VAJRAYANA LIFE-CYCLE RITESThis pattern of development and help explains why Newar Buddhist tradition
seems to lack a strong philosophical/scholastic dimension. What is carefully
elaborated is the ritualism that expresses and interjects the Mahayana-Vajrayana
world view into every conceivable juncture: for relating to deities, celebrating
festivals, moving an individual through his lifetime, and seeking nirviil}a.
Lacking in philosophical inquiry, the "genius" of Newar Buddhism lies in its
pervasive orchestration of Vajrayana rituals and teachings which channel bless-
ings, well-being, and - for those householders willing to practice - movement
toward enlightenment.^7 In this respect, Newar Buddhism carries on the evolu-
tionary patterns and lay ethos of later Indian Buddhism^8 and should be con-
sidered the most important surviving outpost of this tradition (Lienhard 1984 ).
Newar Buddhism suffered a serious decline with the conquest of the Valley
in 1769 by Parbatiya lcyatriyas from Gorkha and the massive transitions its
society has undergone. From a polity of isolated medieval city-states, the Kath-
mandu Valley has become the capital region of the modem Nepalese nation.
Far-reaching changes in many spheres have accelerated, with the medieval
Newar preoccupation with celebrating the rich and elaborate cumulative reli-
gious traditions the cultural domain that has suffered the most precipitous
decline. Today there is no widespread doctrinal understanding of the most
common rituals still performed. Few vajriiciiryas grasp even the most basic
underlying philosophic assumptions or relate to the rituals beyond the pro-
cedural level of proper order and mantra recitations (Lewis 1984: 569-573).
Nonetheless, many of these traditions are so deeply embedded in Newar life that
they continue to survive.^9 Even though many observances have been lost in the
last century, the vast cumulative tradition ofMahayana-Vajrayana ritual remains
one of the most distinctive characteristics ofNewar culture.
II. Newar Buddhist life cycle rites: features of 'applied
Vajrayana Buddhism'
From the first passages of this text, the application of core Vajrayana concepts is
apparent. Conception is described in terms of tantric physiology and the priest's
siidhana is often cited as the basis for the rituals performed. The vajriiciiryas' gen-
eration of amrta prasiid ("ambrosia") through their pujiis became integral to a
medical-religious system that linked priests to laymen (Stablein 1978). This is all
very orthodox from the standpoint of the later Buddhist textual traditions. But the
Buddhist Newars have also combined many non-Buddhist strands oflndian culture
with their own for the last fifteen centuries so that their observances evidence both
continuities and divergences from the classic Mahayana-Vajrayii.na ideals.
Concerning the Newar vajrayiina rites, a historical perspective is again the
necessary starting point for grasping the evolution of Newar practice. From the
earliest times onward, the sa'!lgha in India was instructed to adapt the tradition
to the exigencies of the locality. This could entail reinterpreting certain Vinaya
rules, accommodating local cultic practices (with certain changes), and making