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The study of Buddhist
philosophy and practice in the Himalayan regions, namely
Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and Central Asia, is now an important
topic in the curricula of modern universities. It has led to
significant changes in popular thinking, and research in
this field has already done much to benefit humankind.
Newar and Tibetan Buddhism are the two main living
manifestations of Indian Buddhism which have survived till
the present day. The great efforts of the learned Buddhist
masters of Tibet has kept the torch of the true dharma
alight. On the other hand, because of the utter neglect of
the ruling parties and the outside world, Newar Buddhism is
fast disappearing. The glory of Newar Buddhism is coming to
an end due to the lack of support from learned Buddhist
masters. Nowadays the practice and study of the Mahāyāna and
Vajrayāna in Newar Buddhist monasteries has almost been
lost.
We wish to remind scholars that the Newar Vajrayāna Buddhism
that exists here in Nepal has a unique character, and its
potential to benefit humanity has barely been appreciated.
To give just one example, the Ādikarma Bodhisattva tradition
propounded by Bodhisattvas and masters such as Śāntideva is
still surviving. The Ādikarmapradīpa composed by Ācārya
Anupamavajra is just one example of an Indian text that the
Newar tradition preserves as a living practice.
We have selected some articles from learned authors in Nepal
as well as abroad. We would like to hear readers’ comments
and suggestions for the improvement of the journal. We
apologize for any mistakes or errors.
We regret that there has been such a long gap in publication
since the last issue was published in the year 2000.
However, we are finally publishing again, and we wish to
thank scholars and those who have contributed articles or
financial support. We would like to express our gratitude to
Iain Sinclair and Michael Smith for proof-reading the
articles.
We will continue to appreciate your support in the future.
Min Bahadur Shakya
Editor in Chief
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