Buddhism was prevalent in Nepal from the time of the Buddha – TU Vice Chancellor Prof. Sharma at Korea-Nepal Seminar

Korean Buddhist Order to support the Department of Buddhist Studies at TU

Yen (Kathmandu), Nepal Mandala โ€“ โ€œBuddhism was prevalent in Nepal from the time of Buddha and at times it remained in different forms like Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayanaโ€ said Tribhuwan Universirty Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Madhav Prasad Sharma inaugurating a one day Korea-Nepal Buddhist seminar on โ€œNepalese Esoteric Buddhism and Sagakshari Mantra Beliefโ€ organized by Central Department of Buddhist Studies, Tribhuwan University in joint collaboration with Hoedang Studies, Jin-Gak Buddhist Order, South Korea, Joy of Genuine Oneness (JGO) Nepal, Lotus Research Center (LRC) and Nepalese Traditional Buddhist Association on November 24, 2009 at Nepal Administrative Staff College, Jawalakhel.
The one day seminar was organized to share knowledge on Buddhist tradition mainly Nepalese Esoteric Buddhism and Sadakshari Mantra Belief practiced in Nepal and South Korea and to demonstrate Buddhist rituals practiced in Nepal to participating Buddhist scholars and delegates including high level priests from South Korea. Associate Prof. Dr. Milan Ratna Shakya, Head, Central Department of Buddhist Studies, Tribhuwan University chaired the opening session of the seminar.

Korea-Nepal Buddhist Seminar 1

Welcoming the seminar, that started with Svasti vacana by Korean delegate leader Rev.Deok Jeong, Rev. Hyo Un, President of Hoedang Studies, South Korea, highlighted on the importance of the seminar, expressed that Jin Gak Buddhist Order, South Korea will work closely with Tribhuwan University, JGO Nepal and Lotus Research Center and his willingness to support the Central Dept. of Buddhist Studies.

Korea-Nepal Buddhist Ritial 1

Ven. Choi Jong Woong, President of Jin-Gak Buddhist Order delivered the key note address highlighting โ€œEsoteric Buddhism of Nepal and Sadรคkshari Mantraโ€. He threw light on the historicity and the importance of Mantra in Esoteric Buddhism. Among all mantras, he stated that Sadรคksari Mantra โ€œOm Mani padme hรผmโ€ excels the most. Although the formation period of this mantra is not known; it seemed to have been enchanted by Seng Ma King (ฤ€ryavalokiteล›vara) of Singhala (present Sri Lanka) country to save merchants facing heavy wind and waves on their way in sea. He opined that Nepalese Buddhism must also have been influenced by the Buddhism propagated from Chibsaja country and Southern India in the 3rd century and continued until today.

Korea-Nepal Buddhist Seminar 2

Nepalese Buddhism, he concluded, is the Buddhism that practices Avalokiteล›vara Bodhisattva and Sadรคkล›ari mantra under influence by Esoteric Buddhism. Associate Prof. Rev. Dr. Naresh Man Bajracharya, President, JGO Nepal and Fulbright Visiting Professor, USA delivered his key notes on the seminar from Nepalese side revealing more on Sadรคkล›ari-mantra belief and practices in Korea and Nepal. Associate Prof. Dr. Milan Ratna Shakya, Head, Central Department of Buddhist Studies, T.U. offered vote of thanks to the chief guest, distinguished guests, ambassadors, invitees and personalities for their valuable participation and making the event a success.

Korea-Nepal Buddhist Ritual 2

Chief Guest Tribhuwan University Vice Chancellor Prof. Madhav Prasad Sharma presented the certificates of appreciation and token of love to the seminar organizers and coordinators. Nine important papers (4 papers by Korean Buddhist Scholars and 5 papers by Nepalese Buddhist Scholars) were presented in the second session of the seminar which began with chanting Svasti vacana by Nepalese priests and ran through the whole day under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. Bajra Raj Shakya.

News filed in by Sagar Man Bajracharya
Photo by Dharma Raj Bajracharya

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