Yungdrung Bon

By Himanshu Bhatt

The official Bon flag.

Yungdrung Bon (Swastika Dharma), is a dharma practiced mainly by Tibetan nationalities living within India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. Its other names are Drungmu Gyer in the ancient language of Olmo Lungring, Swastika Dharma in Sanskrit, and Grags-pa Bon-lugs, Bonpo or simply Bon in Tibetan as variants of Yungrung Bon. An adherent of Bonpo is a Bonpa. It is sometimes confused as a sect of Bauddh.

Tonpa Shenrab was a sage who had popularized the religion. The religion had existed before his birth, as different classes of Bonpos before him are described. According to scriptures, a heavenly being called Selwa he had taken avatar as Shenrab to teach humanity how to achieve Moksha. Shenrab was definitely born generations before Gautam Buddha, as is demonstrated in the Bonpa story wherein both were born as Chimed Tsugphud and Sangwa Dupa in their previous lives, and Chimed advised Sangwa to take birth to preach Bon in Sub-Himalayan India. Dupa's disciple Ludrub Yeshe Nyingpo is considered to have been a previous life of the Bauddh Nagarjuna.

Key Beliefs

Dualistic reality

"According to the teaching of Tonpa Shenrab, the world was created by means of emanation, but in its duality, that is, light-darkness, day-night, male-female, good-evil." - Andrew Woznicki

This material universe is the Exterior Reality (phyi snod) while Inner Reality (bcud) is the pure spiritual realm. The dualistic onto-metaphysical principle for the process of existence is classed as Being (yod-pa) and Non-Being (med-pa.) Bon explains that this dualism keeps all things in cosmic harmony.

Universe

	Before anything [in] the universe came into being, [there was] the expanse Nonbeing. It abided as the so-called Lord Nam-mkha's sTong-ldan Phyod-sum
—sGra 'grel 'pbrul gyi lde mig, Dhi,5I,I

The gods of the four seasons working for the welfare of gods, humans, and nagas, are believed to have come from the blood, flesh, heat, and breath of Shenrab.

Bon's Supreme God is Kuntu Zangpo, who in 1 creation story, created the universe from a lump of slime and created creatures from an egg. The Supreme God in Bon is written of as "Yang dar rgyal po" meaning that he was present when there is nothing in the universe. Other phrases include "sNang ba 'od ldan", "Kun snang khyab pa", and "Khri khug rgyal po."

	This, the three-thousandfold, is the inviolate world Through compassion and the different causal grounds. The words of the teaching accord with [specific needs] of disciples.
—Three Hundred-Thirty Verses, Methods for Accomplishing Enlightenment

Thus, Bonpo proposes that the universe responds to the needs of the disciples. For example, if the Bon teachings are in a state of danger, the universe will respond by sending forth a Buddha for the welfare of humanity.

There are 5 aspects of Kuntu Zangpo; Tonpa (Teacher), Gyen (Ornament), Lam (Path), Rigpa (Nature of Mind), and Togpa (Realization).

Other origin tales

The Lubum Trawo reason that a serpent goddess, named Queen of the Water Spirits, of cosmic length created the physical, biological, and divine constructs of the universe out of her body. From her nostrils originated the various types of life-nourishing winds. From her blood came the 5 oceans and from her nerve channels came water courses. The light from her flesh created the earth. Animals originated from her limbs. Night and day came from her back and front. The spirit world came out of the light from her organs.

There are a few tales stating that universe originated from an egg or eggs. The oldest myth is that the entire universe arose from an egg. In another myth there were 2 eggs, 1 luminous and the other of darkness. From the light one arose an Illuminating Resplendence being (Kuntu Zangpo, an avatar of Trigyal Khugpa), while from the other came King of the Negative Realm (Kalpa Medbum Nagpo or Munpa Zerden), and this king created Tong Zham Nangmo out of his own shadow. From these 2 originated the good and evil attributes of the universe. Of the origin of humanity, there is a tale that Trigyel Kugpa made 2 eggs - 1 white and the other blue. Then of 3 eggs the Muchoi Tromdur mentions there was a white, copper, and black egg. From then came gods and humans.

Heaven

The supreme heaven, a metaphysical real, is where Kuntu Zangpo lives, and it is the The Perfect Sphere.

Shenlha Odkar lives in The Enjoyment Sphere.

There are also the Four Great Residences. The first of these is, Sipa Yesang, where Sango Bumtri lives. The second paradise is Sipa Gungsang, where gods discuss the fate of the earth. The third is Barlha Ösel, where the gods purify themselves before descending [on Earth]. Fourth is Gontsun Phyva, where gods are educated. This last 1 is the highest of the 4 residences. The Charje Yapla Deldruk, primarcy ancestors of Tibetan monarchs, are said to reside there too. Meanwhile, Sipa Yesang is from where the divine revelations (Bon Gyi Thegpa Rempa Gu) originate.

Spiritual Development

Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche, senior teacher of the Bon religion in exile, with his Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Bon teaches a threefold trajectory towards self-realization.

1. Repenting by disgusting the worldly matters which are the cause of human misery (Ngyes "byung)
2. Training one's mind in altruistic aspiration to attain full enlightenment for benefit of all beings, that is, Bodhicitta (Byang chub kyi sems)
3. Viewing the ultimate nature of reality as devoid of any inherit existence and self-identity, that is, as empty (stong pa nyid)

Jewels of Refuge

Like Buddhism and Jainism, Bonpo recognizes Jewels of Refuge (Skyabs gNas bZhi.) However, usually the Bon tradition names 4 instead of 3 (dKon mChog gSum .)

1. Buddha (Tonpa Shenrab, "Sangs rGyas")
2. Eternal Bon Teachings ("Yungdrung Bon Rinpo Che")
3. Excellent gShen ("gShen rab gYungdrung Sems dPa")
4. Master (a family guru, "Bla Ma")

Above, numbers 1, 2, and 3 correspond to the Buddhist jewels of refuge Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Bonpas have added the Master or Guru as another jewel to depend on for learning spirituality.

Cycles

Buddha Shenrab taught in 3 successive cycles; first expounding the 9 Ways of the Bon, second Four Bon Portals and the Fifth Treasury, and third the Outer, Inner, and Secret Precepts.

1) 9 Ways of the Bon

This is known as Theg-pa rim-dgu'i Bon.

Path	Class	Function
Way of the Shen of Prediction (Phyva-gshen theg-pa)	Ways of cause (rGyud-kyi theg-pa)	Four different ways of prediction: sortilege (Mo), astrology (rTsis), ritual (gTo) and examination of causes (dPyad.)
Way of the Shen of the Visual World (sNang-gshen theg-pa)	Ways of cause (rGyud-kyi theg-pa)	It explains the origin and nature of gods and demons living in this world, the methods of exorcisms and ransoms of various kinds.
Way of the Shen of Illusion ('Phrul-gshen theg-pa)	Ways of cause (rGyud-kyi theg-pa)	It contains the rites for the disposing of adverse powers.
Way of the Shen of Existence (Srid-gshen theg-pa)	Ways of cause (rGyud-kyi theg-pa)	It is concerned with the state after death (Bar-do) and methods of guiding living beings towards the final liberation or a better rebirth.
Way of the Virtuous Followers (dGe-bsnyen theg-pa)	Ways of result ('Bras-bu'i theg-pa)	It guides those who follow the ten virtues and ten perfections.
Way of the Monkhood (Drang-srong theg-pa)	Ways of result ('Bras-bu'i theg-pa)	Here are described the rules of monastic discipline.
Way of Pure Sound (A-dkar theg-pa)	Ways of result ('Bras-bu'i theg-pa)	It gives an exposition of higher tantric practices, the theory of realization through the mystic circle (mandala) and the rituals which form an integral part of these practices.
Way of Primeval Shen (Ye-gshen theg-pa)	Ways of result ('Bras-bu'i theg-pa)	It stresses the need for a suitable master, place and occasion for tantric practices. Here the layout of the mystic circle is described in detail together with instructions for meditation on particular deities.
Supreme Way (bLa-med theg-pa)	Great Perfection (rDzogs-chen)	It is the highest attainment of the Great Perfection (rDzogs-chen.)

2) 5 Portals of Bon

This is known as sGo-bzhi mdzod-lnga.

Path	Class	Function
White Waters (Chab-dkar)		It contains the esoteric or higher tantric practices.
Black Waters (Chab-nag)		It includes narratives and various rites, magic and ordinary, such as death, funeral, illness and ransom rituals.
The Land of Phan ('Phan-yul)		It explains the monastic rules and gives exposition of philosophical concepts.
The Lordly Guide (dPon-gsas)		It contains the Great Perfection practices (rDzogs-chen.)
The Treasury (mTho-thog)		It comprises the essential aspects of all the Four Portals.

3) Outer, Inner, and Secret Precepts

Main Message

	All you attendant Bodhisattvas and all you high Bodhisattvas and Arhats! All of you Devas, Asuras, humans, and all you smell-eaters, male and female - all of you who are present here! What I am teaching here is extremely precious and true. Everybody must listen carefully. If any of you here is not listening attentively or intently then you will be continuously deluded and will fall down into Samsara again and again. If, on the other hand, you follow this Teaching, obey it and practise it, then gradually you will enter the great path of precious release from Samsara. Then you will no longer be deluded or be lost in Samsara. Gradually, if yo continue to practise with virtuous motivation, you will achieve the precious result of Tharpa, liberation in the highest realms such as Ogmin Zhingkham, and ultimately Buddhahood.
—Bon scripture

Each sentient being has 2 types of seeds that are kept in their kunzhi namshe or alaya. If a human engages in positive causes, this leads to the release of suffering. If though, a human meets negative causes, it leads to staying in Samsara.

Transmission Lineages

Ultimately, the teachings go back to the Lord Supreme, Kuntu Zangpo. The Nine Buddhas of the Contemplative Transmission (dGongs brGyud dGu) are in order: 1) Kuntu Zangpo, 2) Shenlha Okar, 3) Tsheme Oden, 4) Tonpa Shenrab, 5) Tulshen Nangden, 6) Barnang Khujug, 7) Yum Zangza Ringzun, 8) Chimed Tsugphud and 9) Sangwa Dupa. This same lineage in its order is propitiated in a feast ritual by Shardze Rinpoche wherein the 9 are praised by their other titles. They are 1) Promordial Revealer, 2) Revealer of Compassion 3) Revealer of Emanation, 4) Revealer of Awareness, 5) Revealer of the Sky, 6) Revealer of Atmosphere, 7) Revealer of Space, 8) Revealer of Celestial Space, and 9) Revealer at the Source of the Transmission.

Chimed Tsugphud is recognized to have worked diligently on so many tantras and it was he who taught to Sangwa Dupa, and the latter taught to dBal chen sTag la me 'bar, who himself taught to sNang ba mdog can.

The transmission lineages are sometimes categorized as 3, other times 4, 5, or 6.

The most common viewpoint on transmission lineages after Shenrab’s era

• First Transmission Lineage from the heat-born Chimed Tsugphud

• Second Transmission Lineage from the egg-born Yeshen Tsugphud

• Third Transmission Lineage from the apparitionally-born Sangwa Dupa
1. Lhabon Thodkar
2. Yeshen Samdrub
3. Gyerpung Legdrub
4. Gyungyar Tsadpo
5. Trese Gyalpo
6. Zhang-zhung Garab (Garab Dorje?)
7. Rasang Sodnamtsek
8. Zhang-zhung Tashi Gyaltsan
9. Gyerpung Nangzher Lodpo

Interestingly, Tsewang Rigzin (son of Drenpa Namkha) is also considered an avatar of Sangwa Dupa.

A Religion For The World

The Menri Monastery in Dolanji, Himachal Pradesh. His Holiness the 33rd Menri Trizin, is the spiritual head of the worldwide Bon community, resides here.

A fair number of Bon temples exist in parts of India, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and some western countries.

Bon Shen Ling monastery in NYC, USA.

Although Bonpo remains mainly practiced by Tibetan nationalities, and some Indians and Chinese, it was intended to be a dharma to which everyone can learn from and apply towards Moksha, just like other Arya dharmas. Tonpa Shenrab himself had as disciples the 6 Ornaments of the World (Zamling Khepi Gyendug); Mutsa Trahe from sTag-gzig, Tritok Partsa from Zhang Zhung, Huli Paryag from Sum-pa, Lhadag Ngagdo from Sub-Himalayan India, Legtang Mangpo from China, and Sertok Chejam from Phrom. They promulgated his teachings in their native lands.

	In particular, the Teacher appeared as different emanations of himself in many places of 'dZam-bu-gling such as India, China, Mi-nyang, Bal-po [Nepal], O-rgyan, Za-hor, Ka-che [Kashmir], Thod-gar, Li-yul, [Khotan], Phrom, sTag-gzig, Sum-pa, Zhang-zhung, and Tibet. Different teachings were entrusted to each emanated gShen, and the doctrine flourished.
—Legs bshad rin po che'i

Bonpas preached the philosophy to various countries and an annual summit of practitioners commenced in a famous cave temple. According to scriptures, Shenrab, like ascetic Rishabha, traveled other kingdoms outside of India. He even went to China and taught the Chinese Bonpo Legtang Mangpo. Other missionaries of Bonpo had also traveled in different countries to teach the doctrine. Namse Chyitol.g of the Gilgistan is accredited with having converted King Seve Salbar of Afghanistan to Yungdrung Bon.

"Among the countries to the north and south of Jambu Island, the places where the teacher pressed down with His feet on the earth, with His actual body are the following: China, Tanguts, India, Nepal, O-rgyan, Za-hor, Kashmir, Turkharistan, Khotan, Ta-zig, Zhang Zhung, Mon-yul, Khitan, Phrom, Gesar, Bru-sa, Qarluq, Uighur, and Tibet." - dBra-ston

This list of countries is based on the list of Tibetan placenames of countries from the scripture Srid-pa Las-kyi gTing-zlog-gi rTsa-rgyud Kun-gsal Nyi-zer Sgron-ma. It substituted "India" for "rGya-gar", which is actually, more accurately "sub-Himalayan India". O-rgyan is Oddiyana. Bru-sa is Gilgitstan. Tunguts refers to the land in the Kurban-Tungut Desert in southern Kazakhstan. Ge-sar is the part of mainland China north of Tibet yet west Tarim Basin.

"The blessed, spread the teachings and converted beings within the [Eighteen] Great Countries of the Gods (Lha) Ta-zig (sTag-gzig), Oddiyana (U-rgyan), Tokharistan (Tho-gar), Camara (rNga-yab), rNga-yab-zhan (?), Za-hor, Turkestan (Gru-gu), Little Balur (Bru-sha), Kashmir (Kha-che), Khotan (Li), Nepal (Bal), India, China, Nan-chao ('Jang), Hor Gesar, snowy Tibet and Zhang Zhung. Ultimately, they all visibly entered Bon Proper (Bon nyid.)" - Dkar-ru Grub-dbang, 19th century Bonpa scholar

The gSang-sngags Rdzong-'phrang Nyi-'od rGyan by Thu'u-kbwan was a book of notes from a summit between Bonpas of countries of Olmo Lungring, sub-Himalayan India, Tibet, China, Turkharistan, and some others. The summit's would always take place in a cave named Mang-mkhar lCang-phrang. Cave temples or cave monasteries were very popular throughout Hindu history. (Even today pilgrimages continue to them.)

A popular missionary of Bonpo was gShen-chen kLu-dga. He was a descendant of Shenrab's lineage in the dMu-tsha clan. gShen-chen was requested to send Bon scriptures.

	An emanation of Da-mi-thad-kye named kLu-dga' of gShen will appear. After being blessed by the ministers, he will open the door of scriptural treasures.
—The Middle Key of dPon-gsas Da

'TShe-mi Shag-'bar with 4 others requested teachings, and were known as the 4 Chiefs of Upper Nyang. Then the 8 Pillars of Lower Hyang requested teachings: 1. Rong-bu A-tsa-ra, 2. Rong-bu G.yung-drung-gstug-phud, 3. Phug-pa rGod-po, 4. sTag-sgom Rtsang-po-'bar, 5. Ra-zhags 'Phags-pa, 6. Ra-zhags Mon-skyid, 7. Skyi-dpal 'Dui-gsas, 8. Bru-sha Lha-gnam-gsas. There were several receivers in various regions of Tibet. From Nyang-stod 3 are named, and from La-stod 3 are named, and from 'Bring-'tshams there were 3.

Many Bonpa clergy were well connected with nationalities both within and outside of India. One can see Bonpo influence and interactions with the world in the story of King Srong-btsan sGam-po. He maintained relations with royalties outside of the Subcontinent. The king took Princess Lig-tig-sman from Zhang Zhung as his wife and she brought with her a Zhang Zhung image of Lord Shenrab when he was age 1, from the Temple of dKar-nag bKra-gsal in Olmo Lungring, and for that image was built the Them-chen Temple in Tibet. From Nepal he married Princess Khri-btsun and she had brought with her a Nepali silver image of Byams-pa 'Khor-lo for which was built the Temple of Ra-sa in Tibet. He also married Chinese Prinecss Kong-co and she had brought a Chinese image of Shenrab at the age of 9 for which was built the Temple of Ra-mo-che. The king had invited a monk from Sub-Himalayan India, Akarashilamati, who had brought with him a sandal-wood self-created image of Shenrab, and for it was built the bCu-gcig-zhal Temple in Lhasa.

Zhang Zhung as the greatest centre of Yungdrung Bon

Although the master Tonpa Shenrab himself was born in Shenaki, and many scriptures were written elsewhere, Zhang Zhung was the most important centre for Yungdrung Bon because it is known to have had the most Bonpo temples, and this region of Tibetan even today has some surviving ones. The people of Zhang Zhung were serious more about the religion than elsewhere. In the Trije Lungten, Tonpa Shenrab had even told his disciples an important parable of King Triwer Larje's family in Zhang Zhung. Its holiest mountain is by where the Walled Mountain Turquoise Leaf Tree Fortress Castle was located, within the capital city of Tisei Karchak.

It is described in the Nyer mkho'i snang ba as:

The country of Zhang Zhung [is divided into] sGo, Phug, and Bar. Of these, Zhang-zhung Phug-pa [is situated], at more than three months' journey, on the western side of Mount Kailash, near Par-sig of Mesag, Bha-dag-shan, Bha-lag, and so on. In the former times, the capital was called rGyal-ba mNyes-tshal. There, a self-originated image of gSang-mchog existed [on] a big mountain with five peaks. At the time of rGyal-gshen Mi-lus bSam-leg, [the city] was [known as] rGyal-mukhar Ba-tshod.

It is described in the Nyer mkho'i snang ba as:

That place had thirty-two provinces. Sages such as the Four Great Teachers and so on, who spread Sutra and Tantra teachings together with the secular sciences, as well as accomplished masters, who were able to fly in the sky, appeared there in great numbers. Nowadays, since [the land] has been conquered by foreign barbarians [mtha mi, lit. border people], the original teaching does not exist; it is said, however, that a few Tibetan, Indian, and Chinese practitioners, who have great faith in the religion, live there.

Boundary of Zhang Zhung

The Treasury of Good Sayings lists divisions of Zhang Zhung.

Trine	Regions	Number of Kings	Description
Inner	1. Gyanri Hill 2. Kyunglung Valley 3. Purang	8	1. south of Mt. Ti-se 2. west of Mt. Ti-se 3. south of lakes Rakshas Tal and Manasarovar
Middle	1. tSi-na 2. Ta-rog 3. Ta-sgo	6
Outer	1. K'a-skyor 2. K'a-yug 3. La-dvags (Ladakh) 4. Ru-t'og (Rudok)	4

Zhang Zhung had a diversity of tribes, most of them totemic. The lDe'u rgya bod kyi chos 'byung. The first ones to rule the land may have been Black gNod-sbyin [in bZangs-yul rGyan-med kingdom], and their weapons used were bows and arrows. Second were bDud re-lde mGo-g.yag [in bDud-yul Gling-dgu kingdom], and their weapons were axes and hatchets. Third were Srin-po gNya'-ring Phrag-med [in Nag-po dGu-dul kingdom], and catapults and Srin-po boots were weapons. Fourth were the lHa dMar-ljam [in lHa-yul Gung-thang kingdom], and their weapons were 3-pointed kha tam. Fifth were the Klu [in Ngam-brang Cang-brang kingdom], and their weapons were spears. Sixth were the 'Dre [in Lang-tang Ling-tang kingdom], and their weapons were maces. Seventh were the Nine Ma-sangs [in Bod-khams g.Yang-drug kingdom], and their weapons were quivers and sheaths and their used shields. Eighth were the Klu [in Bod-khams Gling-dgu kingdom]. Ninth were the Mi-ma-yin [in Ngam-yul Nag-po kingdom].

Transmission of teachings into different languages

The language of the Eternal Gods derived from the speech of the 'God of dMu-gshen’, and was the language of the people of the Eight Palaces of Tonpa in Olmo Lungring. This is different than the language that Tonpa Shenrab and other gShens in general spoke commonly - sTag-gzig rMu'i skad.

The 3 translators of Olmo Lungring [who were also disciples of Mucho Demrug], dMu-tsha Tra-he, Khri-thog sPa-tsha, and Hu-lu sPa-legs shared their translations to Sad sPungs-dun, Gyer-sangs gTsug-phud, dMu-tsha Ting-rim, dMu-bon brTan, dMu-mkha' lDing-nam, and dMu-rje sPal-pa dGu-'byung. The 3 also shared them to hLadak nGakdro (hLa-bdag sNgags-Dro) of Sub-Himalayan India transmitted the teachings to Gyalpo Ratsa Pungpa (rGyal-po Ra-tsa sPungs-pa), who then taught them to Zhang Zhung's Mukho Dang (Mu-kho sTangs), who passed them on to 4 people of different regions; Khalusha of Sub-Himalayan India, Srami Rican Kha-che mkhan-po of Kashmir, 'A Ba Shang Shang of Tho-gar, and to Dokane (lDo-ka-ne) of Gilgit.

The 3 further interpreted them to the Bon-po Mu-khod of Zhang Zhung, the gShen-po Li-sha of Sub-Himalayan India, the gShen-po Bra-ba Me-ru-can of Kashmir, the gShen-po Pa-va Shang-shang of Tho-gar, and the gShen-po Ge lTe-ne Lo-rgya of Gilgit. Legs-tang rMang-po in turn, expounded them to gShen-po gTsug-lag dPal-ge of China and Virochana of Ba-gor. gSer-thog lCe-'byams expounded them to rGam-pa lCe-ring of Ge-sar, Mu-spungs gSal-tang of Sum-pa, Sha-ri dBu-chen of Tibet and lCe-tsha mKhar-bu of Me-nyag and they translated them into their own languages and promulgated Yungdrung Bon.

sMar, Dar-ma, Dir-ma, Dar-ma-dir, Gu-ge, and Phal-po-glang were the main languages spoken in Zhang Zhung. sMar (considered to have been the most refined of them all) was spoken in the central zone, of Dar-ma in southern zone, Dir-ma north zone, and Dar-ma-dir was the colloquial language spoken in the eastern and western zones, and of Gu-ge was considered the literary language of all of Zhang Zhung.

While these gurus expounded the teachings internationally, it is believed to be Krilde Odpo, a disciple of Mucho Demrug, that brought the full teachings of Tonpa Shenrab to Shangshung two generations later.

Worship

The Ma Tri Du Mantra painted on a cliff face in Tibet.

Om Ma Tri Mu Ye Sa Le Du is its chief mantra, and is the hymn of compassion.

Deities

Bonpas worship both Buddhas and demigods.

The most important god in Bon, considered prime even over Guru Shenrab, is a primordial Buddha named Kuntu Zangpo, or All Goodness, who is in a constant state of fulfillment (Nirvana.) Having created the universe he is considered the Supreme God.

Gods are known as the lha. There are 3 categories of lha, the highest of which are the Buddhas, next the Swastik-sattvas, and finally the Dra-lhas (Sky-gods), the last of whom are always in conflict with the hDre (demons.) Apart from gods, some Bonpo practitioners are also said to have had access to the divine. For example, King Tho-tho-ri sNyan-shal is believed to have been given Bon teachings from heaven, according to the Byams-ma.

The most popularly worshiped of deities are the Four Principal Sugatas (oder gshegs gtso bzhi); Sangpo Bumtri, Satri Ersang, Shenlha Odkar, and Tonpa Shenrab. The worship of the Satri Ersang in particular was popularized by Zangsa Ringtsun. She is also known as Chucham Gyalmo, Sherab Jhamma (Most Loving Mother) and Yum Chenmo (Great Mother.) there exist 4 emanations of Sridpa Gyalmo.Sangpo Bumtri is also known as Yemon Gyelpo and sMon-pa'i Mi-bo Lum-lum. He's said to have 3 heads and 6 arms. gYu’i zur-phud-can, considered Sangpo’s avatar, came down from heaven to request Shenrab convert the evil gTo-bu Do-te. Nampar Gyalwa is Tonpa Shenrab’s manifestation. Kunzang Gyalwa Gyatso too is another avatar. Rig-snang 'Od-gyi rGyal-po is written as a manifestation of Kuntu Zangpo. Shenlha Odkar had transmitted a tantric and Dzogchen cycle known as General Rituals

Major gods

Deity	Function	Mantra
Kuntu Zangpo	Creator
Sangpo Bumtri	Demigod
Tonpa Shenrab	Guru	May The Teacher Come To Our World! May The Teaching Be Bring As The Sun Rays! May Teachers And Students Increasingly Learn And Accomplish! May There Thus Be Good Fortune That The Teachings Long Remain!
Shenlha Odkar	Demigod	A Om Hung A Aa Kar Sa Le Oh A Yang Om Dhu
Satri Ersang	Demigod	Om Ma-Wa Ma-Te Ma-Hi Mo-Ha E Ma Ho Ma-Ye Ru-Pa Ye-Ta Dhu-Dhu So-Ha
Tapihritsa	Guru
Men Lha (Medicine Buddha)	Demigod	Om Na-Ma Se La Amita Se Gyer Dun-Pung Om A Hung Ram Dza Samaya Tita Lhen
Khyung Mar (Red Garuda)	Saint-Warrior	Hung Tro Ta Ya Ghar Una Tri Trong Ha Ra Nye Lo Yo So Thun Tu
Drenpa Namkha (Recollection Sky)	Guru	Ah Om Hung Drenoa Mu La Ha Ri Nis Sa Si Di Hring Hring Hung Hung Dza Dza
Zhambala (Prosperity Deity)	Demigod	Om Red Na Ku We Ra Ha! Yag Sha Zam Bha La Ye So Ngo Drub Red Na Si Ti Dhu!
Sidpa Gyalmo	Demigod	So Ma Ma Za Nye Lo Yo Ram Thun Jo!
Yeshe Walmo (Wisdom Protector)	Demigod	Om A Bhi Ya Nag Po Bad Sod So Ha

Apart from them, some mainstream deities are sometimes mentioned in Bonpa scriptures, such as Brahmā and Indra.

	You are well known by the name to the followers of Yungdrung Bon in Tazik (Shinaki), Where you are also called mighty white crystal, Shelgying Karpo. You are well known by the name to the Dharma (Buddhism) practitioners of rGya-gar (Sub-Himalayan India), Where you are called the Brahmā with a white conch shell in his plaited hair, Dungi Thortsugchan. You are well known by the name to the kings of China, Where you are called the king Dapangse. And you are well known by the name to the Pugyal kings of Tibet, Where you are called by the great Kyahrang Chenpo.
—Zhang-Zhung snyan-rgyud

Bodhisattvas

Almost as important than the Buddhas, are the Bodhisattvas, known in Tibetan as Yungdrung Sems-dpa's which translates in Sanskrit as Swastikasattvikas, meaning Swastika-beings.)

1. Kunang Khyabpa
2. Salba Rinjing
3. Gela Garchug
4. Jhe drag ngo med
5. Gava don drub.

Each resides in a different paradise.

Protectors of the Word (bKa'-skyong)

1. Ma-mchog Srid-pa'i rGyal-mo
2. Mi-bdud 'Byams-pa Khrag-mgo
3. bTsan-rgod Hur-pa
4. Dbal-bons - Lord Protector

Classification of other supernatural beings

Bonpa scriptures usually classify supernatural beings into 8 groups of persons.

Being	Class	Function
Lha	Demigod
Nojin	Male demon
Mamo	Female demon
bDud	Demon
tSen	Demigod	Warrior guardian
Gyalpo
Shinje	Demigod	Judge of the dead
kLu (Nagas)	Demigod

Classes of prominent lhas

1. Pho-lha (Tuletary gods)
2. Thab-Iha (Hearth gods)
3. Yi Dam-lha (Personal gods)
4. Yab-lha (Ancestor gods) - One such was King gNya-'khri btSan-po the Lha-sras (Son of gods), during whose reign Bonpo was introduced into Zhang Zhung by Shenrab.

Classes of venerated spirits

1. btShun (Ancestors)
2. Sa-bDag (Earth Landlords)
3. Zhi-bDag (Earth owners)

33 Devas

As in other Arya dharms, the Council of the 33 Devas is discussed in Bonpo scriptures on more than occasion, and are enumerated as follows:

• 1-8 Gods of Wealth (Vasu(deva)s or Norlha)
• 9-10 2 Sons of the Ashvins (Ashvinau or Thaskar)
• 11-21 11 Wrathful Ones (Rudras or Dragpo)
• 22-33 12 Suns (Adityas or Nyima)

Shiva (of the Rudra class within the 33) is written of as mGon-po Phyag-drug-pa. Shenlha Wokar is also written of as Shiva Wokar, although ‘Shiva’ is just a title for him, and he isn’t a Rudra.

Lhabon Yongsu Dagpa, Shenlha (Shen or Priest of the gods), is written to have actually been in the lineage of the 33. He not only practiced Bon on Mt. Sumeru but bound by oath the kinds of semigods. Chimed Tsugphud is written to have been born in the land of the 33 Devas (Mt. Sumeru.) Gyalshen Milu Samlegs also practiced the religion here. Barnang Khujyug (father of Tsugphud) was also from there, specifically the Akanistha area. Sad-ne-ga’u was born in the sGopa region of Zhang Zhung but was of the lineage of the Lha.

Other well-known Devas who are affiliated with the Divine Council of the 33 are mentioned. Brahmā is known in Bon scriptures as 'Bram-ze'. Brahmā is also called ‘Tsangpa Dhung-gi Thortsugchen’ (Having a Conch in as Turban.) ‘Gyur ba blo gsal’ [bram ze’i bu ’gyur ba blo gsal] has been written as the 'Son of Brahmā'. Garudas and Nagas are commonly mentioned in scriptures.

Scriptures

Shenrab's divine words (bKa) of Bon Gyi Thengpa Rempa Ga has the power to develop spirituality of the followers of Bonpo in a threefold way:

1. Negative spirituality by possessing the Wisdom of Renunciation (spong lam)
2. Positive spirituality by unfolding the Secrecy of Transformation (sgyur lam)
3. Sublime spirituality by aiming to attain the Great Perfection (dZog-chen)

Bonpa scriptures are divided into 2 major groups; Kanjur and Katen. The prior are the words of Shenrab himself, while the latter are dependent on the Kanjur. Katen is basically volumes of commentaries, rituals, works on arts and crafts, and so on. This dualistic classification was mde in the fifteenth century by Sherab Gyaltshan.

The Kanjur itself consists of 4 categories of scriptures; mDo, 'Bum, rGyud, and mDzod.

Text	Type	Era composed
mDo'dusAKA Mdo dgongs pa'dus pa (Gathering of Intentions Sutra)	Biography of Shenrab
'Dus-pa rin-po-che'i rgyud gZer-mig AKA gZer-mig	Biography of Shenrab
gZhi-brjid (The Brilliance)	Biography of Shenrab	14th century CE
Srid pa spyi skong snang srid spyi mdos AKA Srid pa spyi mdos
Nyer mkbo'i snang ba
Legs bshad rin po che'i mdzod (Precious Treasury of Good Sayings)
Rigdzin Rigpai Thukgyu
Khams-brgyad gTanla 'Bum
mChong
Srid-pa'i mdZod-phug Chen-mo
rNam-dag Yu,-gyi 'Phrin-las	Outer Tantras (Sngags Phyi)
Thang-ma-'od-rgyal-gyi mChod-gtor	Outer Tantras (Sngags Phyi)
Mu-dra Lha'i Phyag-rgya	Outer Tantras (Sngags Phyi)
tSha-tsha	Outer Tantras (Sngags Phyi)
Kun-snang-khyab-pa	Outer Tantras (Sngags Phyi)
Rab-gnas Skor gSum	Outer Tantras (Sngags Phyi)
Kun-rigs Lha-ma-yin-ygi Sbyin-bsreg	Outer Tantras (Sngags Phyi)
Zhi-ba Yongs-rdzogs	Inner Tantra (Sngags Nang)
Man-ngag Thig-le Dbyings 'Chad	Inner Tantra (Sngags Nang)
Khro-bo Dbang-chen Gzhung Rtags	Inner Tantra (Sngags Nang)
Dbang Chu-bo Rab-'byam	Inner Tantra (Sngags Nang)
Dus Drug Ma-mo	Inner Tantra (Sngags Nang)
Srid-pa'i-rgyal-mo	Inner Tantra (Sngags Nang)
Ma-mo 'Dus-pa Yang-snying	Inner Tantra (Sngags Nang)
Ga-pa	Mental Class
Mu-stegs A-mu-kha Phung-gi Rgyud	Protection mantra against malevolent spirits
Shan-pa Ma Bzhi'i Gsang Sgrub
Khans-chen	Protection mantra against malevolent spirits

Three Traditions of Bon

Revealed Bon

Derived Bon

Transformed Bon

Two Types of Bonpas

"Bon was not a sinister perversion of Buddhism, but rather an eclectic tradition which, unlike Buddhism in Tibet, insisted on accentuating rather than denying its pre-Buddhist elements." - M. Alejandro Chaoutl-Reich, Ph.D.

1. White Bonpas - Those who practice Bonpo in conjunction with Buddhism
2. Black Bonpas - Those who strictly practice Bonpo

Historically the two spiritual traditions of Tibet have been Grags-pa Bon-lugs (Bonpo) and gSans-ba Chos-lugs (Buddhism) and normally Buddhism played a role in the lives of most Bonpas since its introduction to them. Except for 2 kings noted in the rGyal-rabs gSal-ba'i Me-long, the interaction betwween Bon and Chos have been friendly for the most part.

Clergy

Disciplic succession of monastic order

According to the 'Dul ba rgyug drug, the succession of Shenrab's monastic institution succeeded in the order below. The rTsa rgyud nyi sgron confirms that this lineage began in the time of the transmission of the 'Dul ba rgyug drug by Shenrab, and lasted until the era of rule of the 8th Tibetan emperor, Gri-rum bTsan-po.

Azhang Sangthub was the compiler of Shenrab’s teachings like his Vyas was of Krishna’s.

Mu-cho lDem-drug taught them to missionaries Mutsa Trahe, Trithog Partsa, and Guhu Li Parya transmitted the teachings to a sub-Himalayan Indian named Lhadag Ngagdro, the eastern Chinese named Legthang Mangpo, and to Serthog Chejam of Trom.

Shenrab Miwoche

Mu-cho lDem-drug

gTsug-gshen rGyal-ba

Drang-srong rGyal-ba

gTug-sras rMa-lo

Khri-lde Gung-grags

dMu-chp Dra-he

Khri-lde 'Od-po

lHang-lhang gTsug-phud

Dwang-ba Yid-ring

Thugs-dkar Ye-shes

Gung-rum Ye-shes

'Od-lha gSal-'bar

rDzu-'phrul Ye-shes

Ye-shes Tsul-khrims

g.Yung-drung Tsul-khrims

gTsug-phud Tsul-khrims

Ga-chu gTsug-phud rGyal-ba

Ya-gong Ye-shes rGyal-ba

lDe-btsun Ran-gsal

brGya-co Ye-shes

Mu-zi gSal-bzang

Related Articles

• Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche
• The spread of Hinduism
• Totemic Demonyms

External Resources

• Yungdrung Bon Monastic Centre Society, India
• The Tibetan Yungdrung Bon Study Centre, U.K.
• Foundation for the Preservation of Yungdrung Bön, U.K.
• Yeru Bön Center, U.S.
• YUNGDRUNG BON: A collection of texts belonging to the native Bon Tradition of Tibet, Taiwan
• Sherab Chamma Ling, Canada
• Ligmincha, International
• Latri Khenpo Nyima Dakpa Rinpoche, International

Contributors to this article

Himanshu Bhatt

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