Does anyone know what school of Buddhism is practiced in Nepal?

[rug]

[scarletwoman]

1. When I was there, it appeared to closely parallel Tibetan Buddhism - same iconography.

At the time, I was with a Yoga group and did not know much about Tibetan Buddhism, which I went on to study much later.

I have no idea if the Buddhism in Nepal is also divided into the same schools as Tibetan Buddhism, but it probably wouldn't be too difficult to research.

The most lovely thing about Kathmandu is that both Hinduism and Buddhism were quite intermixed on the street - there were little shrines all over the place. Some with various Hindu deities and some with various Bodhisattvas.

There were also some practices that reflected a much older layer of indigenous Nepali spiritual traditions.

I wish I could tell you more, but it's been 33 years since I was there, and some of my memories have gotten foggy over time...

[rug]

2. Thanks!

That's a lot more than I knew before I asked.

[TM99]

3. Nepal is a secular state today.

Most of the Nepalese, however, are Hindu's and not Buddhists.

Buddhism is probably less than 20% of the population. And yes, it is of the Tibetan/Burman school.

[rug]

4. I had forgotten they have a strong Maoist party.

[TM99]

5. Yes, very strong.

[SoapBox]

6. Just FYI...

DUer bananas, posted about muted celebrations of Buddha's birthday...the post is in LBN (I hope I've copied the link correctly).

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10141084797

[rug]

7. Thanks!

I'm glad there's a follow-up to the earthquake. Often the cameras rush in, take a body count, and rush elsewhere. It's good to stay with the humanity of the event.