Mahayana Buddhism in Bhutan

by Raman Singh

Overview

The introduction of Buddhism occurred in the seventh century, when Tibetan king Srongtsen Gampo, a convert to Buddhism, ordered the construction of two Buddhist temples, at Bumthang in central Bhutan and at Kyichu in the Paro Valley. Buddhism replaced but did not eliminate the Bon religious practices that had also been prevalent in Tibet until the late sixth century. Instead, Buddhism absorbed Bon and its believers. As the country developed in its many fertile valleys, Buddhism matured and became a unifying element. It was Buddhist literature and chronicles that began the recorded history of Bhutan. In 747, a Buddhist saint, Padmasambhava, came to Bhutan from India at the invitation of one of the numerous local kings. After reportedly subduing eight classes of demons and converting the king, Guru Rimpoche moved on to Tibet. Upon his return from Tibet, he oversaw the construction of new monasteries in the Paro Valley and set up his headquarters in Bumthang. This book fulfills the long felt necessity of a text dealing with concepts of this subject. It can also prove to be a worthy companion and guide for the students, users and researchers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789354122163
Publisher:	Arts & Science Academic Publishing
Publication date:	06/30/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	292
File size:	433 KB

About the Author

Dr. Raman Singh is Asst. Professor, Department of History at Swami Shraddhanand College, University of Delhi. He has contributed extensively in Indian and Foreign Professional Journals on this subject. Dr. Siya Mishra Haldhar is Asst. Professor, Department of Buddhist Studies, University of Delhi. He has over 10 years’ experience in teaching, research and consulting in the field of Buddhist Studies.