Description
The Svayambha Purana is an important text on Nepalese Buddhism, magnifying the shrine of Svayambhu. Its content is believed to have been delivered as a sermon by Sakyamuni Buddha on the Mañjusri Hill.
The volume deliberates on ten key points such as the narrative of the self-generated birth of the Svayambhu; mention of the Vipasvi, a primordial Buddha; the emergence of a radiant and bejewelled lotus from the dark waters of the lake, foreshadowing the eventual manifestation of the Buddha’s shrine (caitya) at its core; delineation of devotional practices and religious observances; civilization of Mañjusri; and so on.
The Svayambhu Purana stands as a testament to the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the medieval Nepal Valley and unveils the sophisticated nature of Newar Buddhist Sanskrit literary output of the fifteenth century.It brings to life a vivid panorama of legends, contributing to the religious identity and historical narrative of the region. It holds an enduring influence on the religious beliefs and practices of the Newar Buddhist community.
This volume, in a nutshell, is an enhancement in the accessibility of the text.
