharya, v.s. 2075
Bajracharya, Gautam Bir, Lumbini, Hid budhe jate sakyamuniti, Lalitpur: Tara Devi
Bajracharya, v.s. 2076 (Nepali)
Burnouf, Eugene, Introduction to the History of Indian Buddhism, Chicago: University of
Chicago, 2010. (Reprint)

10
Bapat, P. V. (ed.), 2500 Years of Buddhism, New Delhi: The Publication Division, 1956.
Chimpa, Lama and Alaka Chattopadhyaya, Tārānātha’s History of Buddhism in India,
New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1990. (Second Edition)
Conze, Edward, A Short History of Buddhism, London: George Allen and Unwin, 1980.
Dhammika, Ven. S., The Edicts of King Ashoka, Kanty Buddhist Publication Society,
1994.
Dutt, Nalinaksha, Buddhist Sects in India, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1987.
Dutt, Sukumar, Buddhist Monks and Monasteries of India: Their History & Their
Contributions to Indian Culture, London: George Allen and Unwin, 1962.
Dutt, Sukumar, Early Buddhist Monasticism, New Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal, 1984.
Lamotte, Etienne, History of Indian Buddhism, tr. Sara Webb-Boin, Louvain: Peeters
Press, 1988.
Narada, Thera, Buddha and His Teachings, Taipei: The Corporate Body of the Buddha
Educational foundation, 1988.
Pande, G.C., Studies in the Origins of Buddhism, Allahabad: University of Allahabad,
1957.
Prebish, Charles S., Buddhism: A Modern Perspective, University Park: The
Pennsylvania State University Press, 1994.
Reorich, George (tr.), The Blue Annals, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1988.
Sankrityayana, Rahul (tr.), Vinayapiṭaka, Boudha Akar Granth Mala, Kashi Vidyapith,
Varanasi, 1994 (Hindi)
Sarao, KTS, The Decline of Indian Buddhism: A Fresh Perspective, New Delhi:
Munshiram Manoharlal, 2012.
Schumann, H.W., The Historical Buddha: the Times, Life and Teachings of the Founder
of Buddhism, New Delhi: MLBD, 2004.
Seneviratna, Anuradha (ed.), King Ashoka and Buddhist Historical and Literary Studies,
Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society, 1994.
Stein & Ngawang Zangpo (tr.) Butön’s History of Buddhism in India and its Spread to
Tibet: A Treasury of Priceless Scripture, New York: Snowlion Publications, 2013.
Thakur, Amarnath, Buddha and Buddhist Synods in India and Abroad, Buldhana:
Abhinav Publications, 1996.
Thurman, Robert A. F. (tr.) The Noble Mahāyāna Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti”,
Website: http://read.84000.co/translation/toh176.html
Tulku Tarthang (ed.), Light of Liberation: A History of Buddhism in India, Berkeley:
Dharma Publishing, 1992. (Crystal Mirror Series, Vol. 8)
Warder, A. K., Indian Buddhism, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 2004. (reprint)

11
 Lumbini Buddhist University
Master's in Mahāyāna Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhist Philosophy and Practice I

Semester : 1st Cr.Hours: 3

Paper : II Teaching Hours: 48
Code : MMB 512 Full Marks: 50

Course Description
The Course aims to impart the students' knowledge on Mahāyāna Buddhist Philosophy and
Practice beginning from the fundamental Buddhist terminology and Buddhist teachings
which is preliminary to Mahāyāna Practice from the Sanskrit Source. Especially it features
the Mahāyāna Meditation that include the threefold part, viz. the Great Compassion,
Bodhicitta and caryā.

Course Objectives
To give general and fundamental common knowledge of the key values and words and the
fundamental Buddhist teachings preliminary to Mahāyāna Buddhism from the Sanskrit
Source.
To explain the three fold part of Mahāyāna Practice: The Great Compassion, Bodhicitta
and the actual practice (pratipatti) with special emphasis on Mahāyāna Meditation.

Course contents Teaching Hours

Unit I. Key Buddhist Ideology 10

2.1 Triśaraṇagamana (Taking refuge to Triple Gems) -Śrāvakayāna and
Mahāyāna Way
2.2Pañca-Śīla (Five Precepts)
2.3 Durlabha Manuṣya Śarīra (Precious Human Body)
2.3 Saṃsāra(Cyclic Existence) and Nirvāṇa
2.4 Madhyama Pratipada (The Middle Way)

Unit II. Buddhist Teachings Fundamental to Mahāyāna 12

2.1 Catvāri Āryasatyāni (Four Noble Truths)
2.1.1 Duḥkha Āryasatyam (The Noble Truth of Suffering)
3.1.2 Duḥkhasamudaya Āryasatyam (The Noble Truth of Arising of Suffering)
2.1.3 Duḥkhanirodha Āryasatyam (The Noble Truth of Cessation of Suffering)
2.1.4 Duḥkhanirodhagāminīpratipadā Āryasatyam (The Noble Truth of the
Path Leading to the Cessation of Suffering)
2.2 Pratītyasamutpāda (The Law of Dependent Origination)
2.2.1 Hetu-pratyaya-phala (Cause-condition-effect)
2.2.2 Dvādaśāṅga Pratītyasamutpāda (The Twelve linked cycle of origination)
2.2.3 Karma, Kleśa and Vipāka (Karma, Defilements and Ripened Effect)
2.3 Dharmoddānacatuṣṭaya (The Four Seals of the Buddha’s Teaching)
2.3.1 Sarvasaṃskārā anityāḥ (All compounds are impermanent)

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 2.3.2 Sarvasāsravāḥ duḥkhā (All contaminations are suffering)
2.3.3 Sarvadharmāḥ anātmanāḥ(All phemomena are selfless and empty)
2.3.4 Śāntam nirvāṇam (Nirvāṇa is peace)
2.4 Bodhisattva and Buddhahood in Śrāvakayāna and Mahāyāna

Unit III. Mahāyāna ideology and pratipatti/caryā (practice) 12

3.1 Mahāyāna, Bodhisattva and Bodhicitta

3.2 Catvāri Aparimāṇāni (The Four Immeasurables)
3.3 Ṣaṭpāramitā (The Six Perfections)
3.4 Catursaṃgrahavastu (Four Means of Gathering Disciples)
3.5 Bodhisattva Mārgas, Bhūmis.
3.6 Apratiṣtha Nirvāṇa (Non-Abiding Nirvāṇa)
3.7 Puṇyasambhāra and Jñānasaṃbhāra
3.8 Prajñopāya abhinna
3.9 Kleśāvaraṇa and Jñeyāvaraṇa
3.10 Tathāgatagarbha and Tathāgata
3.11 Trikāya
3.12 Upāyakauśalya

Unit IV. Mahāyāna Meditation 14

4.1 Mahākaruṇā-bhavānā (Meditation on Great Compassion)
4.3 Cittotpāda (Generation of Bodhicitta)
4.4 Pratipatti (Meditation part)
4.4.1 Śamatha Meditation
4.4.2 Vipaśyanā Meditation
4.4.2.1 Pudgala Nairātmya bhāvanā (Meditation on Emptiness of Individual)
4.4.2.2 Dharma Nairātmya bhāvanā (Meditation on Emptiness of Mind)

Prescribed Texts:
Das, Sanjiv Kumar, Ācārya Nāgārjunaviracitaḥ Sūtrasamuccayaḥ, Sarnath: Central
University of Tibetan Studies, 2013.
Dorjee, Lobsang Rabling (ed. & tr.), Bauddhoṃ ke tīna nikāyoṃ ke dharmacakra-
pravartanasūtra evaṃ sthaviravāda ke tīna sutta (Dharmacakrapravartanasūtra of
Three Buddhist Schools and Threes Suttas of Theravāda Tradition), Sarnath: Central
University of the Tibetan Studies, 2010.
Dutt, Nalinaksha (ed.), Bodhisattvabhūmi (Being the XVth section of Asaṅgapāda’s
Yogācārabhūmi), Patna: K. P. Jayaswal Research Institute, 1966.
_____, Mahayana Buddhism, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Pvt. Ltd., 1978.
Gyatso, Lobsang, Bodhicitta: Cultivating the Compassionate Mind of Enlightenment, New
York: Snow Lion Publications, 1997.
Lhase Lotsawa Translation (tr.),An Extensive Commentary on the Four Immeasurables by
Buddhagupta, Available on https://www.lotsawahouse.org/.

13
Namdol, Gyaltsen (rest., tr., ed.), Ācāryakamalaśīlapraṇīta bhāvanākramaḥ, Sarnath:
Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, 1985.
Powers, John (tr.), Wisdom of the Buddha: The Saṃdhinirmocana Sūtra, Berkeley: Dharma
Publishing, 1995.
Rijal, Narayan Prasad, Mahāyānabauddhādarśa: mahāyāna Buddhadharmako saṃkṣipta
paricayātmaka grantha, Kathmandu: Vyomakusumā Buddha dharma saṅgha, 2016.
(Nepali)
_____, bauddhādarśa, Kathmandu: Vyomakusumā Buddha dharma saṅgha, 2014. (Nepali)
Sakya, Milan (tran.), Ācārya gampopa viracita Saddharmacintāmaṇimokṣaratnā-laṃkāra,
Lalitpur: Nagarjuna Institute of Buddhist Studies, 2008. (Nepali)
Sakya Pandita Translation Group (tr.), Ārya­sāgara­nāga­rāja­paripṛcchā­nāma­
mahāyana­sūtra. Available on http://read.84000.co/translation/toh155.html
Samtani, N. H., The Arthaviniścaya-sūtra & Its Commentary (Nibandhana), Patna: K. P.
Jayaswal Research Institute, 1991.
Vaidya, P. L. Mahāyāna Sūtra Saṃgrahaḥ Part I, Darbhanga: The Mithila Institute, 1961.
______ (ed.), Bodhicaryāvatāra of Śāntideva with the Commentary Pañjikā of
Prajñākaramati, Darbhanga: The Mithila Institute, 1988.

References:
Bajracharya, Ranjana and Bhaktananda, Buddhist wisdom and Compassion, Kathmandu:
Bhaktananda Bajracharya, v.s.2066
Dayal, Har, The Bodhisattva Doctrine in Buddhist Sanskrit Literature (Reprint), Delhi:
Motilal Banarasidass Publishers, 2004.
Lodrö, Geshe Gedün, Calm Abiding and Special Insight: Achieving Spiritual
Transformation through Meditation, New York: Snow Lion Publications, 1998.
Guenther, HV. (tr.), Jewel Ornament of Liberation of Gampopa (repring), London: Rider
and Co., 1974.
HH the Dalai Lama, Activating the Awakening Mind, Lalitpur: Nagarjuna Institute of
Buddhist Studies, 1999. (Nepali)
_____, The Wheel of Life: Buddhist Perspectives on Cause and Effect, Boston: Wisdom
Publications, 2005. Reprint.
Pannone, Jason, What is Philosophy? Available on https://www.academia.edu/191015/
What_is_Philosophy?auto=download
Pye, Michael, Skilful Means: A Concept in Mahayana Buddhism, London and New York:
Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, 2005. Reprint.
Dev, Acārya Narendra, Bauddhadharma Darśana, Patna: Bihar-Rāṣṭrabhāṣā Pariṣad,
1996.
Ñanamoli, Bhikkhu, Visuddhimagga: The Path of Purification by Bhadantācariya
Buddhaghosa, Colombo: Buddhist Publication Society, 2010. The Fourth Edition.
Sayadaw, Mahasi, Fundamentals of Vipassana Meditation, Rangoon: Buddha Sasanugaha
Organization, 1981. Reprint, 2000.
Rinpoche, Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse, What makes you not Buddhist? Boulder:
Shambhala Publications, 2008.
Rinpoche, Thrangu, The Twelve Links of Interdependent Origination, Kathmandu: Namo
Buddha Publication, 2001.

14
Sakya, Tirtha Ratna, Bodhijñāna Kusuma, Kathmandu: Buddha Dharma Adhyayana
Goṣthī, 2008. (Nepali)
_____,Introduction to Buddhist Religion and Philosophy, Kathmandu: Buddhadharma
Adhyayana tathā Bhajana Maṇḍala, 2016. (Nepali)
Santina, Peter Della, The Tree of Enlightenment, Taiwan: The Corporate Body of the
Buddha Educational Foundation, 1998
Thera, Narada, Buddhism in a Nutshel, Colombo: Buddhist Publication Society, 1995.
Thera, Piyadassi, The Buddha’s Ancient Path, London: Rider & Company, 1964.
The Pemakara Translation Group, The Words of My Perfect Teacher, New Delhi:
HarperCollins Publishers India, 1994.
Upadhyaya, Baldev, Buddha Darśana Mīmāṃsā, Varanasi: Chaukhamba Vidyabhawan,
1999. (Hindi)
Wangchuk, Dorjee, The Resolve to Become a Buddha: A Study of the Bodhicitta Concept
in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, Tokyo: The International Institute for Buddhist Studies,
2007.
Williams, Pauls, Mahāyāna Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations, London and New
York: Routledge Taylor and Francis Group, 1989.

15
 Lumbini Buddhist University
Master's in Mahāyāna Buddhism
Sanskrit Buddhist Literature I

Semester : 1st Cr.Hours: 3

Paper : III Teaching Hours: 48
Code : MMB 513 Full Marks: 50

Course Description
The course intends to provide the students with an in-depth knowledge on the original
Sanskrit texts and, thus, to develop unto them the reading-habit of Sanskrit scriptures. The
general aim of the course is to familiarize the students with original Sanskrit Buddhist texts
by enabling them to read and write Sanskrit words in Devanagari script. It will help them
(the students) in understanding, explaining and translating the meaning and significance
of the texts in their own words in Nepali or English language.

Course Objectives
To make the students understand the origin and development of the Sanskrit Buddhist
literature in general, classifying them into three distinct categories, viz. Sravakayana,
Mahayana and Vajrayana.
To introduce Buddhist literatures of philosophical schools.
To encourage the study on Textual study of selected portions of the Sanskrit Buddhist
literature
To improve their understanding on the concept of Sūtra, Śāstra, mantra and Dhāranī.
To encourage the in-depth study on the classification of Buddhist Tantras and its text.

Course contents Teaching Hours

Unit I. Introduction to Buddhist Literature 8

1.1 Brief Introduction to Buddhist Literature
1.2 Evolution of “Buddhavacana” to Buddhist Literature
1.3 Introduction to Dvadasanga (Twelvefold) Buddhavacana
1.4 Eighty four thousand “Dharma Skandha”

Unit II. Formation of Sanskrit Buddhist Literature 10

2.1 Origin and development of Sanskrit Buddhist literature

16
 2.2 Introduction to Ägama Literature
2.3 Introduction to Avadana Literature
2.5 Asvaghosa’s Sanskrit Buddhist Literature

Unit III. Mahāyāna Sūtras and Commentarial Literature 16

3.1 Introduction to Mahāyāna Sūtras and Śāstras
3.2 Nava Vaipulya and other Mahāyāna sutras
3.3 Prajñāpāramitā Literature
3.4 Prominent Mahāyāna Ācāryas and their commentarial texts (Śāstras)

Unit IV. - Translated Canons - Origin and Development 10

4.1) Taisho Tripitaka
4.2) Tibetan Kangyur and Tengyur
4.3) Tripitaka Koreana
4.4) Mongolian Tripitaka

Unit V. - Buddhist Tripitka in the Digital age 4

5.1) e-resources of Buddhist manuscripts
5.2) e-books and translations of Buddhist Texts.

Prescribed Texts:
Acharya, Narendradeva, Bauddha Dharma Darsana, Delhi: Motilal Banarasidas
Publication, 1956
Bajracharya, Divyavajra, Navasutra Samgraha, Lalitpur: Bodhi Prakasana Kendra, 1999
Lal , Banarsi, Bauddha Tantra Vangamaya, Varanasi: Centra Institute for Higher Tibetan
Studies, 2005( Hindi)
Negi, Wangcung Dorje, Vajrayan Darsana Evam Sadhana, Varanasi: Centra Institute for
Higher Tibetan Studies, 2017 ( Hindi)
Tripathi, Ram Shankar, Bauddha Darśana Prasthāna, Sarnath: Central Institute of
Higher Tibetan Studies, 1997. (Hindi)

References :
Bajracharya, Divyavajra (tr.), Arya SriAstasahasrika Prajnaparamitasutram, Lalitpur :
Lotus Research Centre, 2003
Bajracharya, Divyavajra (tr.), Arya Sri Guhyasamajatantram, Lalitpur : Lotus Research
Centre, 2001

17
Bajracharya, Divyavajra (tr.), Arya Gandavyuhasutram, Lalitpur : Lotus Research Centre,
1996
Bajracharya, Divyavajra (tr.), Saddharma Lankavatar Sutram, Lalitpur : Lotus Research
Centre, 1993
Bajracharya, Divyavajra (tr.), Arya Dasabhumika Sutram, Lalitpur : Lotus Research
Centre, 2002
Bajracharya, Asha Kaji (Ganesh Raj) (tr.) , Suvarna Prabhas Sutram, Lalitpur : Nepal
Bauddha Prakasan.
Bhattacharyya, Benoytosh, Sadhanamala,Vol. I, Baroda : Central Library, 1925
Bhattacharyya, Benoytosh, Sadhanamala,Vol. II, Baroda : Central Library, 1928
Bhattacharyya, Benoytosh, Nispannayogavali of Maha Pandita Abhayakaragupta,,
Baroda : Oriental Institute, 1949
Chau, Bhiksu Thich Minh, The Chinese Madhyama Āgama and the Pāli Majjhima
Nikāya, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 2009.
Harvey, Peter, An Iintroduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History and Practices,
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1990.
Lay, U. Ko, Guide to Tipitaka, Selangor: Selangor Buddhist Vipassana Meditation
Society, 1991.
Nariman, G.K., Literary history of Sanskrit Buddhism, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1992.
Nariman, G.K., Literary history of Sanskrit Buddhism, Delhi: MLBD, 1992.
Sangharakshita, Maha Sthavira, The Eternal Legacy: An introduction to the Canonical
Literature of Buddhism. London: Tharpa Publication, 1985.
Sakya, Min Bahadur (tr.) , Arya Gunkarandavyuha Sutra, Lalitpur : Nagarjun Bauddha
Adhyan Sansthan, 1997
Sakya, Min Bahadur (tr.) , Avadana Kalpalata, Kathmandu : Sakya Jah Pvt.Ltd., 2005
Saskrityayan, Rahul, Bauddha Saskriti, New Delhi : Samyaka Prakasan, 1952
Sastri, Shanti Bhikshyu, Lalitavistara, Lucknow : Uttar Prades Hindi Sasthan, 1984
Shaw, Sarah, Buddhist Meditation: An Anthology of Texts from the Pali Canon,
Routledge Critical Studies in Buddhism, London: Routledge, 2006.
Tulku, Tarthang, Crystal Mirror Vol. 10:The Buddha and His Teachings, Berkeley:
Dharma Publishing, 1995.
Watanabe, Fumimoro, Philosophy and Its Development in the Nikayas and Abhidhamma,
Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1983.
Williams, Paul and Anthony Tribe, Buddhist Thought: A Complete introduction to the
Indian tradition, Lodon: Routledge, 2000.
Winternitz, Maurice, History of Indian Literature, Vol. 2: Buddhist & Jain Literature,
Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1998.

18
 Lumbini Buddhist University
Master's in Mahāyāna Buddhism
Mahayana Philosophy in Buddhist Art

Semester : 1st Cr.Hours: 3

Paper : IV Teaching Hours: 48
Code : MMB 514 Full Marks: 50

Course Description
The course is broadly divided into Buddhist art and Philosophy associated with it. The
course is uniquely designed with respect to the traditional way of approaching Buddhist
art. The course will give general knowledge and information about the Buddhist
philosophical aspects in Buddhist art and recognizing Buddhist deities. This will give
fundamental concepts of philosophical maneuver in art. This course is also intended to
attract the artists with no academic background but keen to know their practice of artistry.

Course Objectives
The main object of this course is to provide fundamental ideas, meaning and
techniques of philosophy in Buddhist art.
To identify Buddhas, Bodhisattva and deities of Buddhist pantheon by their
styles, symbols, aesthetic and motifs.
To provide general information related to art literatures for art enthusiast.

Course contents Teaching Hours

Unit I. General introduction to Buddhist Art 8

1.1 Definition, type, nature, theme in Buddhist art
1.2 Development of Buddhist Image from symbolic art
1.3 Archaeological and Scriptural sources for artistic evidence
1.4 Development of Buddhist art schools: Maurya, Suṅga, Kuṣāna (Mathurā),
Śāranātha, Gāndhāra, Licchavī Gupta, Amarāvati, Pāla, Nevāḥ and Tibet.

Unit II. Early Buddhist icons and its Philosophical implication in Art 12
2.1 Development of Icons and Iconography in Buddhism.
2.2 Selected Artistic presentation in Buddhism and its philosophy.
2.2.1 Cosmology (Stūpa, Chörten, Mt. Meru, Maṇḍala, Wheel system etc.)
2.2.2 Mudrās (Body, Hand and Leg gestures, Seat of thrones etc.)
2.2.3 Auspicious Symbols (Eight auspicious symbols and substances.)
2.2.4 Sharp weapons (Vajra, Bell, Khaḍga, Ritual Dagger, Khaṭvāṅga etc.)
2.2.5 Animals (Horse, Elephant, Dragon, Garuḍa, Makara, Nāga etc.)
2.2.6 Flowers and Tree (Lotus, lotus seat thrones etc.)
2.2.7 Ritual entities (Rosary, Musical instruments, Tormas, fire offerings etc.)

19
Unit III. Buddhist Art of Nepal 14
3.1 Historical Background of Buddhist art in Nepal
3.2 Buddhist Image in Nepalese Archeology: Lumbini, Tilaurakot, Niglihawa
and other Buddhist icons, utensils and coins.
3.3 Buddhist Sculptures of Licchavi and Medieval Period
3.3.1 Stone Art
3.3.2 Metal Art
3.3.3 Paubha or Thanka Painting, Murals, Miniature paintings, Scroll
paintings and Manuscript Paintings
3.3.4 Clay, Ivory and Terracotta Art.

3.4 Selected Madalas and their Philosophical interpretations

3.4.1 Dharmadhātu Mandala,
3.4.2 Kālacakra mandala,
3.4.3 Bhavacakra Mandala
3.4.4 Vajradhatu Mandala
3.5 Features of Licchavi and Medieval Buddhist Arts of Nepal

Unit IV. Iconography of selected Buddhist deities and their Philosophical

interpretation 14
4.1 Relation between Buddhist Philosophy and Art
4.2 Representation of Tathāgatagarbha (Buddda Nature) by Adi-Buddha and
Caitya
4.3 Representation of Mahāyāna / Vajrayāna tenet of Prajñopāya (wisdom and
Compassion) in Buddhist Art
4.4 Trikāya philosophy in Buddhist Art
4.1.1 Introduction to Dharmakāya
4.1.2 Dharmakāya representations- Svayambhū Mahācaitya
4.1.3 Introduction to Nirmāṇakāya
4.1.4 Nirmāṇakāya representation- Dīpaṅkara Buddha, Sapta Buddha,
Śākyamuni Buddha
4.1.5 Introduction to Sambhogakāya
4.1.6 Sambhogakāya representation-Vajradhara, Vajrasattva,
Pañcabuddha, Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī , Avalokiteśvara, Bhaiṣajya
Tathāgata and Aparimitā.
4.5 Istadevata (Yidam Deities): Cakrasamvara, Hevajra, Kalacakra
4.6 Dakinis : Four Yogini

20
Prescribed Texts:
Beer. Robert, The encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motif; Boston: Shambala
Publication. 1999.
Kramrich, S. The Art of Nepal. New York. Asia Society, 1964.
Pal, P. The Arts of Nepal., Part 1 & 2, Leiden/ Koln: E.J. Brill, 1974 A.D.
Ray, A. The Art of Nepal, Delhi: Indian Council for Culture Relations, 1973.
Sakya, M.B. The Iconography of Nepalese Buddhism, Kathmandu: Handicrafts
Association of Nepal, 1994 A.D.
______ Sacred Art of Nepal, Kathmandu: Svaymbhu Vikash Mandal, 2004 A.D
______ Iconography of 108 Lokesvaras, Kinubahi; YMBA 2011
Sakya M.R. Buddha and Bodhisattva images of Ancient Nepal. Kirtipur: CNAS, 2011
Slusser, M.S. Nepal Mandalā. Parts 1& 2. New Jersy: Princeton University Press, 1982
A.D.

References:
Bajracharya, Manavajra, Madhayakālīna-Kalā, Kathmandu: HMG Ministry of
Information, 1977
Bajracharya, Ranjana. Bodhisattva Avālokiteśvara and His Symbolic Mantra. Naxal:
Bhakta Nanda Bajracharya, 2003 A.D.
Bajracharya, Ranjana, Śrī Caṇḍamahāroṣaṇa (Sri Sankata), Lalitpur: Padmaratna
Dhakwa, 2059 BS.
Bangdel, Lain S. Stone Sculpture in Kathmandu Valley, Kathmandu; Royal Nepal
Academy, 1995.
Bhattacharya, Benoytosh (ed.), Sādhanamāla, Baroda: Oriental institute, 1968
__________, The Indian Buddhist Iconography, Calcutta: K.L. Mukhopadhaya, 1972
Brown, R.L. Carrying Buddhism: The role of metal icons in the spread and development
of Buddhism. Amsterdam: J.Gonda Foundation of the KNAW, 1987
Coomaraswamy, Ananda K. Introduction to Indian Art, New Delhi: Arnold Publishers.
1994.
Dorjee, P. Stūpa and its Technology; A Tibeto-Buddhist Perspective. Delhi: Indira Gandhi
National centre for the Arts, 2001 (reprint)
Deva, K. Buddhist art of India and Nepal. Sarnath; Central Institute of Higher Tibetan
Studies, 1987.
Furger, Alex. R. The gilded Buddha: the traditional art of the Newar metal casters in
Nepal. Frankfurt: LIBRUM publishers and Editors, 2017
Joshi, S.M. Nepali Dhatumurti Kalāko Vikāskrama, Kathmandu: Royal Nepal Academy,
2032 A.D.d (Nepali)
Khanal, M.P. Nepali kalā, Nepali l; Kirtipur, Sajha Publication, 2052 B.S. (Nepali)
Kshetri G & Ramchandra R, Nepali Kala, Vastukala ra Pratimalakshana. Kathmandu:
Asia Publications, 2004. (Nepali)
Gutschow, N. The Nepalese Chaitya, 1500 years of Buddhist Votice Architectures in
Kathmandu Valley, Stutguard; Dechan Printing and Publication co. 1997
Locke, J.K., Buddhist Monasteries of Nepal. Kathmandu: Sahayogi Press, 1985 A.D.
Mac donnell & Anne Vergetti Stahl, Newar Art, New Delhi: Vikas Publication, 1979.
Misra R.N. Tantra kala Mein Pratik, Vanarasi : Kala Prakashan, 1987 (Hindi)
Shakya, H.R. Āryavolokitesvara. Lalitpur: Hem Raj Shakya, 1080 N.S.
21
______ (ed.) Ārya Gunakaraņdavyuha, Lalitpur: Nāgārjuna institute of Exact methods,
1996
_______, Antiquity of Nepalese Wood Carving: A reassessment, Washington: University
of Washington Press, 2010
Tachikawa, Ito (et.al), Mandala Deities in the Nispannayogavali, Kathmandu: Vajra
books. 2016
Tomary. Edith, A History of Indian Art in India and the West, Chennai: Orient Blackswan
Private Ltd., 2009
Tucchi. Giuseppe, The Theory and Practice of the Mandala, London: Rider and Company,
1961

22
 Lumbini Buddhist University
Master's in Mahāyāna Buddhism
Traditional Mahāyāna Buddhism of Nepalmaṇḍala I

Semester : 1st Cr.Hours: 3

Paper : IV Teaching Hours: 48
Code : MMB 515 Full Marks: 50

Course Description
This course imparts knowledge on introductory background of Traditional Mahāyāna Buddhism
of Nepalmaṇḍala also known as Newar Buddhism and origin, concept and geographical location
of Nepalmaṇḍala. It helps students to know about historical background of Buddhism in the
Licchavī period and significant development of Traditional Mahāyāna Buddhism (Newar
Buddhism) and prominent Buddhist masters and scholars of Nepalmaṇḍala and unique features of
Newar Buddhism.

Course Objectrives
To provide general knowledge on Buddhist mythological account, origin and concept of
Nepalmaṇḍala and its geographical location
To give knowledge on historical background of Buddhism in the Licchavi period
To introduce the students on philosophical aspects of Traditional Mahāyāna Buddhism and
prominent Buddhist masters and scholors of Nepalmaṇḍala
To impart knowledge on unique features of Newar Buddhism

Course contents Teaching Hours

Unit I. Introductory background of Buddhism of Nepalmaṇḍala 8

1.1 Mythological account of Buddhism
1.1.1 Visit of Saptatathāgata
1.1.2 Origin of Svayambhu Jyotirūpa, Ādibuddha, sources of Traditional Mahāyāna
Buddhism in Nepalmaṇḍala
1.2 Origin and Concept of Nepalmaṇḍala according to Svayambhū Purāṇa and Samvarodaya
Tantra
1.2.1.Geographical location of Nepalmaṇḍala
1.3 Traditional accounts on visit of Śākyamuni Buddha, Bhikṣu Ānanda and Emperor
Aśoka to Nepalmaṇḍala
1.4 Cārumati and her contribution in spreading Buddhism in Nepalmaṇḍala

Unit II. Account of Buddhism during Licchavi period 8

2.1 Condition of Buddhism during Licchavī Period
2.2 Licchavī kings and their contributions to promote and spread of Buddhism with
reference of Vṛṣadeva, Mānadeva, Śivadeva, Narendradeva and Jayadeva II
2.3 Amśuvarmā and his religious policy
2.4 Bhṛkutī and her contribution in the propagation of Buddhism in Tibet

23
Unit III. Philosophical background of Traditional Mahāyāna Buddhism in Nepalmaṇḍala
8
3.1 Concept and meaning of Tri-ratna and Tri Ratna Maṇḍala
3.1.1 Tri-ratna: The Buddha, The Dharma and The Sangha
3.1.2 Tri-ratna Maṇḍala: Buddha Maṇḍala: Pañcabuddha and Four Devīs, Dharma
Maṇḍala: Nava Sutra Grantha and Saṇgha maṇḍala: Āryāvalokiteśvara and
Aṣṭabodhisattva
3.2 Guru Maṇḍala, Ratna Maṇḍal and concept of Akanistha Bhuvan, Graha Maṇḍala,
Durgatipariśodhana Maṇḍala

Unit IV. Traditional Mahayana Buddhist Philosophy in Nepalmandala 8

4.1 Mahāyāna Newar Buddhist community in Nepalmaṇḍala
4.2 Impact of Mahāsānghikas and Sarvāstivādas in Nepalmaṇḍala
4.3 Doctrine of Emptiness (Sunyata) and Mind only (cittamātra) according to Buddhist sūtra
4.4 Concept of Bodhisattva: Ādikarmika Bodhisattva and Sambhogakāya Bodhisattva
4.6 Monasticism in Nepalmaṇḍala with special emphasis on monastic practices (Baha\Bahi)
among household Newar Buddhists
4.7 Philosophical aspects of Newar Buddhist rites and rituals based on Kriyātantra
and Kriyāsaṅgraha

Unit V. Prominent Buddhist Masters and Scholars of Nepalmaṇḍala 8

5.1 Early Buddhist Ācāryas- Mañjudeva. Śāntikara, Śīlamañju, Bandhudatta, Vajrapāda,
Śaśvatavajra, Vācāsiddhi, Vākvajra, Vāgīśvarakīrti.
5.2 Medieval Ācāryas- Suratavajra, Jīvacandra, Līlāvajra, Mañjuvajra, Advayavajra
5.3 Modern Acharyas- Pt. Siddhiharsa Vajracharya, Pt. Jogamuni Vajrācārya, Pt.
Amoghavajra Vajrācārya, Pt. Āśākājī Vajracārya, Pt. Badri Ratna Vajracārya
5.4 Eminent Newar Buddhist Scholars- Buddhakīrti of Lichhavi periods,
Modern Scholars: Pt. Buddhi Raj Shakya, Pt. Amṛtānanda Bande, Dharmāditya
Dharmācārya, Pt. Nisthānanda Vajrācārya, Pt. Ratna Bahadur Vajrācārya, Pt. Hemraj
Shakya, Pt. Divyavajra Vajracārya, Dhanavajra Vajracharya, Pt. Min Bahadur Shakya,
Pt. Herakaji Vajracārya.

Unit VI. Unique features of Traditional Mahāyāna Buddhism of Nepalmaṇḍala.

8
6.1 Treasure Trove of Mahāyāna Sanskrit Buddhist Texts
6.2 Richness of Buddhist Art, Architecture and Archaeology
6.3 Continuity of Traditional Mahāyāna Buddhist Culture and Heritage.
6.4 Adikarmika Householder Bodhisattva Practice
6.5 Philosophy of Vajradhatu mandala and Dharmadhatu mandala
6.6 Recitation of Dhāraṇī, Sūtra and Tantra of Mahāyāna Buddhism practiced by the
Newar Buddhist Community of Nepalmaṇḍala
6.7 Power places of Buddhist practice for Siddhas and Acaryas
6.8 Holy Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites

Prescribed Texts:
Skorupski, Tadeusz. Kriyasangraha, ompendium of Buddhist Rituals an abridged version. Tring
UK: The Institute of Buddhsit Studies, 2002

24
Brihat Svayambhu Purana (Sanskrit Version)
Kriyatantra (Sanskrit Version)
Svayambhu Purana (Sanskrit Version)
Vajra, Anupama, Ādikarma Pradīpa available in: www.dsbcproject.org.

References :
Bajracharya, Mana Vajra, Mythological History of Nepal Valley from Svayambhu Purana,
Kathmandu, Avalok Publisher, 1978.
Bajracharya, Naresh Man, History of Buddhism in Nepal, New Delhi: Eastern Book Linkers,
1998 (Nepalbhasha)
Bajracharya, Naresh Man, Vajrayāna, Kathmandu: Tri-Ratna Kosh, 2012. (Nepali)
Bajracharya, Yajnamanpati, Līlāvajra, Kathmandu: Manisingha Mahavihar, 2006. (Nepalbhasa)
Samdong Rinpoche & Vajravallab Dviwedi, Dhīḥ Vol. 14, Sarnath: Central Intsitute of Hihger
Tibetan Studies, 1992.
Douglas-Tuladhar, Will, Remaking Buddhism for Medieval Nepal: The Fifteenth Century
Reformation of Newar Buddhism, London: Routledge, 2006.
Gellner, David N., Monk, Householder and Tantric Priest, Newar Buddhism and its Hierarchy of
Ritual, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1992.
Gellner, David N., “Monastic Initiation in Newar Buddhism” in Richard F. Gombrich (ed.),
Oxford University Papers on India: Vol 2, Part 1: Indian Ritual and Its Exegesis, Delhi:
Oxford University Press, 1988. pp. 42-111.
Kloppenberg, Ria, 'Theravada Buddhism in Nepal' Kailash, Vol. 5, 1977, 301-321.
Levine, Sarah and David Gellner, Rebuilding Buddhism: The Theravada Movement in Twentieth
Century Nepal, Cambridge Mass.: Harvard University, 2005.
Nattier, Jan(tr.). The Bodhisattva Path, Based on the Ugrapariprccha, a Mahayana Sutra, Delhi:
Motilal Banarsidass Publishers, 2003
Nepali, Gopal Singh, The Newars, and Ethno Socialogical Study of Himalayan Community,
Kathmandu: Himalayan Book Seller, Reprinted 1988
Pandey, Ram Niwas, Making of Modern Nepal: A Study of History, Art, Culture of Western
Nepal, Jaipur: Nirala Publication, 1998.
Pradhan, Bhuvan Lal, Nepalmā Bouddha Dharma, Kathmandu: Royal Nepal Academy, 1990
(Nepali)
Rajendra Ram, History of Buddhism in Nepal (A.D. 704-1397), Patna: Janabharati Prakashan,
1977.
Regmi, D.R., Medieval Nepal, 2 vol., Calcutta: K.L. Mudhopadhyaya, 1972.
Rospatt, Alexander Vōn, “The Survival of Mahāyāna Buddhism in Nepal: A Fresh Appraisal in
Buddhismus in Geschichte und Gegenwart, Band 5,
Hamburg: Universität Hamburg (Weiterbildendes Studium), 2002, pp. 168-189.
Sakya, Min B. (tr.), Śrī Svayambhū Mahācaitya: A Self-Arisen Caitya of Nepal by Hem Raj
Shakya, Kathmandu: Svayambhu Vikash Mandala, 2004.
Sakya, Min B. and Shanta Harsha Bajracharya (tr.), Svayambhu Purana, Lalitpur: Nagarjuna
Institute of Buddhist Studies, 1997 (Sanskrit and Nepalbhāṣā)
Sakya, Min B, “Historical Analysis of Monasticism in Newar Buddhism” in Voice of History,
Vol. XV, No.1, Kirtipur: Department of History, Tribhuvan University, 2000.
Sakya, Tirtha Ratna, Nepalmandalka Bauddhaharuko dhārmik abhyāsa ra jīvana śailī,
Kathmandu: Buddha Dharma Adhyayan Gosthi, A.D. 2008 (Nepali)

25
Sakya, Hemraj, Svayemhhu Mahacaitya, Kathmandu: Svayambhu Bikas Mandal, N.S. 1098
(Nepal Bhasa)
Srestha, Khadga Man, History of Buddhism of Nepal with Special Reference to Vajrayana
Buddhism of Nepal, Kathmandu: Kamala Devi Shrestha, 2008.
Skorupski, Tadeuz, Kriyasamgraha, U.K.: Institute of Buddhist Studies, 2002
Tanemura, Ryugen, Kuladatta’s Kriyasangraha Panjika, Japan: General of the Japanese Society
for South Asian Studies, 2003
Tuladhar, Premshanti and et.al, Newa Samaj, Kathmandu: Newa Dey Daboo, N.S. 1127 (Nepal
Bhasha)
Tuladhar, Premshanti and et.al, Newar Jatiko cinari, Lalitpur:NFSIN, Newa Dey Daboo, 2011
(Nepali)
Vajracharya, Dhanavajra, Licchavikalka Abhilekha, Kirtipur: Asiyali Anusandhan Kendra, 2030
V.S. (Nepali)
Vajracharya, Dhanavajra and K.P. Malia (ed.), The Gopalrajvamsavali, Nepal Research Center
Publication No. 9, Wiesbaden; Franz Stiener Verlag, 1985 (Nepali)

26
 Lumbini Buddhist University
Master's in Mahāyāna Buddhism
Mahāyāna Buddhist Philosophy and Practice II

Semester : 2nd Cr.Hours: 3

Paper: I Teaching Hours : 48
Code : MMB521 Full Marks: 50

Course Description:
The Course aims to provide students with the essential knowledge about specially two aspects of
Mahāyāna Buddhism, viz. philosophical aspect leading to the sequential growth of wisdom with
the help of Buddhist logic and reasoning and the practical aspect or general introduction to the
some of the practices of Vajrayāna.

Objectives
 To provide the students with advanced knowledge to the Buddhist Logic and Four philosophical
Schools of Mahāyāna Buddhism. The students will be led step by step from the foundational
knowledge from the two Śrāvakayāna philosophical systems of Vaibhāṣika and Sautrāntika to the two
advanced Mahāyāna philosophical sysetms of Cittamātra or Yogācātra and Mādhyamika in order to
pave an underlying path to the knowledge of Tantric Mahāyāna Buddhism viz. Vajrāyāna Buddhism
and its practice.
 To introduce them to the Vajrayāna Buddhism with some essential theoretical knowledge about its
practice.

Course contents Teaching Hours

Unit I The Vaibhāṣika and Sautrāntika Philosophy 12

1.1 The Vaibhāṣika Philosophy

1.1.1 Meaning, Sub-schools and etymology of Vaibhāṣika Philosophy
1.1.2 Classification of Dharma
1.1.3 Saṃskṛta Dharma and Asaṃskṛta Dharma (Conditioned and Non-
conditioned dharma)
1.1.4 Āśrava and Anāśrava Dharma (Afflicted and Non-afflicted)
1.1.5 Pratisaṃkhyānirodha, apratisaṃkhyānirodha
1.1.6 Prāpti, Aprāpti and Avijñapti
1.1.7 Traikālika Dharma (The Three Times)
1.1.8 Paramāṇuvāda (The Atomic Theory)
1.1.9 Satyadvaya (The Two Truths)

1.2 The Sautrāntika Philosophy

1.2.1 Meaning, Sub-schools and etymology
1.2.2 Classification of Dharma
1.2.3 Saṃskṛta Dharma and Asaṃskṛta Dharma
1.2.4 Kṣaṇikavāda (Theory of Momentariness)
1.2.5 Dravyasat and Prajñaptisat

27
 1.2.6 Svasaṃvedana (Apperception)
1.2.7 Satyadvaya (The Two Truths)
1.2.8 Yuktivāda (The Tradition of Logic)

Unit II The Cittamātra and Mādhyamika Philosophy 12

2.1 The Cittamātra Philosophy

2.1.1 Meaning, Sub-schools and etymology
2.1.2 Classification of Dharma
2.1.3 The Three Natures: Parikalpita, Paratantra and Pariniṣpanna
2.1.4 The Three Emptinesses: Lakṣaṇaniḥsvabhāvatā, Utpattiniḥsvabhāvatā and
Paramārthaniḥsvabhāvatā
2.1.5 Trivijñāna: Ālayavijñāna, Kliṣṭamanovijñāna and Pravṛttivijñāna
2.1.6 Vijñaptimātratā siddhi
2.3.7 Dravyasat and Prajñaptisat
2.1.8 Ātmagrāha and Dharmagrāha
2.1.9 Satyadvaya (The Two Truths)
2.1.10 Āśrayaparāvṛtti: Apratiṣṭhanirvāṇa and Trikāya

2.2 The Mādhyamika Philosophy

2.2.1 Meaning, Sub-schools and etymology
2.2.2 Satyadvaya (The Two Truths): Samvṛtti Satya and Paramārtha Satya
2.2.3 Tattva Samvṛtti Satya and Mithyā Samvṛtti Satya
2.2.4 The doctrine of Śūnyatā and its inseparable relation with Pratītyasamutpāda
2.2.5 Dialectic Method of refutation: Reductio ad Absurdum
2.2.6 The Catuṣkoṭi Anutpāda theory and Ekāneka Theory.
2.2.7 Doctrines of Svaśūnyatā and Paraśūnyatā
2.2.8 Analysis of Nirvāṇa

Unit III Bauddha Nyāya (Buddhist Logic) 10

3,1 Introduction to Bauddha Nyāya
3.2 Origin and Development of Bauddha Nyāya
3.3 Two Exponents of Bauddha Nyāya: Dignāga and Dharmakīrti
3.4 Bauddha Samyakjñāna (Buddhist Epistemology)
3.5 Pramāṇa Vijñapti (Valid Cognition) and its types
3.6 Parārthānumāna (Syllogism)
3.7 Apohavāda (Theory of Excluvism)

Unit IV Vajrayāna Philosophy and Practice 14

4.1 Vajrayāna Philosophy
4.1.1 Vajrayāna Philosophy : Meaning and Objectives
4.1.2 Conceptual Foundations of Mantra, Maṇḍala, Tantra, Jñānasattva, Trimūla
4.1.3 Qualification of Vajrayāna Guru and Disciples
4.1.3 The Understanding of Śūnyatā and Cittamātra as foundation to Vajrayāna
4.1.4 Symbolism and Understanding of Pañca Buddha and Pañcajnana
4.1.5 Vajrayāna Psychology, Physiology and Cosmology

28
 4.2 Vajrayāna Practice
4.2.1 Pūrvayoga (Preliminary Practices) of Vajrayāna
4.2.2 Śuddhābhāsa (Pure Perception) and Adhimokṣa śraddhā (Devotion)
4.2.3 Abhiṣeka (Empowerment)
4.2.4 Vajrayāna Meditation:
4.2.4.1 Deva Yoga: Utpattikrama and Sampannakrama
4.2.5 Four Classes of Tantra

Prescribed Texts
Anacker, Stefan, Seven Works of Vasubandhu The Buddhist Psychological Doctor, Delhi: Motilal
Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd., 2005.
Bajracharya, Divyavajra (tr.), Ārya Śrī Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitāsūtram, Lalitpur : Lotus
Research Centre, 2003
Bhattacharya, Vidusekhara (ed.), Yogācārabhūmi of Ācārya Asaṅga, Calcutta: University of
Calcutta, 1957.
Dev, Narendra, Bauddha Dharma Darśana, Patna: Vidya Rastrabhasa Parishad, 1956.
Dwarika Das Shastri (ed.), apohavādaḥ: bauddhadārśanikānāṁ pramukho vādaḥ, Varanasi:
Bauddha Bharati, 1992.
________________, Pramāṇavārtitikam, Varanasi: Bauddha Bharati, 1968.
_________________, Ācaryaśrīśāntarakṣitaviracitaḥ tattvasaṅgrahaḥ śrīkamalaśīlakṛtapañjiko-
petaḥ [pramāṇāntarabhāvaparīkṣāparyantam Vol I, Varanasi: Bauddha Bharati, 1981.
_________________, Ācaryaśrīśāntarakṣitaviracitaḥ tattvasaṅgrahaḥ śrīkamalaśīlakṛtapañjiko-
petaḥ [pramāṇāntarabhāvaparīkṣāparyantam Vol I, Varanasi: Bauddha Bharati, 1982.
Nath, Narendra (ed.), Spuṭārtha Abhidharmakośa-Vyākhyā of Yaśomitra Vol I, London: Luzac &
Co., 1949
_____________, Spuṭārtha Abhidharmakośa-Vyākhyā of Yaśomitra Vol II, London: Luzac & Co.,
1957
Negi, Wangchuk Dorje & Samdong Rinpoche, Vajrayānadarśana evaṃ sādhanā, Sarnath: Central
Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, 1998.
Negi, Wangchuk Dorje, vajrayānadarśanamīmāṁsā, Sarnath: Central Institute of Higher Tibetan
Studies, 2009.
Pradhan, P, Abhidharmakośabhāṣya of Vasubandhu, Patna: K. P. Jayaswal Research Institute,
1967.
Ernst Steinkelnner & etal. (ed.), Jinendrabuddhi’s Viśālamalavati Pramāṇasamuccayaṭīkā, Part
I: Critical Edition, Beijing & Vienna: China Tibetology Publishing House Austrian
Academy of Sciences Press, 2005.
___________________, Jinendrabuddhi’s Viśālamalavati Pramāṇasamuccayaṭīkā, Part II:
Diplomatic Edition, Beijing & Vienna: China Tibetology Publishing House Austrian
Academy of Sciences Press, 2005.
Tripathi, Ramshankar, Bauddha Darśana Prasthāna, Sarnath: Central Institute of Higher Tibetan
Studies, 1997.
________, Sautrāntika Darśana, Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, 2008. (Hindi)
Upadhyaya Baldev, Bauddha-darśana-mīmāṃsā: Bauddha-dharma tathādarśanakāsarvāṅgīṇa-
pramāṇikavivecana, Varanasi: Chaukhamba Vidyabhawan, 1989
Yogindrananda, Svami, Pramāṇavārtikam: Vārtikālaṅkāravyākhyopetavārtikālaṅkārabhāṣya-
sahitam, Varanasi: Chaukhamba Vidyabhawan, 1991

29
Yogindrananda, Svami, Pramāṇavārtikam: Vārtikālaṅkāravyākhyopetavārtikālaṅkārabhāṣya-
sahitam, Varanasi: Chaukhamba Vidyabhawan, 2005.

References
Chatterjee, A. K. Yogacara Idealism, Columbia: South Asia Books, 1987.
Dhammajoti, Bhikkhu K. L. Sarvāstivāda Abhidharma, Hongkong: Centre of Buddhist Studies,
2007.
Garfield, Jay L. (tr.), The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way: Nāgārjuna's
Mūlamadhyamakakārikā, London: Oxford University Press, 1995.
Jamspal, L & etal. (tr.), The Universal Vehicle Discourse Literature (mahāyānasutrālaṁkāra) by
Maitreyanātha/Asaṅga Together with its Commentary (Bhāṣya) by Vasubandhu, New York:
American Institute of Buddhist Studies, 2004.
Matilal, Bimal K. & Evans, Robert D. Buddhist Logic and Epistemology: Studies in the Buddhist
Analysis of Inference and Language. Boston: D. Reidel Publishing Company, 1986.
Negi, Wangchuk Dorje, Vajrayānadarśanamīmāṃsā, Sarnath: Central Institute of Higher Tibetan
Studies, 2009.
Negi, Wangcung Dorje, Vajrayāna Darśana Evaṃ Sādhanā, Varanasi: Centra Institute for Higher
Tibetan Studies, 2017 ( Hindi)
Powers, John, Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, New York: Snow Lion Publications, 1995.
__________ (tr.), Wisdom of the Buddha: The Saṃdhinirmocana Sūtra, Berkeley: Dharma
Publishing, 1995.
Ray, Reginald, Indestructible Truth: The Living Spirituality of Tibetan Buddhism, Boston,
London: Shambhala Publications, 2002.
_______, Secret of the Vajra World: The Tantric Buddhism of Tibet, Boston, London: Shambhala
Publications, 2002.
Rinpoche, Kirti Tsenshap, Principles of Buddhist Tantra, Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2011.
Rinpoche, Thrangu, The Five Buddha Families and the Eight Consciousnesses, Boulder: The
Namo Buddha Seminar, 1998.
Rospatt, Alexander von, The Buddhist Doctrine of Momentariness: A Survey of the Origins and
Early Phase of this Doctrine up to Vasubandhu, Stuttgart: Franz Steiner Verlag, 1995.
Santina, Peter Della, The Tree of Enlightenment, Taiwan: The Corporate Body of the Buddha
Educational Foundation, 1998
Shakya, Tirtha Ratna, Bodhijñāna Kusuma, Kathmandu: Buddha Dharma AdhyayanaGoṣthī,
2008. (Nepali)
_____,Introduction to Buddhist Religion and Philosophy, Kathmandu: Buddhadharma
Adhyayanatathā Bhajana Maṇḍala, 2016. (Nepali)
Stcherbatsky,Th., Buddhist Logic Vol. I & II, New Delhi: Motilal Banarasidass Pvt. Ltd., 1994
Sopa, GesheLhundup& Jeffrey Hopkins (tr. & an.), Practice and Theory of Tibetan Buddhism,
Calcutta: B. I. Publication, 1977.
Tenzin, Pema, Dza Patul Jigme chökyiwangpoviracita Guru Samantabhadra Mukhāgama
Longchen Hṛdayabindu Pūrvayoga Vyākhyāna, Sarnath: Central Institute of Higher Tibetan
Studies, 2009.
The Pemakara Translation Group, The Words of My Perfect Teacher, New Delhi: HarperCollins
Publishers India, 1994.
Tripathi Ramshankar, Sautrāntikadarśanam, Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, 1990.

30
Williams, Pauls, Mahāyāna Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations, London and New York:
Routledge Taylor and Francis Group, 1989.

31
 Lumbini Buddhist University
Master's in Mahāyāna Buddhism
Sanskrit Buddhist Literature II

Semester : 2nd Cr.Hours: 3

Paper: II Teaching Hours : 48
Code : MMB522 Full Marks: 50

Course Description

The general aim of the course is to familiarize the students with classification of tantra. It will
help them in the understanding of Buddhist tantra, Sadhana, Pūja vidhi, Stotra and Dhārani. The
Course also intends to provide the Students an in knowledge of commentarial Literature of
Buddhist Ācāryas.

Objectives
 To encourage the academic study on the classification of Buddhist Tantras.
 To improve understanding on the concept of Sūtra, Śāstra, Sadhana, Pūja Bidhi, Stotra
and Dhāraṇī.
 To introduce different Mahāyāna Buddhist Literature by various Buddhist Ācārya.

Course contents Teaching Hours

Unit I Introduction to Tantra Literature 8

1.1 Origin and development of Buddhist Tantra Literature
1.2 Classification of Tantra Literature
(Kriyātantra texts, Caryātantra texts, Yogatantra texts and Anuttarayogatantra texts )
1.3 Salient features of the tantric literature (Mantra, Mandala, Sadhana, Stotra, Dharani
and Charya songs )
1.4 Significance of Tantra Literature and its relevance to Esoteric Buddhism (Vajrayana)

Unit II Introduction to the texts on Buddhist Sādhanā 10

2.1 Sādhanamālā
2.2 Kriyāsaṃgraha
2.3 Sekodesatika
2.4 Niṣpannayogāvalī
2.5 Sarvatathāgatatattva Sangrah
2.6 Ādikarmapradīpa

Unit III Introduction to the major Buddhist Tantric Texts (Anuttarayogatantra) 10

3.1 Guhyasamāja Tantra (Upāya Tantra = Pitṛ Tantra)
3.2 Kālacakra Tantra (Advaya Tantra )
3.3 Hevajra Tantra (Prajñā Tantra = Matṛ Tantra )
3.4 Cakrasaṃvara Tantra (Prajñā Tantra = Matṛ Tantra )
3.5 Caṇḍamahāroṣaṇa Tantra (Prajñā Tantra = MatṛTantra )

32
Unit IV Overview of Buddhist literature by various Mahayana Buddhist Ācāryas 10
4.1 Nāgārjuna
4.2 Āryadeva
4.3 Asaṅga
4.4 Vasubandu
5.5 Śāntideva
5.7 Atīśadīpankarśrijñāna
5.8 Advayavajra
5.9 Anupamvajra
5.10 Kuladatta Ācārya

Unit V Sanskrit Buddhist Literature in Nepal 10

5.1 A survey of Buddhist Sanskrit Literature of Nepal
5.2 Scriptural Introduction of Popular texts
5.2.1 Nava Sutra ( Saddharmapuṇḍarīka Sūtra)
5.2.2 Avadāna ( Avadāna Kalpalatā )
5.2.3 Jātaka ( Śringabheri Jātaka )
5.2.4 Pancaraksa Sūtra
5.2.5 Ritual text ( Gurumaṇḍalārchana )
5.2.6 Dhāraṇī text ( Aparamitāyu nāma Mahāyāna Sūtram )
5.3.7 Stotra text ( Bauddhastotrasamgraha)

Prescribed Texts

Bajracharya, Divyavajra, NavasūtraSaṃgraha, Lalitpur: Bodhi Prakasana Kendra, 1999.

Bhattacharya, Benoytosh (ed,), Sādhanamālā,Vol. I, Baroda : Central Library, 1925
____________________, Sādhanamālā,Vol. II, Baroda : Central Library, 1928
____________________, Niṣpannayogāvalī of Mahā PaṇḍitaAbhayākaragupta,, Baroda :
Oriental Institute, 1949
Deva, Narendra Acharya,Bauddha Dharma Darśana, Delhi: Motilal Banarasidas Publication,
1956
Lal ,Banarsi, Bauddha Tantra Vāṅgmaya, Varanasi: Central Institute for Higher Tibetan Studies,
2005 ( Hindi)
Negi, Wangcung Dorje, Vajrayāna Darśana Evaṃ Sādhanā, Varanasi: Centra Institute for
Higher Tibetan Studies, 2017 ( Hindi),
Tsonawa, N. Lobsang (tr.), Indian Buddhist Pandits “From Jewel Garlands of Buddhist
History”, Dharamshala: Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, 1985.
Tachikawa, Musashi & etal., Mandala Deities in the Nispannayogavali, Kathmandu: Vajra
Books, 2016.
Tripathi, Ram Shankar, Bauddhadarśanaprasthāna,Sarnath: Central Institute of Higher Tibetan
Studies, 1997. (Hindi)
Vira, Raghu & etal., Tibetan Maṇḍalas (Vajrāvalī and Tantra Samuccaya), New Delhi:
International Academy of Indian Culture, 1995.

33
Upadhyaya, Jagannatha (ed.), Vimalaprabhāṭīkā of Kalki Śrī Puṇḍarīka on Śrī
Laghukālacakratantrarāja by Śrī Mañjuśrīyaśa Vol 1, Sarnath: Central Institute of Higher
Tibetan Studies, 1986.
____________________, Vimalaprabhāṭīkā of Kalki Śrī Puṇḍarīka on Śrī
Laghukālacakratantrarāja by ŚrīMañjuśrīyaśa Vol 2, Sarnath: Central Institute of Higher
Tibetan Studies, 1994.
____________________, Vimalaprabhāṭīkā of Kalki Śrī Puṇḍarīka on Śrī
Laghukālacakratantrarāja by Śrī Mañjuśrīyaśa Vol 3, Sarnath: Central Institute of Higher
Tibetan Studies, 1994

References

Bajracharya, Asha Kaji (Ganesh Raj) (tr.), Suvarṇa Prabhāsa Sūtram,Lalitpur : Nepal
BauddhaPrakashan.
Bajracharya, Divyavajra (tr.), ĀryaŚrīAstasahasrika Prajnaparamitasutram, Lalitpur : Lotus
Research Centre, 2003
Bajracharya, Divyavajra (tr.), ĀryaŚrīGuhyasamāja Tantram,Lalitpur : Lotus Research Centre,
2001
Bajracharya, Divyavajra (tr.), ĀryaGaṇḍavyuhasūtram, Lalitpur : Lotus Research Centre, 1996
Bajracharya, Divyavajra (tr.), Saddharma LaṅkāvatāraSūtram, Lalitpur : Lotus Research
Centre, 1993
Bajracharya, Divyavajra (tr.), ĀryaDaśabhūmika Sūtram, Lalitpur : Lotus Research Centre, 2002
Bajracharya, Shanta Shree Ratna, Vajrayāna Pūjāvidhi Saṅgraha, Kathmandu: Shanta Shree
Ratna Bajracharya, 2011.
Beer, Robert, The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs, London: Serindia Pubcation,
Chandra, Lokesh, Sarva Tathāgatatattva Samgrah, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1987
Chau, Bhiksu Thich Minh, The Chinese MadhyamaĀgama and the PāliMajjhimaNikāya, Delhi:
Motilal Banarsidass, 2009.
Farrow, G. W. & I Menon, The Concealed Essence of the Hevajra Tantra: With the
Commentary Yogaratnamālā, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Pvt. Ltd., 1992.
Gray, David B., The Cakrasamvara Tantra: A Study and Annotated Translation,
Harvey, Peter, An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History and Practices, Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press, 1990
Lodoe, Yangchen Gyawai, Path and Grounds of Guhyasamaja According to Arya Nagarjuna,
Dharamshala: Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, 1995
Nattier, Jan (tr.), The Bodhisattva Path Based on the Ugraparipṛcchā, a Mahāyana Sūtra, New
Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd., 2003.
Pandey, Janardanshastri, Bauddhastorasamgraha, Varanashi: Motilal Banarasidah, 1994
Sakya, Min Bahadur (tr.), ĀryaGuṇakāraṇḍavyūhaSūtra, Lalitpur : NagarjunInstitute of Exact
Methods, 1997
_________________,AvadānaKalpalatā, Kathmandu :Śākya JaḥPvt.Ltd., 2005
Saskrityayan, Rahul, BauddhaSaṃskṛti, New Delhi :SamyakaPrakasan, 1952
Sastri, Shanti Bhiksu, Lalitavistara,Lucknow : Uttar Prades Hindi Sasthan, 1984

34
Snellgrove, David, The Hevajra Tantra: Introduction and Translation, Part I, London: Oxford
University Press, 1959.
Skorupski, Tadeusz, Kriyasamgraha: Compendium of Buddhist Rituals, Tring, UK: The
Institute of Buddhist Studies, 2002.
Winternitz, Maurice, History of Indian Literature, Vol. 2: Buddhist & Jain Literature, Delhi:
Motilal Banarsidass, 1998.

35
 Lumbini Buddhist University
Master's in Mahāyāna Buddhism
Buddhist Archaeology, Architecture and Script

Semester : 2nd Cr.Hours: 3

Paper: III Teaching Hours : 48
Code : MMB523 Full Marks: 50

Course Description
The course is divided broadly into three inter-related categories. Architecture of Buddhist
tradition of Nepal, Archaeology basically of Buddhist concern and various scripts used in
inscriptions of Buddhist characters. The inscriptions in-situ is essential for understanding
dynamism of Buddhist history and aspects of Buddhism of Nepal. All these parts are understood
as fundamental for Buddhist practices and persistence in Nepalmandala. The course contents are
designed in a way to incorporate them as much as possible and make a correlation among them in
Academic course.

Course Objectives
The main objective of the course is to provide information of Buddhist architecture, Buddhist
archaeological findings in Nepalese Buddhism and Scripts related to Buddhist practices. Specific
objectives can be highlighted below:
 To enhance the fundamental knowledge of Buddhist archaeological sites of Nepal and its
importance as evidences for the study.
 to enhance the fundamental knowledge of sacred architectural tradition with essential devotional
elements in Buddhist practice Viz., Stupas, Caityas and Monasteries
 To distinguish architectural Practice of Baha and Bahi in Newar tradition of Nepal.
 To elucidate the characteristics of Buddhist scripts and scriptural trend in epigraphy or
Palaeography in theory and practice.

Course contents Teaching Hours

Unit II Buddhist Archaeology 10

1.1 Significance of Archaeology in understanding History, Culture and Religious Studies.
1.2 Buddhist Archaeological sites of Nepal Terai (Lumbini, Tilaurakoṭ, Sāgarahavā,
Rāmagrāma)
1.3 Reports on Lumbini and Tilaurakoṭ.
1.4 Reinvesting of history after archaeological excavation with special reference to
Kāṣṭhamaṇḍapa, Dhanādva and Lumbini area.
1.4 Buddhist archaeological findings and its importance in Mustang valley.
1.5 Aśokan Stūpas of the Kathmandu valley.
1.7 Reports on excavated caitya of Bauddha (Khāsti Mahāstūpa) and Svayambhū
Mahācaitya.
1.8 Buddhist Tradition of Guṭhī in the preservation and continuation of Monuments and
Rituals.
1.9 Causes of decay in clay, wood, stone, metal and painted objects.

36
 1.10 Archaeological evidences from Licchavī inscriptions. (Inscriptions: Hāḍigaon Thaḥ
ṭole inscription of Aṃsuvarma no 77, PatanYagabahā inscription of Narendradeva no 133)

Unit II Buddhist Architecture 10

2.1 Historicity in Buddhist architecture with special reference to Stūpa and Vihāra.
2.2 Early shelters of Monks: Kuṭī and Rock cut shelters or grottoes
2.3 Five types of Lenas: a. Vihāra, b. Addayoga, c. Pasāda. d. Hammiya and e. Guhā
2.4 Development of stupa and vihara architecture.
2.5 Monastic accounts of Buddha’s age to historical Mahāvihāras of Nālandā,
Vikaramaśīla, Odantapurī and Jagaddala.
2.6 Nepali style multi-roofed and Śikhara style architectures in Nepal.
2.7 Artistic motifs and tradition as part of Architecture in Mahāvihāra and Stūpas.
2.8 General survey on the courtyards of Four Karuṇāmaya temple, Kvābahā and
Guitabahī of Patan.
2.9 Gompas of four sects (Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug).
2.10 Exploration of Dhamma stūpas of Aśoka in Patan.
2.11 Significant Caityas in Nepal: Svayambhū Mahācaitya, Bauddha, Cābahī, Pimbahā,
Cilañco (Kirtipur), Namobuddha and Badegaon Caitya.

Unit III Bahā and Bahi (Mahāvihāra) Architecture of Nepal 8

3.1 Vihāra Architecture: Meaning and Concept
3.2 Architectural significance and historicity of Mahāvihāra (Bahā and Bahī) tradition in
Newar Buddhism.
3.3 Materials used on constructing Mahāvihāra.
3.4 Distinct features between Bahāvihāra and Bahīvihāra with special reference to
Ukubahā (Rudravarṇa Mahāvihāra) and Ibābahī (Rājakīrti Mahāvihāra).
3.5 Introduction to literary source of constructing Mahāvihāra: Kriyāsaṃgraha and
Kriyāsamuccaya
3.6 Essential parts and sections in Mahāvihāra
3.7 Features of Itumbahā, Chusyābahā of Kathmandu, Kvābahā, Hakhabahā of Patan and
Laskādyobahā of Bhaktpur.

Unit IV Buddhist Monuments of Reverence 7

4.1 Historicity of Stūpa and its architectural development
4.2 Architectural typology and its essence in Stūpa
4.3 CaturvyūhaCaitya as distinct Newar typology (Dhvākhābahā, Svayambhū,
Nāgabahā)
4.4 General survey on Nepalese caitya typology and their significance.
4.5 Chörten; typology and meaning
4.6 Buddhist multi-roofed Nepali style shrines of Kathmandu valley: Vijeśvarī,
Vajrayoginī temple of Pharping and Sāṁkhu
4.7 Buddhist Śikhara shrines of Kathmandu and western Nepal

37
Unit V Introduction to Buddhist Scripts 8
5.1 Development of scripts
5.2 Origin of Brāhmī Script
5.3 Buddhist writing tools, materials and manuscripts
5.4 Writing tradition of Brāmhī, Rañjanā and Pracalita scripts.
5.5 Aśokan Pillar Inscriptions, a. Lumbini and b. Niglihavā
5.6 Scanning, Transcribing and Transliteration of Buddhist manuscripts from
Rañjanā>Pracalita>Roman with diacritical marking techniques.
(eg.PrajñāpāramitāhṛdayaSūtra)
5.7 Importance of epigraphy and palaeography to identify undated monuments.
5.8 General survey of Scripts used in Nepali inscriptions.
5.9 Significant Inscription of Nepal (Cābahī no. 1, Cāṅgunārāyaṇa no. 2,Ganabaha no.
40, Hādigoan Dabali inscription of Aṃsuvarmā no. 72, Patan Caḥpā tole no. 95,
Brahmaṭole no. 43, Yaṅgubahā no. 172)

Unit VI Site Visits and report writing 5

Study team of students will be taken to related sites as demanded by the course content. The
assignment related to this paper for the students of second semester will be mainly focused on such
field visits. It will be highly appreciated if Lumbini Buddhist University will provide fund for
educational tour.

Note: Inscription numbers are given according to Licchavikalin Abhilekh of Dhanavajra Vajracharya.

Prescribed texts
Gutschow, N. The Nepalese Chaitya, 1500 years of Buddhist Votive Architectures in Kathmandu
Valley, Stutguard; Dechan Printing and Publication co. 1997
Locke, J.K., Buddhist Monasteries of Nepal. Kathmandu: Sahayogi Press, 1985 A.D.
Skorupski, Tadeuz, Kriyasamgraha, U.K.: Institute of Buddhist Studies, 2002
Slusser, M.S. Nepal Mandalā. Parts 1& 2. New Jersy: Princeton University Press, 1982 A.D.

References
Bajracharya, Gautam Bir, Lumbini, Hida Buddhejate Sakyamuniti, Kathmandu, Lalitpur
:TaradeviBajracharya, 2019. (Nepali)
Bajracharya, H.K. (Nepal Bhasa). Yalaya Bauddha Vihara. Lalitpur: Bauddha Vihara Sangha.
2000 A.D
Bangdel, Lain S. Inventory of Stone Sculpture in Kathmandu Valley, Kathmandu; Royal Nepal
Academy, 1995.
________,Stolen Images of Nepal, Kathmandu: The Royal Nepal Academy, 1989.
Bapat, P.V. 2500 Years of Buddhism. New Delhi: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Govt.
of India, 1997 A.D. (reprint).
Benjamin, Rowland, 1970, The Art and Architecture of India, Buddhist/Hindu/Jain, Rep, Delhi:
Penguin Book.
Dorjee, P. Stūpa and its Technology; A Tibeto-Buddhist Perspective. Delhi: Indira Gandhi National
centre for the Arts, 2001 (reprint)
Gellner, David N., Monk, Householder and Tantric Priest,Newar Buddhism and its Hierarchy of
Ritual, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1992.
38
Kshetri G & Ramchandra R, Nepali Kalā, Vastukalā ra Pratimalakṣaṇa. Kathmandu: Asia
Publications, 2004. (Nepali)
Locke, J.K. Karunamaya. Kathmandu: Sahayogi Press, 1980 A.D.
Pichardo, P and Lagirarde, F. (ed.) The Buddhist Monasteries. Paris: Ecole Francaise d’ Extreme
Orient, 2003 A.D.
Slusser, M.S, Antiquity of Nepalese Wood Carving: A reassessment, Washington: University of
Washington Press, 2010
Shakya, Min B. (tr.), ŚrīSvayambhūMahācaitya: A Self-Arisen Caitya of Nepal by Hem Raj
Shakya, Kathmandu: Svayambhu Vikash Maṇḍala, 2004.
Shakya, H.R, RudravarṇaMahāvihāra. Ukubaha: 2538 Buddha Jayanti Samaroh Samite, 1994
A.D.
Vajracharya, Dhanavajra, LicchavīkālakāAbhilekha,Kirtipur: CNAS, 2030 V.S. (Nepali)
Vajracharya, Dhanavajra and K.P. Malla (ed.), The Gopalrajvamsavali, Nepal Research Center
Publication No. 9, Wiesbaden; Franz Stiener Verlag, 1985 (Nepali)

Journals
Purnima, of Itihas Samsodhan Mandala, (Relevant numbers on Buddhism, Buddhist Art,
epigraphy, architecture and culture)
Shakya, Sanjay. ‘The stylistic cliché of Padmapani Bodhisattva in Caturvyuha Caitya: a unique
contribution by Nepalese Artists’. Up to date Journal, Peer reviewed, Kathmandu: Vol. 6, no. 2,
Kathmandu: UTD, 2019AD.
Kasa, Sarad. ‘SanchiptalipiItihas’, In: K. B Bajracharya (ed.), Tri Bodhi, Vol. 5, Kirtipur: Central
department of Buddhist studies, 2006AD.

Reports
International Buddhist conference papers collection on theme of ‘promotion, protection and
preservation of Buddhist culture and Heritage, Part 1 &2, organised jointly by Theravada Buddhist
Academy, Nepal and Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Myanmar in 15-18 Nov, 2014 held
in Lumbini.
Report submitted to UNESCO by Robin Coningham and Kosh P. Acharya in 2012, 2013 and 2014
on ‘Identifying, evaluating and interpreting the physical signature of Lumbini for presentation,
management and long-term protection’, report of the second season of field operations. Available
on https://unesdoc.unesco.org/
Report submitted to UNESCO by Aryal, Mukunda Raj and Shrestha, Sukra Sagar on ‘A report on
the salvaging, screening and inventorying of carved wooded elements of Hanuman Dhoka Palace
complex 2016. Also available in
https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000246816?posInSet=2&queryId=1da2008a-a9b2-
462c-84a2-8fd696e3b2a8
Report on ‘The greater Lumbini Area religious and archaeological sites’ corporate authored by
University of Durham (UK), 2018

39
 Lumbini Buddhist University
Master's in Mahāyāna Buddhism
Traditional Mahāyāna Buddhism of Nepalmaṇḍala II

Semester : 2nd Cr.Hours: 3

Paper: IV Teaching Hours : 48
Code : MMB524 Full Marks: 50

Course Description
This course imparts knowledge on the historical account of Traditional Mahāyāna
Buddhism of Nepalmaṇḍala also known as Newar Buddhism. Buddhism from early medieval
period to modern period of Nepal which is the most significant for the foundation of hundreds of
Bahās and Bahīs and its saṅghas in Nepalmaṇḍala. It is designed to help students in understanding
the philosophical knowledge of Newar Buddhism of Nepalmaṇḍala which has unique indigenous
cultural Heritage.

Objectives
 To understand the historical background of Buddhism of Medieval period and contribution
of Medieval kings of Nepal
 To introduce the nature and features of Newar Bahā\Bahī Saṅgha, its function and hierarchy
 To impart knowledge on Buddhist Culture and Heritage of Dharma practices, Vratas, Feasts
Festivals, Guṭhī organizations, principle Buddhist sites of Nepalmaṇḍala and Buddhist
Sacraments

Course contents Teaching Hours

Unit I Historical Account of Buddhism of Medieval Period 12

1.1 Condition of Buddhism during early and later Medieval period
1.2 Medieval kings and their contributions to the promotion and spread of Buddhism
with reference to Śivadeva II, Rudradeva, Bhāskaradeva, Guṇakāmadeva,
Abhayamalla, Pratāpamalla, Siddhinarasiṃhamalla and Śrinivāsamalla
1.3 Account of Śaṅkarācārya and Muslim Invasion in Nepalmaṇḍala.
1.4 Buddhist Scholars’ visit in Nepal: Buddhabhadra, Padmasambhava, Tilopā, Nāropa,
Vāgīśvarakīrti, Atīśa Dīpaṅkara Śrījñāna, Hāsavajra (Milarepa).
1.5 Arniko and his Contribution for spreading Buddhism in Tibet and China in 13th
century
1.6 Position of Buddhism during Transitional Period

Unit II Buddhist Vihāras (Bahā\Bahī) and Monastic Culture 8

2.1 Introduction to Vihāras: Bahā, Bahī, its Saṅgha and Functions
2.1.1 Mūbahā, Kacābahā and its Saṅgha and Functions
2.1.2 Bahī, Kacābahī and its Saṅgha and Functions
2.2 Bahā\Bahī’s Monastic Hierarchy: Cakreśvara Āju, Thāyepā Āju, Sthavira Āju,
Betāju (Upādhyāya).
2.3 Gṛhasthapravrajita Bhikṣu Saṅgha and Ordinations
40
 2.3.1 Śākya Bhikṣu Saṅgha and its Ordination
2.3.2 Vajrācārya and Acaluyegu Initiation (Making Ācārya)
2.4 Buddhist Monastic Culture
2.4.1 Bahā\Bahī’s Daily, Monthly, Annual, Occasional rituals and
2.4.2 Grantha, Dhāraṇī and Stotra Pāṭha: Prjñāpāramita, Nāmasangiti, Pancaraksha,
Gunakarandavyūha, Grahamatrika Pathas
2.4.3 Degu pūja, Diśipūja.

Unit III Buddhist Sacraments 4

3.1 Daśa Saṃskāra Karma,
3.2 Jyājaṃko (Bhīmarathārohaṇa, Maharatharohana, Devarathārohaṇa and
Mahādevarathārohaṇa)
3.3 Mṛtyu Saṃskāra and Concept of Sukhāvati Bhūvana
3.4 Buddhist Sanskar Karma: Philosophical Aspects

Unit IV Buddhist Religious Practices 8

4.1 Daily Practices: Nhikaṁ, Bahā\Bahī visit, Stotra and Dharani recitation
4.2 Occasional and Annual Practices: Aṣṭamī Vrata, Vasundharā Vrata, Lakṣa Caitya
Vrata, MahākālaVrata, PurṇimāVrata.
4.3 Dāna (generosity) Practices: Pañjādāna, Samyakdāna and Navadāna
4.4 Jātaka and Avadāna Story telling
4.5 Caryāgīta and Caryānṛtya

Unit V Guthis, Festivals and Processions 8

5.1 Introduction and Features of Newar Buddhist Guṭhī Organization
5.2 Chariot festivals of Karuṇāmayas of Patan and Kathmandu
5.3 Guṁlā festival observed in Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur
5.4 Matayā and Dīpaṃkhā processions of Lalitpur
5.5 Mohanī and Svanti festival of Newar Buddhist

Unit VI Principle Buddhist Sites of Nepalmaṇḍala 8

6.1 Svayambhū Mahācaitya
6.2 Khāsti Mahā Stūpa
6.3 Namo Buddha Caitya
6.4 Bādegaun Caitya
6.6 Maṇicūḍa
6.7 Four Yoginīs
6.8 Four Karuṇāmayas and Caku Baha Dyo (Minnatha) of Patan

Prescribed Texts
Fremantle, Francesca, A Critical Study of the Guhyasamāja Tantra, London: 1971.
Lal, Banarasi, Āryamañjuśrīnāmasaṅgītiḥ bhikṣuraviśrījñānaviracitayā
amṛtakaṇikākhyaṭipaṇyā ācāryavibhūticandraviracitena amṛtakaṇikodyotanibandhena
ca sahitā, Sarnath: Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Study, 1994.

41
Locke, J.K. Karunamaya, the Cult of Avalokitesvar-Matsyendranath In the Valley of Nepal,
Kathmandu: Sahayogi Press, 1980 A.D.
-------------, Buddhist Monasteries of Nepal, A Survey of Bahas and Bahis of the KathmanduValley,
Kathmandu: Sahayogi Press Pvt. Ltd., 1985
Lewis, Todd, Narratives and Rituals of Newar Buddhism, Albany: State University of New York
Press, 2000.
Shakya, Min Bahadur (ed.), Guṇakāraṇḍavyūha sūtra, Lalitpur: Nagarjuna Institute, 1997.
Shastri, Dwarikadas (ed.), Guhyasamājatantram, Varanasi: Bauddha Bharati, 2003.
Skorupski, Tadeuz, Kriyasamgraha, U.K.: Institute of Buddhist Studies, 2002
________, Tadeuz, The Sarvadurgatipariśodhana tantra: Elimination of all evil destinies, New
Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1983.
Tsuda, Shinichi, Saṃvarodaya-tantra: Selected Chapters, Tokyo: The Hokuseido Press, 1994.
Wayman, Alex, Chanting the Names of Mañjuśrī, Boston: Shambhala Publications, 1985.

References
Anderson, M.M., The Festivals of Nepal, London: Allen and Unwin Ltd., 1971
Bajracharya, A.K., The Daśakarma Vidhi, Kathmandu: Mandala Book Point, 2010
Bajracharya, Badri Ratna, Buddhism of Nepal, Kathmandu: AnandakutiVihar Trust, 1986.
Bajracharya, Divyavajra, (tr.), Bodhicaryāvatāra, Lalitpur: Bodhi Prakashan Kendra, 1990.
(Nepal Bhasa)
Bajracharya, Manavajra, Hamro Cāṁḍa ParvaharukoVivecanā, Kathmandu: 1968.
Bajracharya, Nareshman, Buddhism in Nepal,Delhi: Eastern Book Linkers, 1998
Bajracharya, Ranjana, Aṣṭamivrata in Buddhiam of Nepal, Lalitpur: Asha RatnaDhakhwa, 2000.
________,NewarBaudhaSaṃskāra, Kirtipur: CNAS, TU, 2008.
________, Pañcadāna: Bauddha Parva, Kathmandu: Sakya Ja, 2000. (Nepali).
________, Jeṣṭhavarṇa Mahāvihāra, Lalitpur: Sri Asharatna Dhakhwa, 2000. (Nepali)
________, Antyesṭi Saṃskāra va Dīpa Prayojanya Paramparā, Lalitpur: Padma Ratna
Bajracharya, Ratna Kaji, Guṁlā dharma, Kathmandu: Sanu Nakarmi, 1999. (Nepal Bhasa)
Bajracharya, Ratnakaji, A Survey of the Caityas of Kantipur, Lalitpur: Lotus Research Centre,
1999.
Bajracharya, Surendra Man, Monasticism in Buddhism of Nepalmandal: continuity and Changes,
unpublished Ph.D. Dessertation submitted to Faculty of Humanities andSocial Sciences,
Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur in 2041
Dowman, Keith, Buddhist Guide to the Power places of the Kathmandu Valley, Kathmandu:
Vajra Books, 2010.
Gellner, David N., Monk, Householder and Tantric Priest: Newar Buddhism and Its Hierarchy
of Ritual, London: Cambridge University Press, 1996.
Joshi, Satyamohan, Kalakar Arnikoya Svetacaitya,Kathmandu: Nepal Bhasa Parisad, v.s. 2040
(Nepal Bhasa)
Lewis, Todd T.The Tuladhars of Kathmandu: A Study of Buddhist Tradition in a Newar
Merchant Community,Columbia University: Ph.D. Dissertation, 1984, Michigan:
University Microfild international
Rijal, Narayan Prasad (tr.), Bodhicaryāvatāra, Kathmandu: Sidhi Bahadur Shrestha, Rukmini
Shrestha, 2000. (Nepali)
Shakya, Hem Raj, Samyak Mahādānaguṭhī, Kathmandu: JagatdharTuladhar, 1979.

42
Shakya, Min Bahadur (tr.) Śrī Svayambhū Mahācaitya, Kathmandu: Svayambhū Vikāsa
Maṇḍala, 2004.
________,A Short History of Buddhism in Nepal, Lalitpur: Young Buddhist Publications, 1986.
________,, Iconography of 108 Lokeśvaras, Lalitpur: Young Men's Buddhist Association, 2011,
________, The Life and Liberation of Padmasambhava, Lalitpur: Siddhi Indra Smriti Guthi,
1999 (English and Nepali)
________, Princess Bhrikuti Devi, Delhi: Book Faith India, 1997.
Shakya Min B. and Milan Shakya, The Life of Milarepa, Lalitpur: Nagarjuna Institute of Buddhist
Studies, 2008. (Nepali)
Shakya, H.R, Rudravarṇa Mahāvihāra. Ukubaha: 2538 Buddha Jayanti Samaroh Samite, 1994
A.D.
Shakya, Min Bahadur and Bajracharya, Shanta Harsa, Svayambhū Purāṇa, Lalitpur:
NagarjunaInstute, 1997. (Sanskrit and Nepal Bhasa)
Shakyavaṃśa, Buddhiraj and Joshi, Satyamohan, (ed.), Kunshanlamye shalun Ngondu, Bodhi
Prakasan Kendra, 1990. (Nepal Bhasa)

Journals
Allen, Nichael, 1973, "Buddhism Without Monks. The Vajrayana Religion of the Newars of
Kathmandu Valley" South Asia 31-4
Chattopadhyaya, K.P., "An Essay on the History of Newar Culture". Journal and Prodeeding
Asiatic Society and Bengal. N.s. Vol 19, 10, 465-560
Gustxshow, Niels and Hemraja Shakya. "The Monasteries (Baha and bahi) of Patan" A
contribution towards the Cultural Topography of a Newar Town." Journal of the Nepal
Research Centre 161-174
Joseph, Marietta B. "The Viharas of the Kathmandu Valley, Reliquaries of Buddhist Culture."
Oriental Art. Vol. XVII 2, 1-23
Leinhard Siegfried, 1984, "Nepal, the Survival of Indian Buddhism in a Himalayan Kingdom",
in Heinz Bechert and Richard Gombrich (ends.), The world of Buddhist Monks and Nuns
in Society and Culture (London, Thames and Hudson, p. 108-14)
Locke, John K., 1976, Rato Matsyendranath of Patan and Bungamati, Kathmandu: TU,
Historical Series no.5
Rospatt, Alexander Von, “Negotiating the Passage beyond a Full Span of Life: Old Age Rituals
among the Newars” in South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies, 37:1, 104-129

43
 Lumbini Buddhist University
Master's in Mahāyāna Buddhism
Sanskrit Language

Semester : 2nd Cr.Hours: 3

Paper: V Teaching Hours : 48
Code : MMB525 Full Marks: 50

Course Description
This course contents general introduction on various scripts used in Nepalmaṇḍala,
general Sanskrit grammatical rules, sentence pattern and translation techniques and
methods.

Course Objectives
The main objectives of this course is to provide preliminary knowledge of Sanskrit
Grammar, Hybrid Sanskrit and Sanskrit metres; it will help students read Sanskrit Buddhist
texts.

Course contents Teaching Hours

Unit I Introduction to Sanskrit Language 8

1.1 Introduction to scripts used in Buddhist Sanskrit literature and Romanization
1.1.1 Devanāgarī
1.1.2 Rañjanā
1.1.3 Pracalita
1.2 Romanization
1.3 Introduction to Sanskrit Grammar
1.3.1 Pratyāhārasūtra
1.3.2 Utterance of Sanskrit Alphabets
1.3.3 Nāma
1.3.4 Sarvanāma
1.3.5 Viśeṣaṇa
1.3.6 Kriyā
1.3.7 Kriyāviśeṣaṇa
1.3.8 Avyaya
1.3.9 Upasarga
1.3.10 Kāraka
1.3.11 Vibhakti and Vacana
1.4 Introduction to Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit (BHS)
1.4.1 Nature of BHS
1.4.2 Difference between BHS and Sanskrit Language

Unit II Śabda (Declensions) and Dhātu (Conjugation) 8

2.1 Nāma Sabda (Declensions of noun)
2.1.1 c, O, O{, C ending with masculine nouns

44
 2.1.2 cf, O, O{, ending with feminine nouns
2.1.3 c, O, p ending with neuter nouns
2.1.4 Declension of Halanta words (ending with consonants)
eujt\, k7t\, /fhg\, j]w;\
hut\, dg;\
o'idb\, c:db\
lsd\, tt\, ;j{\, Ptt\ in three genders
2.2 Kriyāpada
2.2.1 Group of Kriyāpadas:
2.2.1.1 ātmanepadin, parasmaipadin
2.2.1.2 sakarmaka, akarmaka (Transitive and Intransitive verbs)
2.2.2 Tense: n6\, nf]6\, n[6\, nª\, ljlwln{ª\ of s[, e", c;\, ud\, k7\, bf, u|x,
zL, ofr\,dg\, 1f, zs\ .
Unit III Sandhi (Combination) and Samāsa (Compound) 8
3.1 Types of Sandhi
3.1.1 Ach Sandhi
3.1.2 Hal Sandhi
3.1.3 Visarga Sandhi

3.2 Type of Samāsa

3.2.1 Avyayībhāva
3.2.2 Tatpuruṣa
3.2.3 Karmadhāraya
3.2.4 Dvandva
3.2.5 Dvigu
3.2.6 Bahubrīhi

Unit IV Sanskrit Chanda (Metres) 8

4.1 Varṇika and Mātrika
4.1.1 Varṇika: Samavṛtta and Visamavṛtta
4.1.1.1 Samavṛtta: śaśivadanā, anuṣṭubh, indravajrā, upendravajrā, upajāti,
rathoddhatā, vaṃśastha, drutavilambita, vasantatilakā, mālinī, pañcacāmara,
śikhariṇī, pṛthvī, mandākrāntā, śārdūlavikrīḍita, sragdharā.
4.1.1.2 Vismavṛta: viyoginī, puṣpitāgrā
4.1.2 Mātrika: Āryā and Jāti

Unit V Sanskrit Readings 8

5.1 Siddhārthacaritakāvyam (Navaṃsargaḥ: stanzas 69-83)
5.2 Vajracchedikā (1st to 8th paragraph, pp. 29-32)

Unit VI Translation Practice 8

6.1 Translation from Sanskrit into English or Nepali

6.2 Translation from English or Nepali to Sanskrit

45
Prescribed texts
Dhakal, Ramesh Prasad, ;+:s[t lzIffsf] /fdaf0f, Varanasi: Śrī Durgā Sāhitya Bhaṇḍāra,
2008.
Joshi, Lalmani. (Ed. And Trans.), Vajracchedika Prajnaparamita sutraeith commentary
of Asanga. Sarnath: Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies. 1978
Nyaupane, Kashinath and Mical, Wieslaw, Sanskrit Metres –-a[Qdflnsf_, Kathmandu:
RangjulngYeshe Institute, 2008
Nyaupane, Kashinath, ;'ud– zAb?kfjln, Kathmandu: Nepal Sanskrit Acadamy, 2011
Sastri, Swami Dvarikadas, (ed.), Siddharthacharita (Padyachudamani Kavya of Acharya
Buddhaghosha. Varanassi: Bauddha Bharati. 1994

References
Apte, V.S., The Student's Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Delhi: Nag Publishers, 2006
Arya Sura, Jātakamālā, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1996
Deshpande, Madhav M., A Sanskrit Primer, Michigan: Centers for South and Southeast,
2007
Egene, Thomas, Introduction to Sanskrit Part I, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1989
Egene, Thomas, Introduction to Sanskrit Part II, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 2000
Franklin Edgerton, Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Grammar and Dictionary, Delhi: Motilal
Banarsidass, 1953
Goldman, Robert P. and Golman, Sally J.S.–b]jjf0fLk|j]lzsf, Delhi: MLBD, 2004
Pandey, Ram Avadh and Mishra, Ravinath, kflnk|fs[t cke|+z ;+u|x, jf/f0f;L
ljZjljBfno k|sfzg, 2009
Rajbanshi, Shankar Man, "The evolution of Devanagari script", Kailas, (Vol. II, No. 1
and 2, 1974) pp. 24-120.
Tubb, Gary A. &Emery R. Boose, Scholastic Sanskrit: A Handbook for Students, New
York: American Institute of Buddhist Studies, 2007.
Varadarāj, Ācārya (ed.), –n3'l;4fGtsf}d'bL, Gorakhapur: Geeta Press, 2010

46
 Lumbini Buddhist University
Master's in Mahāyāna Buddhism
Sanskrit Buddhist Literature III

Semester : 3rd Cr.Hours: 3

Paper: I Teaching Hours : 48
Code : MMB531 Full Marks: 50

Course Description
The general aim and objective of the course is to familiarize the students with original
Sanskrit Buddhist texts. It will help them (the students) in the understanding, explaining
and translating of the meaning and significance of the texts in their own words in Nepali
or English language. The course intends to provide the students knowledge about the
original Sanskrit texts and to promote them the reading-habit of Sanskrit scriptures too.

Course Objectives
 To make understanding on Sanskrit Buddhist Sūtra, Śāstra and Dhāraṇī and
encourage to the study on them.
 To improve undrstanding on the Textual meaning of Sanskrit Buddhist Text.

Course contents Teaching Hours

Unit I. Nature and Features of Sanskrit Texts : 12

1.1 Āryaśūra’s Jātakamālā
1.2 Aśvaghoṣa’s Saundarananda Mahākāvya,
1.3 Nāgarjuna’s Suhṛtlekha,
1.4 Śāntideva' Śikṣāsamuccaya
1.5 Śāntarakṣita Tattvasaṅgrahaḥ,
1.7 Guṇakaranḍavyūha sūtra,
1.8 Karuṇāpuṇḍarīka sūtra.
1.9 Amṛtkarñika (Tikā of Nāmasangiti)
1.10 Mahāyāna Sūtrālankāra ( Asanga)
1.11 Sekodeśikā ( Nāropāda)

Unit II. Textual Study of Śrāvakayāna Scriptures 10

2.1 Mahāvastu Avadāna (Dīpaṅkāra Samyaksambodhi only)
2.2 Aśvaghoṣa’s Buddhacarita (Chapter 3, Vairāgyodaya,
from stanza no.26 to 65 only)

47
2.3 Vasubandhu’s Abhidharmakośa (Dhātu Nirdeśa, Stanza 1 to 16 only)

Unit III Textual Study of Mahayana Scriptures and Stotra 16

3.1 Bodhicaryāvatāra (Bodhicittānuśaṃsā Stanza 1-28 only),
3.2 Mūlamadhyamakakārikā (Pratyaya Parīkṣā only),
3.3 Daśabala Stotra (Stūtamapi Stotra) ( Stanza 1-5)

Unit IV Textual Study of Vajrayāna Sanskrit Scriptures 4

4.1 Nāmasangīti ( Adhyasanā Parivarta only )

Unit V Introductory Study on Buddhist Dharani Literature 6

5.1 Grahamātrikā Dhāraṇī
( Graha Daśa Śānti Dhāranī - Oṃ Buddhe Buddhe shuddhe shuddhe ...)
5.2 Aparamitāyu Nāma Mahāyān Sūtram
( Aparimitā Dhāraṇī - Oṃ namo bhagavate Aparimitāyurjñana .......)
5.3 Durgatipariśodhana Kalpaikoddeśa Tantra
( Sarvadurgati Parishodhana Dhāraṇī - Oṃ Namo sarva durgatipariso…)
5.4 Āryatārā Astottarasata Nāma Dhāranī Sūtram
( Āryatārā Dhāraṇī - Oṃ Aḥ Śragdharātāre ...........)

Prescribed Texts
Bajracharya, Divyavajra (tr.), Ārya Śri Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitāsūtram, Lalitpur :
Lotus Research Centre, 2003
_____________, Ārya Śri Guhyasamāja Tantram, Lalitpur : Lotus Research Centre, 2001
_____________, Ārya Gaṇḍavyūhasūtram, Lalitpur : Lotus Research Centre, 1996
_____________, Saddharma Laṅkāvatāra Sūtram, Lalitpur : Lotus Research Centre,
1993
_____________, Ārya Daśabhūmika Sūtram, Lalitpur : Lotus Research Centre, 2002
Bajracharya, Gajaraj (tr.), Saundarananda Mahākāvya, Lalitpur: Sugata Pustak sadan
parivar, 1983
Dev, Narendra, Ācārya Vasuvandhu Krita Abhidharmakośa,(tr.), Ilahabad: Hindustani
Academy, 1958
______________, Bauddha Dharma Darśana, Delhi: Motilal Banarasidass Publication, 1956
Sakya, Min Bahadur (ed.) , Arya guṇakāraṇḍavyūha sūtra, Lalitpur : Nagarjun Bauddha
Adhyan Sansthan, 1997
_____________(tr.), avadāna kalpalatā, Kathmandu : Sakya Jah Pvt.Ltd., 2005
Lal , Banarsi, Bauddha Tantra Vangamaya, Varanasi: Centra Institute for Higher Tibetan Studies,
2005 ( Hindi)

48
Negi, Wangcung Dorje, Vajrayāna darśana evaṁ sādhanā, Varanasi: Centra Institute for Higher
Tibetan Studies, 2017 ( Hindi),
Pandey, Ram Chandra, Ācārya Nāgārjuna kā Niśvabhāvatā Darśana, Delhi: Eastern Book Links,
1990.
Pradhan, P., Abhidharmakośabhāśya of Vasubandhu, Patna: Utkal University, 1967.
Rijal, Narayan Prashad (tr.) Bodhicaryāvatāra, Kathmandu: Siddhi Bahadur Shrestha.
Shastri, Shantibhikshu (tr.), Bodhicaryāvatāra, Delhi: Samyak Prakashan, 2010.
Tripathi, Ram Shankar, Bauddha darśana prasthāna, Sarnath: Central Institute of Higher
Tibetan Studies, 1997. (Hindi)
____________(tr.), Bodhicaryāvatāra, Ladakh: Central Institute of Buddhist Studies,
1989.
References
Bajracharya, Asha Kaji (Ganesh Raj) (tr.), Suvarṇa Prabhāsa Sūtram, Lalitpur : Nepal
Bauddha Prakasan.
Bajracharya, Divya Vajra, Navasūtra Saṅgraha, Lalitpur: Bodhi Prakasana Kendra, 1999
Bajracharya, Shanta Shree Ratna, Vajrayāna Pūjāvidhi Saṅgraha, Kathmandu: Shanta
Shree Ratna Bajracharya, 2011.
Bhattacharya, Benoytosh, Sādhanamālā,Vol. I, Baroda : Central Library, 1925
Bhattacharya, Benoytosh, Sādhanamālā,Vol. II, Baroda : Central Library, 1928
Bhattacharya, Benoytosh, Nispannayogāvalī of Mahāpaṇḍita Abhayayākāragupta,,
Baroda: Oriental Institute, 1949
Nariman, G.K., Literary history of Sanskrit Buddhism, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1992.
Saskrityayan, Rahul, Bauddha Saṃskṛti, New Delhi : Samyaka Prakasan, 1952
Sastri, Shanti Bhikshyu, Lalitavistara, Lucknow : Uttar Prades Hindi Sasthan, 1984

49
 Lumbini Buddhist University
Master's in Mahāyāna Buddhism
Buddhism of Northern and Western Nepal

Semester : 3rd Cr.Hours: 3

Paper: II Teaching Hours : 48
Code : MMB532 Full Marks: 50

Course Description
This course aims to provide a comprehensive knowledge on Buddhism of Northern
and Western Nepal. It deals with faith and practices of Buddhism in Northern and Western
Nepal. The Course of Northern Buddhism contents mainly the prominent Buddhist Sects,
Gonpas, its Hierarchy and important Buddhist sites with festivals of Northern Nepal,
Further, here the emphasis is also given more on Buddhism of Western Nepal: contribution
of Khasa kings and archaeological discoveries of art and architecture of Western Nepal.

Course Objectives
 To provide knowledge on the Buddhism of Northern Nepal
 To throw lights on Prominent Buddhist sects, Gonpas, its functions, important
festivals and Buddhist Pilgrimage sites of Northern region
 To give historical introduction to Buddhism of Khasa Kingdom, Western Nepal

Course contents Teaching Hours

Unit I Pre-Buddhist Culture of Northern Nepal 10

1.1 Introduction to Northern Nepal

1.2 Buddhist Ethnic groups of Northern Nepal
1.3 Introduction to Bön belief and culture
1.4 Role of Song Tsen Gam po, Bhrikuti, Kongjo and Silamanju, Khen Lob Cho Sum
(Ṥāntarakṣita, Padmasambhava and Thi Song De’u Tsen), Atīśā Dīpaṅkara Ṥrījñāna
and Phamthing-pa in Tibet and Nepal)

Unit II Prominent Buddhist Sects in Northern Nepal 10

2.1 Nyingma,
2.2 Kagyu,
2.3 Sakya,
2.4 Gelug

Unit III Gonpas 9

3.1 Functions of Gonpas
3.1.1 Shedra
3.1.2 Dubda
3.2 Hierarchy of Lamas in Gonpa
3.3 Prominent gonpas

50
 3.3.1Tengboche (Solu),
3.3.2 Bigu Tashi (Dolkha),
3.3.3 Tsarang (Mustang),
3.3.4 Shey (Dolpa)

Unit IV Feasts, festivals and Important Buddhist Sites of Northern Nepal 10

4.1 Losar,
4.2 Yartung,
4.3 Manirimdu,
4.4 Tiji,
4.5 Dumje.
4.6 Maratika,
4.7 Muktinath,
4.8 Lomanthang

Unit V Buddhism of Khasa Kingdom of Western Nepal 9

5.1 Introduction to Khasa Kingdom
5.2 Historical background of Western Nepal
5.3 Contributions of Khasa Kings to the promotion of Buddhism in
Western Nepal- Nāgarāja, Krācalla, Ripu Malla, Jitāri Malla, Pṛthvī Malla,
Puṇya Malla.
5.4 Buddhist art and architecture of western Nepal with special reference
to Kākre Vihāra.
5.5 Major Buddhist discoveries of Khasa Kingdom
5.5.1 Images of Buddha from Danavtal, Gadhawal and Badahat
5.5.2 Stupa of Kuci Vihara, Acham, Pathara Nauli and Dullu.
5.5.3 Pillars and its associates (Padukasthan, Dullu and
Caugancaur and Surkhet)
5.5.4 Aśokan pillars of Nepal Terai and relation with Ripu Malla.
5.5.5 Khasa Clay coins and Buddhist engraved images.

References
Adhikari, Surya Mani, The Khasa Kingdom: A Trans-Himalayan Empire of the Middle
Age, Jailpur: Nirala Publication, 1997.
Bajracharya, Surendra. Buddhist Heritage of Northern Nepal, An Introduction, Lalitpur:
LRC, 2008
Gyawali, Suryavikram, Nepal upatyakako Madhyakalin Itihas, Kathmandu: Royal Nepal
Academy, B.S 2019
Joshi, Satyamohan, Karnali lok samskriti, vol. 1, History, Kathmandu:Royal Nepal
Academy, 2028
Lopez, D.S., Religions of Tibet in Practice, New Delhi: MRMLP, 1997
Pandey, Ram Niwas, Making of Modern Nepal: A Study of History, Art, Culture of
Western Nepal, Jaipur: Nirala Publication, 1998.
Power, John, Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, New York: Snow Lion, 2003.
Regmi, D.R, Medieval Nepal, vol 1, Calcutta: Firma K.L Mukhopadhyaya, 1963

51
Sharma, Prayagraj, Preliminary study of the art and architecture of the Karnali Basin,
west Nepal, Paris: CNRS, 1972
Shakya, Min Bahadur, Princess Bhṛkuṭī Devī, Delhi: Book Faith India, 1997.
Sharma, Dilliraj. Pashima Nepal ko Murti Tatha Vastukala, Kathmandu:Royal Nepal
Academy, V.S 2058
Tucci, G., The Religions of Tibet, New Delhi: NAB, 2011
Vajracharya, Dhanavajra and Malla. Kamal Prakash, The Gopalraj Vamsavali, GMBH
Franz Steiner verlang Wiesbaden 1985.
Waddell, L., Tibetan Buddhism with its Mystic Cults, Symbolism and Mythology,
Varanasi: PP, 2004
Zest, C., Monuments of Northern Nepal, UNESCO, 1982

Articles
Pandey, Ram Niwas. ‘The Ancient and Medieval History of western Nepal’, Ancient
Nepal, Vol.10, 1970
Shakya, Pusparaj, ‘Kakre Vihara’, Sworna Smarika, Sri Hiranya varna Mahavihar,
Taremam Sangha, Nagbaha, 2058 BS
Vajracharya, Dhanavajra, ‘Karnali Pradeshko Itihasik ruparekha’, Karnali Pradesh,
Ikavito Adhyayan, Jumla:Samajika Adhyayan Samudaya, 2028

52
 Lumbini Buddhist University
Master's in Mahāyāna Buddhism
Buddhism in East Asia (China, Japan and Korea)

Semester : 3rd Cr.Hours: 3

Paper: III Teaching Hours : 48
Code : MMB533 Full Marks: 50

Course Objective:
The main objective of this course is to make students acquainted with history and
doctrines of Buddhism in East Asia including the Central Asian region. Students will be
able to know about arrival and historical development of Buddhism in various regions of
Central Asia as prelude to in road of Buddhism in China and beyond. The contents covering
various aspects of Buddhism in China, Korea and Japan will specifically provide students
with the knowledge of historical development of Buddhism in the region, sectarian aspects,
Buddhist literary traditions and also changes introduced in traditional structure of regional
Buddhism in modern times including the trends of Buddhism induced 'New Religious
Movements'.

Course contents Teaching Hours

Unit I Buddhism in Central Asia 6

1.1 Development of heterogeneous Buddhist sects in India and its expansion in the
northern region.
1.2 Buddhism in Central Asia
1.2.1 Brief Survey of Historical Development-- Kashmir, Gandhara, Bactria,
Bamiyan valley, Sogdiana, Khotan, Kucha, Uighur and Dunhuang.
1.2.2 Penetration and decline of Buddhism in Central Asia

Unit II Buddhism in China 17

2.1 General Sketch of Historical Development from the time of An Shih Kao
2.2 Buddhist Sects in China and their Doctrines
2.3 The Cult of Kwan Yin
2.4 Expatriate Buddhist Savants in China and their contribution in the
development of Buddhism
2.4.1 General survey
2.4.2 Contribution with special reference to Masters Kumarajiva,
Buddhabhadra and Dhyanabhadra
2.4.3 The Chan Patriarchs Bodhidharma and Huineng, and the Platform
Sutra
2.5 Chinese Buddhist Literature
2.5.1 Translation of Sanskrit Buddhist texts By An Shigao, An Zuan,
Lokakshema, Kumarajiva, Buddhabhadra, Fa-hsien and Xuanzang
2.5.2 Chinese Buddhist Canon
2.5.3 The Chinese Apocryphal Sutras

53
 2.6 Revitalization of Chinese Buddhism
2.6.1 Master Taixu and Renmin Fo Jia
2.6.2 Master Hsu Yun and Revival of Chan
2.6.3 Master Hsuan Hua and popularization in the West
2.6.4 Master Yin Guang, Hong Yi and Zhao Puchu on the revival

Unit III Buddhism in Korea 10

3.1 Arrival and early Buddhist Sects

3.2 The Early Monks and their Contribution:- Wonhyo, Chajang, Uisang and
Cinul
3.3 General Survey of Buddhism in Koguryo, Silla, Paekche, Koryo and Chosum
dynasties
3.4 Buddhist Polities and Concept of Chakravartin King in Korean Buddhism
3.5 Korean Buddhist Sects and their Doctrines
3.5.1 Development of Early Sects and the Kyo, Yul and Seon
3.5.2.2 Han Young Gun and Buddhist nationalism
3.5.3 Buddhism under Japanese rule
3.5.4 Won Buddhism: The New religion of Korea
3.5.5 Phalmantaejjangglyong- Tripitaka Koreana

Unit IV Japanese Buddhism 15

4.1 Historical Survey
4.1.1 Arrival
4.1.2 The Buddhist periods- Asuka,Nara,Heian,Kamakura,Ashikaga,Edo
4.2 Buddhist Sects of Japan
4.2.1 Development of Buddhist Sects
4.2.2 History and Doctrines of Nichiren, Pure Land, Zen, Tendai, Shingon
4.2.3 The New Religions(Shinshukyo) rooted from Buddhism
4.3 Buddhist Literature in Japan
4.3.1 The Taisho Tripitaka
4.3.2 Sanskrit Mss collection in Japan
4.3.3 Japanese Scholarship on Buddhist Literature of Nepal

Reference
Chinese Buddhism
Li Rongxi (tr.), Biography of the Tripitaka Master of the Great Ci'en Monastery of the
Great Tang Dynasty, Berkeley: Numata Center, 1995
Bagchi, P.C., India and China: A Thousand Years of Cultural Relations, rev. & ed. II. P.
Ray, New Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal, 2008
Bose, P.N., The Indian Teachers in China, Madras: S. Ganeshan, 1923
Broughton, Jeffrey L., Bodhidharma Anthology: The Earliest Records of Zen, California:
California University Press, 1999
Ch'en, Kenneth, Buddhism in China: A Historical Survey, New Jersey: Princeton
University Press, 1964
Chao Pu-Chu, Buddhism in China, Peking: Chinese Buddhist Association, 1957

54
Chau, Adam Yuet, Religion in Contemporary China: Revitalization and Innovation,
Taylor & Francis, 2010
Chen, Jinhua, 'Meditation Tradition in Fifth Century Northern China: With A Focus on a
Forgotten Kashmiri Meditation Tradition Brought to China by Buddhabhadra (359-
429), In: Tansen, Sen., (ed.), Across Asia: Networks of Material, Intellectual, and
Cultural Exchange, Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 2010
Chou Yi-Liang, 'Tantrism in China', Harvard journal of Asiatic Studies, Vol. 8, March
1944-March 1945
Chun-Fang Yu, Kuan Yin: Chinese Transformation of Avalokitesvara, Columbia:
Columbia University Press, 2001
Cook, Francis H., Huayen Buddhism, New York: IASWR, 1981
Dangol, Sanu Bhai, 'Zen Buddhism: Nature and Characteristics' 2551 Buddhajayanti
Souvenir, Kathmandu: Buddha Jayanti Celebration Committee, 2nd May, 2007
Dumoulin, Henerich, A History of Zen Buddhism, Eng. tr., Paul Peachey, Boston: Beacon
Presws, 1969.
Dzewnka, Ron, 'The Last Light of Indian Buddhism'- The Monk Zhikong in 14th
Century', A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of the Department of East Asian
Studies China and Korea, The University of Arizona, 2010.
Gernet, Jacques, Buddhism in Chinese Society From the Fifth to the Tenth Centuries,
Columbia: Columbia University Press, 1995.
Gomez, Luis O., 'The Avatansaka Sutra' in Takeuchi Yoshinory(ed.), Buddhist
Spirituality Indian, Southeast Asian, Tibetan and Early Chinese, NY: Crossroads,
1994.
Kaul Advaitbandini, Buddhist Savants of Kashmir, Srinagar: Utpal Publications, 1987.
Lewills Hodus, Buddhism and Buddhists in China, Whitefish: Kessinger Publishing,
2010.
Liu, Xinru, Silk and Religion: An Exploration of Material Life and the Thought of
People, A.D. 600-1200, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1996.
Manandhar, Vijay Kumar, 'Ven. Buddhabhadra and His Contributions in Buddhism in
fifth Century China', In: Shanker Thapa (ed.), Northern Buddhism in History,
Kathmandu: Vajra Publication, 2008.
Mohan, N. Pankaj, 'The Buddhist Transformation of Silla Kingship: Buddha as a King
and King as a Buddha', In: Shanker Thapa (ed.), Northern Buddhism in History,
Kathmandu: Vajra publications, 2008.
Pas, Julian, Visions of Sukhavati: Shan-tao's Commentary on the Kuan we-liang-shou-
Fo-Ching, NY; State University New York, 1995.
Pittman, Don Alvin, Toward a Modern Chinese Buddhism: Taixu's Reforms, University
of Hawaii Press, 2001.
Puri, B.N., Buddhism in Central Asia, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1087
Shakya, Min Bahadur, The Life of Nepalese Buddhist Master Buddhabhadra (359-429)
From Chinese Sources, Kathmandu: China Study Center, 2009.
Sharma, Nirmala and Lokesh Chandra, Kumarajiva: The Trans-creator of Buddhist
Chinese Diction, New Delhi: Niyogi Books, 2011.
Thepa, Shanker, 'Contribution of Buddhabhadra (Jue-xien) and Fa-hsien in the Literarly
Development of Sanskrit Buddhism in China', Itihas Pravah— Annual Journal of
Nepalese Studies, Vol. 4, No. 1,2010, pp. 28-32.

55
Thapa, Shankar, 'Contribution of Dhyanabhadra in fourteenth Century Yunan and Koryo,
Rolamba, Vol. 30-31, nos.1-4, Jan 2010- Dec. 2011, pp. 46-53.
Thaka, Shankar, 'Making of the History of Ch'an Buddhism: Contribution of Ven
Buddhabhadra (359-429) in Translating Sanskrit Texts and Popularizing
'Sarvastivada Meditation' in Fifth Century China', In: Nirmala Sharma(ed.), Buddhism
in Kashmir, Satapitaka Series 639, New Delhi: Aditya Prakashan, 2012, pp. 141-161.
Watt, Paul B., 'Tantric Buddhism in China' in: Takeuchi Yoshinori (ed.), Buddhist
Spirituality: Indian, Southeast Asian, Tibetan and Early Chinese, 1994.
Weinstein, Stanley, 'The Schools of Chinese Buddhism,' in Kitagawa & Cummings (ed.),
Buddhism and Asian History, New York: Macmillan 1987, p. 257-265.
Welch, Holmes, Buddhism under Mao, Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1972.
Welch, Holmes, The Buddhist Revival in China, Cambridge: Harvard University Press,
1968.
Yampolsky, Philip B., Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch: The Text of the Tun Huang
Manuscript, Columbia: Colulmbia Universlity press, 1989.
Zurcher, E., The Buddhist Conquest of China, Vol. 1 and 2, Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1972.

Korean Buddhism:
Kim Duk-Hwang, A History of Religions in Korea, Seoul: Daeji Moonhwa-sa
Hee-Sung Keel, Chinul-The Founder of the Korean Son Tradition, Berkeley: UC
Berkeley Press, 1984.
Shim Jae Ryong, Korean Buddhism: Tradition and Transformation, Seoul: Jimoondang
International, 1999.
Lee, Kwang Su, Buddhist Ideas and Rituals in Early India and Korea, New Delhi:
Manohar, 1998.
Park, Jin Y., Makers of Modern Korean Buddhism, NY: State University of New York,
2010.
The Korean Buddhist Research Institute (ed.), Son Thought in Korean Buddhism, Seoul:
Dongguk University Press, 1998.
Kusan Sunim, The Way of Korean Zen, NY: John Weatherhill, 1985.
The Korean Buddhist Research Institute (ed.), The History and Culture of Buddhism in
Korea, Seoul: Dongguk University Press, 1993.
Buswell Jr., Robert E., The Korean Approach to Zen: The collectlled Works of Chinul,
Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1983.
Japanese Buddhism
Barker, Eileen, 'New Religious Movements: Their Incidence and Significance', In: New
Religious Movements: Challenge and Response, ed. By- Bryan Wilson and Jamie
Cresswell, London: Routledge, 1999.
Blackler, C., 'Millenarian Aspects of the New Religions in Japan', In: D.H. Shireley (ed.),
Tradition and Modernization In Japanese Culture, Princeton: Princeton University
Press, 1971.
Bowring, Richard John, The Religious Traditions of Japan, 500-1600, Cambridge:
Cambridge Universlity Press, 2005.
Buddhanet, A Brief History of Buddhism in Japan, www. Buddhanet.net\pdf file\,
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Eliot, Sir Charles, Japanese Buddhism, London: Kegan Paul International, 2005.

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Heinrich Dumoulin et al, Zen Buddhism: a History, Tokyo: World Wisdom, 2005.
Powers, John, 'Japanese Buddhism', A concise Encyclopedia of Buddhism, L. Oxford:
One World Publications, 2000.
Shimazono, Susumu, From Salvation to Spirituality: Popular Religious Movements in
Modern Japan, Melnbourne, trans. Pacific Press, 2004.
Thapa, Shanker, 'Literary Resources of Indo-Newar Buddhism in Japan', Abhilekh
Journal of National Archives, Vol. 29, 2068 VS, pp. 81-89.

57
 Lumbini Buddhist University
Master's in Mahāyāna Buddhism
World Religion and Philosophy
Semester : 3rd Cr.Hours: 3
Paper: IV Teaching Hours : 48
Code : MMB534 Full Marks: 50

Course Description:
This course is designed for the study of some major religions of the world. Main
religions to be studied in this course are Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam,
Confucianism and Taoism. Students will learn some important informations about
introduction, features, philosophy and culture of major religions.

Course Objective
 To impart knowledge on history of major world religions.
 To make students learn about features, philosophical and textual traditions of major
religions.
 To make students able to compare Buddhism with other religions of the world

Course Content Teaching Hours

Unit I. General Survey of World Religions 6

1.1 Definition of Religion
1.2 Definition of Dharma
1.3 Definition of Philosophy

Unit II. Hinduism 12

` 2.1 Essential Features
2.1.1 Concept of Āstika and Nāstika
2.1.2 Catu Purusārtha
2.1.3 Pañca Mahāyajña
2.1.4 Varṇa Āśrama

2.2 Outline of Philosophical Traditions

2.2.1 Introduction to Ṣaḍadarśana
2.2.2 Outlines of Sāṁkhya Philosophy
2.2.3 Outlines of Vedānta Philosophy

2.3 Texts
2.3.1 Introduction to Veda (Ṥrūti)
2.3.2 Introduction to later development- Āraṇyaka, Brāhmaṇa and Upaniṣad

58
Unit III. Jainism 8
3.1 Essential Features
3.1.1 Introduction to Tīrthankara
3.1.2 Biographical account of Pārśvanātha and Mahāvīra
3.1.3 Vision of Ahiṃsā in Jainism
3.1.4 Digambara and Ṥvetāmbara tradition in Jainism
3.2 Outline of Philosophical Traditions
3.2.1 Syādavāda
3.2.2 Anekāntavāda
3.2.3 Philosophy behind Digambara and Ṥvetāmbara tradition
3.2.4 Kaivalya as Jain Salvation
3.3 Texts
3.3.1 General Introduction to Jain Texts- Aṅga, Upāṅga, Chedasūtra,
Prakīrṇa, Mūlasūtra and Svatantra

Unit IV. Confucianism and Taoism 10

4.1 Essential Features of Confucianism

4.1.1 Folk belief in China before Confucianism and Taoism
4.1.2 Biographical Account of Confucius (Kung Fu Tsu) and Mencius
4.1.3 Five Confucius Virtues for people

4.2 Outline of Philosophical Traditions-

Legalistic philosophical approach to Confucianism
4.3 Texts-
Wu ching (Five Books) and Sichu (Four Books)
4.4 Essential Features of Taoism
4.4.1 Biographical Account of Lao Tsu and Chuan Tzu
4.4.2 Basic Teachings of Taoism
4.4.3 Taoism and quest of longetivity

Unit V. Judaism, Christianity and Islam 12

5.1 Essential Features

5.1.1 Concept of Abrahmic Religion
5.1.2 Biographical Account of Abraham, Jesus and Mohammad
5.1.3 Synegogue, Church and Mosque
5.1.4 Jewish Sabbath
5.2 Outline of Philosophical Tradition
5.2.1 Ten Commandments in Judaism
5.2.2 Maimonides and Jewish Philosophy
5.2.3 Six beliefs, Five Pillars and Seven sacraments of Islam
5.3 Texts
` 5.3.1 General Introduction to Jewish Torah
5.3.2 General Introduction to Christian Bible
5.3.3 General Introduction to Quran

59
Prescribed Texts
Bansal, Satyaprakash, tr. Arjundev Sharma, Bharatiya Darshanharuma ke chha,
Kathmandu: Parivesh Prakashan Pvt. L. 2nd ed. V.s.2061 (Nepali)
Quran Mazid, Tran. And Publisher- Islamic Sangha Nepal
The New Testament of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, The Gideons International,
2003

References
Acharya, S., Vaidika Dharma Mularupama, Kathmandu: Swadhyayasala, V.S.2062
(Nepali)
Bhusal, B.R., Darshanasastra Paricaya, Kathmandu: Asia Publication, V.S.2064
(Nepali)
Flower, Liz, Elements of World Religions, Shattesbury: Element Books, 1997.
Horne, Charles F., Sacred Books and Early Literature of the East: Medieval China,
Kessinger Publishing, 1997.
Kulkarni, Vaman Mahadeo, Studies in Jain Literature Collected Research-articles Series,
Shresthi Princeton University Pres, 1990.
Peters, F.D., Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Volume 1: From Covenant to Community,
Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1990.
Reed, Elizabeth A., Hindu Literature: Or the Ancient Books of India, Simon Publications,
2001.
Regmi, R.D.S., Pracya Darshan Paricaya, Kathmandu: Curriculam Development Centre,
T.U., 1977
Shah, Bharat M.D., An Introduction to Jainism, New Delhi: Setubandh Publications,
2002.
Shakya, Tirtha Ratna, Biswaka Pramukh Dharmaharuko Samkshipta Parichaya,
Kathmandu: Buddhadharma Adhyayan Tatha Bhajan Mandal, v.s.2075 (Nepali)
Smith, Hutson, The World's Religions: Our Great Wisdom Traditions, California: Harper,
1991.
Sami Bhaskarananda, The Essentials of Hinduism: A Compreensive Overview of World's
Oldest Religion, New Delhi: Viveka Press, 2002.
Weber, Max, The Religion of China: Confucianism and Taoism, New York: Free Press,
1968..

60
 Lumbini Buddhist University
Master's in Mahāyāna Buddhism
Mahayana Concepts of Buddhist Ethics
Semester : 3rd Cr.Hours: 3
Paper: V Teaching Hours : 48
Code : MMB535 Full Marks: 50

Course Description
The course entitled Buddhist Ethics is meant to impart knowledge about the ethics
which is traditionally based on the teachings of all three vehicles taught by Lord Buddha.
The Buddhist ethics as a field of academic study is not new, but in recent years has
experienced a considerable expansion in the world. This can be observed, for instance, in
a universally popular and famous peer review journal named The Journal of Buddhist
Ethics accessible both in print and online with its single objective to promote the study of
Buddhist Ethics. It invites the academic articles by the scholars from all over the world.
So different schools of Buddhism have rich traditions of thought on ethics, though this is
often scattered through a variety of works which also deal with other topics. But here the
course of Buddhist Ethics is designed drawing specially from the Mahāyāna literature to
incorporate all the burning issues that engulf the modern world. It also provides students
with knowledge on the importance of moral values or ethics in human life for leading
peaceful life and also for religious pursuit. Specifically, it has the following objectives.

Course objective
1. It aims at making students understand changing trend in the Buddhist concept
of ethical practice.
2. To provide students with knowledge about the Mahāyāna perspective on
Buddhist Ethics.
3. To impart the students with knowledge of ethical values of Buddhism towards
equality of male and female, social behaviour, environmental ethics and animal
rights and their protection.

Course contents Teaching Hours

Unit I Introduction to Ethics 4

1.1 Meaning, importance and Significance of Subject matter
1.2 Types of Ethics
1.2.1 Meta Ethics
1.2.2 Normative Ethics
1.2.3 Applied Ethics

Unit II The Common Foundations of Buddhist Ethics 8

2.1 Sources of Guidance in Buddhism
2.2 Catvāri Āryasatyāni (The Four Noble Truths)
2.3 Pratītyasamutpāda (Karma and Punarbhava)
2.3 Anitya (Impermanence)
2.4 Anātmā (No-self)

61
Unit III Buddhist Ethics and the Mahāyāna Buddhism 12
3.1 The Path of the Bodhisattva
3.1.1 Maitrī (Loving Kindness) and Karuṇā (Compassion)
3.1.2 Cittotpāda
3.1.3 Ṣaṭpāramitā
3.1.4 Upāyakauśalya (Skillful means) overriding the Precepts
3.1.5 Celibate and Non-celibate ideology.
3.2 Threefold Bodhisattva śīla
3.2.1 Saṃvara śīla: Prātimokṣa śīla and Bodhisattva saṃvara
3.2.2 Kuśaladharma saṅgrāhaka śīla
3.2.3 Sattvārthakriyā śīla
3.3 Tantric Samaya

Unit IV Buddhist Ethics related to the equality of male and female 8

4.1 Buddhist Approach to the equality of male and female
4.2 Spiritual Potential and Achievements of Female
4.3 Mahāyāna Images of Female Spiritual Perfections
4.4 Nuns and other Female Religious Roles in Buddhist Cultures

Unit V Buddhist Ethics related to the Society 8

5.1 Universalistic features of Buddhist Ethics, Karma and its effect
5.1.1 Wholesome actions from Body, Speech and Mind according to Mahāyāna Sūtras
and Śāstras
5.2 Socially Engaged Buddhism
5.3 Humanistic Buddhism

Unit VI Buddhist Ethics related to the Environment and Animals 8

6.1 Buddhist Approach towards Natural Environment
6.2 Buddhist Holy sites (Mountains, Caves, Lakes, Rivers and Monasteries)
6.3 Trees and Forests in Buddhism
6.5 Concept of Non-Violence and Animal Rights in Buddhism from Mahāyāna
perspective

Prescribed Texts
Bajracharya, Divyavajra (tr.), Saddharma Laṅkāvatāra Sūtram, Lalitpur : Lotus Research
Centre, 1993
Dorjee, Lobsang Rabling (ed. & tr.), Bauddhoṃ ke tīna nikāyoṃ ke dharmacakra-
pravartanasūtra evaṃ sthaviravāda ke tīna sutta (Dharmacakrapravartanasūtra of
Three Buddhist Schools and Threes Suttas of Theravāda Tradition), Sarnath: Central
University of the Tibetan Studies, 2010.

62
Dutt, Nalinaksha (ed.), Bodhisattvabhūmi (Being the XVth section of Asaṅgapāda’s
Yogācārabhūmi), Patna: K. P. Jayaswal Research Institute, 1966.
Harvey, Peter, An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics, Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, 2000
Keown, Damien, Buddhist Ethics: A Very Short Introduction, New York: Oxford
University Press, 2005.
Lotsawa House (tr.), Vajrayānamūlāpatti by Ācārya Aśvaghoṣa. Available on
https://www.lotsawahouse.org/indian-masters/ashvaghosha/root-downfalls-confession
Rijal, Narayan Prasad, Mahāyānabauddhādarśa: mahāyāna Buddhadharmako saṃkṣipta
paricayātmaka grantha, Kathmandu: Vyomakusumā Buddha dharma saṅgha, 2016.
(Nepali)
_____, bauddhādarśa, Kathmandu: Vyomakusumā Buddha dharma saṅgha, 2014.
(Nepali)
Shakya, Milan (tran.), Ācārya gampopa viracita Saddharmacintāmaṇimokṣaratnā-
laṃkāra, Lalitpur: Nagarjuna Institute of Buddhist Studies, 2008. (Nepali)
Vaidya, P. L.(ed.), Bodhicaryāvatāra of Śāntideva with the Commentary Pañjikā of
Prajñākaramati, Darbhanga: The Mithila Institute, 1988.

References
Altekar, A.S. The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation
Batchelor, Stephen (tr.), A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Lilfe (6th Revised edition),
Snow Lion Publlications, 1992.
Carus Paul, The Gospel of Buddha, New Delhi: Asian Educational Service, 1991.
Clayton, Barbara R., Moral Theory in Santideva's Sikshyasamuchhaya, Rutledge: 2006.
Cooper, David E and Simon P. James, Buddhism, Virtue and the Environment,
Hampshire: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., 2005.
Cowell, E.B. Robert Chalmars (tr.), The Jatakas or the Stories of the Buddha's former
births, Vol. I-III, Oxford: The Pali Text Society, 1995.
Dhammananda, K., Status of Women in Buddhism, Malasia: Buddhist Missionary.
Egge, James, Religious Giving and the Invention of Karma in Theravada Buddhism,
Routledge (UK), 2002.
Gombrich, Richard F., Buddhist precept and Practice, Delhi: Motilal Banarasidas
Publishers Private Limited, Reprint 2008.
Hanh, Thich. Nhat., “Interbeing”: Fourteen Guidelines for Engaged Buddhism,
Berkeley: Parallax Press, 1993
Kraft, Kenneth L., “Prospects of a Socially Engaged Buddhism” in Kenneth L
(ed.),.Inner Peace, World Peace: Essays on Buddhism and Non-violence, Kraft
Albany, State University of New York Press,1992, pp. 11-30;
Kalupohava, David J., Ethics in Early Buddhism, India: Motilal Banarasidas, 2008.
Kabilsingh, Chatsumarn, Women in Buddhism: Questions and Answers, Bangkok:
Faculty of Liberal Arts, 1998.
Keown, Damien (ed.), Contemporary Buddhist Ethics, Reichmond: Curzon Press, 2004.
Long, Darui, ‘Humanistic Buddhism From Venerable Tai Xu to Grand Master Hsing
Yun’,
Hsi Lai Journal of Humanistic Buddhism, Vol. 1, 2000, p. 58.

63
Manandhar, Surakshya, Gender and Feminist Studies, Kathmandu: Oxford Book House,
2011.
Mrozie, Sussame, Virtuous Bodies; The physical Dimensions of Morality in Buddhist
Ethics, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007.
Nattier, Jan, The ‘“Eleven Precepts" for Laity in the Ugraparipṛcchā sūtra’ in Early
Buddhism
and Abhidharma Thought: In Honor of Doctor Hajime Sakurabe on His Seventy seventh
Birthday, 2002, pp. 33-43.
Queen, Christopher, and Sallie King (eds.). Engaged Buddhism: Buddhist Liberation
Movements in Asia, Albany: State University of New York Press, 1996
Randhawa, M.S., The Cult of Trees and Tree Worship in Buddhist and Hindu Scripture,
New Delhi: All-Indian Arts and Crafts Society, 1964.
Rinpoche, Kalu and etal.., Buddhist Ethics by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye,, New
York: Snow Lion Publications, 1998.
Sahni, Pragati, Environmental Ethics: A Virtues Approach, London and New York:
Routledge Taylor and Fancis Group, 2008.
Santucci, James , ‘Humanistic Buddhism in Tibetan Tradition’, Hsi Lai Journal of
Humanistic
Buddhism Vol. 1 2000, pp. 129-138
Singh Sheela (Dr.), Buddha Aur Bodhi Vriksa, Varanasi: Vishwovidhyalaya Prakashan,
1992.
Singh, Arvind Kumar, Animals in Early Buddhism, Delhi: Eastern Book Linkers, 2006.
Story, F., The Place of Animals in Buddhism, Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society.
Tsomo, Karma Lekshe (ed.), Buddhist Women and Social Justice: Ideals, Challenges,
and Achievements, Albany: State University of New York, 2004.
Upadhyaya Bharat Singh, Bodhi Vriksha Ki Chhaya Mei, New Delhi: Sasta Sahitya
Mandala Prakashan, 2001.
Wayman, Alex, Ethics of Tibet : Bodhisattva Section of Tsong-kha-pa's Lam Rim Chen
Mo, Albany: State University of New York Press, 1991.
Yamaoka, Seigen H.A., A Buddhist View of the Environment, San Francisco, Calif:
Buddhist Churches of America, 1991.
Yun,, Hsing, How I Practice Humanistic Buddhism, Hacienda Heights: Hsi Lai
University Press, 1997;:

64