From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Newar Buddhism is the form of Mahayana-Vajrayana Buddhism practiced by the Newar ethnic community of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. It has developed unique socio-religious elements, which include a non-monastic Buddhist society based on a caste system and patrilinial descent. The ritual priests, Vajracharyas, and the Shakya form of the "monastic" sangha while other Buddhist castes serve as the laity. Newar Buddhism remains today the last remaining legacy of Indian Buddhism, as Buddhism died out in India during the 12th century. Newar Buddhism is characterized by its rich artistic tradition of Buddhist monument and artwork as well as being a storehouse of ancient Sanskrit Buddhist texts, many of which only now are extant in Nepal.
