The Bonpo's Tradition Before Tibetan Buddhism

The Bonpo's Tradition before Tibetan Buddhism...

Tibet's oldest spiritual tradition is Bon religion. 'Tonpa Shenrab', the founder of this religion, said to have been born in the mythical land of Olmo Lung Ring, renounced the world at the age of 30. Like all 'Bodisattvas' he lead a life of austerity and helped people out of their misery and suffering. During his time he arrived in Tibet in the region of Mount Kailash known as 'The Land of Zhang Zhung'...the historical principal seat of Bon Culture and doctrine.

Today, His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala the Head of Tibetan Buddhism has stressed the importance of preserving the traditions of Bon religion as the indigenous source of ancient Tibetan culture. The doctrine taught by Tonpa Shenrab are classified into two types..'The Four Portals and One Treasury' and 'The Nine Ways of Bon.' The Nine ways of Bon is further synthesised into three : The first four as the 'Casual Ways', the second four as the 'Resultant Ways' and the ninth one as the 'Way of Great Completion!' These are all contained in the Bon Canon compromising more than 200 volumes under four sections. The 'Sutras'..the 'Prefection of Wisdom'.. the 'Tantras'..and last is 'Knowledge'.

With the increasing patronage of Tibetan Buddhism, Bon religion was not into practice from the 08th to the 11th century. However from the 11th century it emerged again inspite of Rituals of Tibetan Buddhism with the efforts of Bon scholars. Menri and Yungdrung in Tibet and Tashi Menri Ling in Himachal Pradesh, India are famous Bon monasteries for study of this religion today.
The Bonpo's Tradition before Tibetan Buddhism...

Tibet's oldest spiritual tradition is Bon religion. 'Tonpa Shenrab', the founder of this religion, said to have been born in the mythical land of Olmo Lung Ring, renounced the world at the age of 30. Like all 'Bodisattvas' he lead a life of austerity and helped people out of their misery and suffering. During his time he arrived in Tibet in the region of Mount Kailash known as 'The Land of Zhang Zhung'...the historical principal seat of Bon Culture and doctrine.

Today, His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala the Head of Tibetan Buddhism has stressed the importance of preserving the traditions of Bon religion as the indigenous source of ancient Tibetan culture. The doctrine taught by Tonpa Shenrab are classified into two types..'The Four Portals and One Treasury' and 'The Nine Ways of Bon.' The Nine ways of Bon is further synthesised into three : The first four as the 'Casual Ways', the second four as the 'Resultant Ways' and the ninth one as the 'Way of Great Completion!' These are all contained in the Bon Canon compromising more than 200 volumes under four sections. The 'Sutras'..the 'Prefection of Wisdom'.. the 'Tantras'..and last is 'Knowledge'.

With the increasing patronage of Tibetan Buddhism, Bon religion was not into practice from the 08th to the 11th century. However from the 11th century it emerged again inspite of Rituals of Tibetan Buddhism with the efforts of Bon scholars. Menri and Yungdrung in Tibet and Tashi Menri Ling in Himachal Pradesh, India are famous Bon monasteries for study of this religion today.

Source: http://www.dalai-lama-dharma-dharamsala-miniguide.com/Tibetan-Buddhism.html