#Japan #Nepal #Shinagawa #Rissho University #Lotus Sutra

Rissho University Receives Rare Manuscript from Nepal

Rissho University has recently entered the prestigious circle of institutions that hold a complete Sanskrit manuscript of the Lotus Sutra, a cornerstone text in Buddhist studies. This significant event marks the university's commitment to fostering international cultural relationships, specifically celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal. The manuscript was generously donated by the revered Akshyeshwar Mahavihara monastery located in Lalitpur, Nepal.

The Lotus Sutra is not only integral to Rissho University's foundational ethos but also plays a pivotal role in the Buddhist scholarly community. This donation is a remarkable addition, making Rissho University the third institution in Japan to possess a complete edition of this Sanskrit original—a collection limited to the University of Tokyo and the Toyo Bunko.

The formal transfer of the manuscript will be celebrated during the upcoming "Manaslu Summit 2026," to be held on May 23 at Rissho University's Shinagawa campus. This event, organized by the Japan Mountaineering Association in collaboration with the Mainichi Newspaper Co. and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to commemorate the anniversary, will also feature an exhibition open to the public.

Prof. Naofumi Anaka, head of the Department of Buddhist Studies at Rissho University, reflected on the historical significance of this occasion. He noted that the university has a long-standing tradition of significant scholarly works in Buddhist texts, including a Sanskrit manuscript of the Avatamsaka Sutra that was brought to Japan by the great scholar Kawai Kaimai during the term of President Tansan Ishibashi. Furthermore, under the leadership of President Zuiko Nakamura from 1977 to 1986, extensive research was conducted on Sanskrit manuscripts of the Lotus Sutra from Nepal, culminating in the publication of the "Complete Collection of Sanskrit Manuscripts of the Lotus Sutra," a twelve-volume series disseminated globally.

Receiving the Sanskrit Lotus Sutra manuscript enhances Rissho University's ability to reaffirm its mission to the global community, offering new scholarly resources and engaging educational opportunities for students and researchers alike.

About Akshyeshwar Mahavihara

Akshyeshwar Mahavihara is a prominent Buddhist monastery nestled in the ancient city of Patan in the Kathmandu Valley. It is a vital center of Newar Buddhist traditions, renowned for its distinctive architectural style surrounding a central courtyard and exquisite wooden carvings.

About the Manaslu Summit 2026

The Manaslu Summit 2026 commemorates two significant milestones: the 70th anniversary of Japan’s first successful ascent of Manaslu and the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal. This event underscores Rissho University’s commitment to scholarly and cultural endeavors on an international scale, making it a fitting venue for the manuscript’s donation ceremony.