Reviving Buddhism in Nepal: a Case Study of Muni Vihar, Bhaktapur, Kathmandu

Abstract

The research of Reviving Buddhism in Nepal: A Case Study of Muni Vihar, Bhaktapur, Kathmandu has three objectives in the followings: 1. the problems and obstacles of Buddhist reconstruction of Muni Temple in Phak Pur District, Nepal; 2. factors affected to the process of Buddhist reconstruction of Muni Temple in Phak Pur District, Nepal; and 3. the process of Buddhist reconstruction of Muni Temple in Phak Pur District, Nepal. It is a qualitative research. Study by document and field through in-depth interview from key informants by purposive sampling; monk, novice who concern with Buddhism revive in Muni Temple in Phak Pur District Kathmandu Napal total 20 in two country such as 1 Thailand; Bangkok, Nakornpratom, Singburi, Nakornsawan, Nan, Phrae, Lamphon and Chiangmai 2. Nepal; Bhaktapur Kathmandu.

The results reveal that 1) the development of Buddhism in Nepal found that 4 eras: The first period began the entry of Buddhism in Nepal with the third council. The prosperous era of Buddhism in Nepal (Licchawi dynasty era). The decline of Buddhism in Nepal and the enforcement of Nepali people's rules and the revival of Buddhism in Nepal the rana dictatorship has lapsed. 2) factors affected to the process of Buddhist reconstruction of Muni Temple in Phak Pur District, Nepal are found that domestic factors consisted of social and cultural, political policy and national development, roles of overseas Dhammadutas, participation in Buddhism, and international factors consisted of diplomatic relations with international and the considerable importance to Thai Buddhists, these factors affected to the process of Buddhist reconstruction of Muni Temple in Phak Pur District, Nepal; and 3) the process of Buddhist reconstruction of Muni Temple in Phak Pur District, Nepal is found that Nepalese monks and novices are able to take the knowledge and Dhamma where studied in Thailand to propagate in Nepal, including participation in practicing the Dhamma retreat, Buddhist activities, helping the Buddhist studies in temples, the overseas Dhammaduta coordinators between Nepalese and Thai. In addition, they are able to support to establish the temple and renovate the Buddhist places in Nepal. The important things are that they are able to preach the Dhamma to people and understand the phenomena of life that help Nepalese to more realize Buddhism.