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Trisaranagamana Carya

The practice of going for refuge in Three Jewels has an important place in the Buddhist tradition. It undoubtedly is a very important practice in Newar Buddhism since it is the entrance to all forms of the Buddhist practices. The recognition of being a Buddhist or not depends upon whether he has taken refuge vows or not. An evidence is presented here in the following lines how Newar Buddhists have preserved the practice of Refuge as stated in Cudakarma Vidhi Text.

According to this text, before the neophyte's top knots are cut off, a ritualized exchange between this disciple and preceptor is supposed to take place, it is read out thus,

"Oh ! my preceptor, I wish to undertake the observance of going forth, please be compassionate. I, of such and such name, shall for the rest of my life go for refuge to the Lord Buddha who is foremost among two footed men, go for refuge to the Dharma, foremost among detached ones, and go for refuge to the Sangha, foremost among religious groups.

The five precepts followed in this observance are laid down with explanations. Now the neophyte's top knot is cut off with a gold plated razor to the mantra

" Om Sarva Jnanavarana Chedaya Chedaya Hum Phat "

(Cut all obstacles to understanding.)

The absence of top knot is perhaps the most crucial maker of the distinction between Shakya and Bajracharyas (Buddhists) and other castes in Kathmandu Valley. The above brief account throws light on how Newars have preserved this refuge vows. But it does not mean that this tradition is free from faults. How can a neophyte of 3-5-7 years maintain and understand Refuge vows and five precepts. Since it is observed for four days only how can the Buddhist monastic tradition having novice or fully ordained ones be preserved ?

That is why Mr. Michael Allen Labeled Newar Buddhism as "Buddhism without monks" in his essays on Vajrayana Buddhism of Kanthmandu Valley. The fact that Newar Buddhism has no place for monastic celibacy except the Four Day Observance of monastic initiation seems to the modern and western scholars as a serious weakness. Now the question arises.

1. Is it possible to continue this tradition without the Sangha of celibate monks in the changing Newar Society ?

2. Is it posible to continue the tradition as it is without any alteration ?

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