The End of Dvapara Yupa and the Birth of the Seventh Buddha
In this way, Kashyapa Tathagata’s departure from this life was witnessed as the time of Dvapara Yupa ended. Next to appear in the lineage of Buddhas was Shakyamuni Gautama Buddha (शाक्यमुनि गौतम बुद्ध), who was venerated as the seventh Buddha and was brought into this world to protect all sentient beings. He was born in the Kingdom of Kapilavastu (present-day Lumbini, Nepal), during the time of the Kali Yuga.
After he attained Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya (in present-day India), his pilgrimage to the holy places was undertaken with his disciples. During the course of these travels, his arrival in the Nepal Valley took place. He paid homage to the Swayambhu Dharmadhatu, and he seated himself upon the Swayambhu Hill between the Swayambhu Chaitya and the Manjushri Chaitya. There, teachings on the Buddha Dharma were delivered to his disciples. At the request of his disciple, Maitreya Bodhisattva, stories of previous Buddhas and legends of the Nepal Valley were also explained. Later on, these narratives were gathered and compiled by his disciples into the text known as the Swayambhu Purana.
The Swayambhu Purana contained the stories as they were told by Shakyamuni Buddha, thereby linking the text to historical and pre-historical times. For this reason, the Swayambhu Purana was regarded as the most significant scripture in Newar Buddhism in Nepal, and these accounts were taken as the Buddha’s own words.
Teachings for Fertility and Prosperity in Nepal Valley
During this same time, while the Lord Buddha remained in Nepal, a request was made by the local inhabitants for guidance on ensuring fertility and prosperity in the Valley. In particular, all the Nagarajas sought instructions from the Buddha on how to generate fertility, bring rainfall, and foster the growth of plants, trees, and animals, thereby benefiting everyone in the Nepal Valley.
Therefore, a gathering was arranged by the Lord Buddha of all his monks and disciples, along with all the Nagarajas, at the palace of Nandopananda Nagaraja. This palace was situated at the Nidhana Tirtha on the banks of the Vishnunati River, near Bijeswari, roughly half a mile from the Swayambhu Hill. There, a lecture on Maitri Vihara (Right Conduct) was delivered by the Buddha.
The Gift of the Dharanis and the Promise of Prosperity
At that gathering, the Sarvasukhada Dharani (सर्वसुखदा धारणी) was bestowed for fertility, prosperity, and protection against calamities. Another Dharani, the Mahamegha Nirnada Vijrimbhi Suraketu (महामेघ निःनाद विजृम्भी सुरकेतु), was granted to the Nagarajas for the purpose of generating rainfall. These Dharanis, along with their instructions on proper ritual performance and the Naga Mandala, were collectively known as the Mahamegha Mahayana Sutra. The ritual performances and the recitation of these Dharanis were referred to as Naga Sadhana.
Once these lectures and teachings were given, and the future prosperity of the Valley was assured, Shakyamuni Buddha departed from Nepal.
Swayambhu Purana – Table of Contents
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Chapter 9: Glory of Shantikar Vajracharya »