Dynamics of the Sakya Buddhist Community in Mustang District, Nepal: A Holistic Study

Abstract

This research article focuses on specificity in the economy, society, culture, and politics of Sakya Buddhist community in Mustang District of Nepal. Mustang is recognized for its Himalayan culture, especially its Tibetan Buddhism. There are many forms of Buddhist practices; Sakya is one of the important ones. Research analyzes how the Sakya community manages its economic difficulties by means of the traditional trade routes, and tourism; how it maintains social cohesion in the context of modernization; how it sustains the Bhot Buddhist cultural and the religious practices; and, how it exercises local power in the newly federalized Nepal. The literature on Mustang’s Sakya community is scarce. The article, therefore, relies on literature for the rest of Mustang’s Buddhist community and attempts to explore literature gaps. Findings show how resilient the community is; they can demonstrate their collective identity by adapting to the modern world yet retaining their traditions.