Bon

Bon (also called Yungdrung Bon) is an indigenous Tibetan tradition. It is usually described as older than Buddhism's arrival in the Himalayan region. Over time, Bon took in some monastery practices and ideas from Buddhism. But it kept its own identity, its own view of the universe, and its own scriptures. In Nepal, some communities in the Himalayan region practice Bon. A Bon monastery, called Triten Norbutse, sits on the edge of Kathmandu. Bon is closely related to Buddhism, but it is historically its own tradition — so this site treats it separately from the Buddhism page. This page will grow with more detail, once we have checked facts to add.

Bon teaching is traditionally linked to Tonpa Shenrab, who Bon followers see as its founder or main teacher. Central themes include wisdom, compassion, and spiritual freedom. Bon also has rituals for local spirits, deities, and ancestors, and beliefs about karma and life after death. Bon shares some practices and ideas with Tibetan Buddhism. But it keeps its own texts and its own line of teachers.

Bon teaching is passed down through monastery training and study of Bon scripture. This scripture covers ritual, philosophy, astrology, and traditional medicine. Meditation aimed at insight and freedom is also part of Bon teaching. This page will grow with more detail on specific lineages, once we have checked facts to add.

• Bonpo — used in place of "figure"
• Bon Monastery — used in place of "sacredPlace"