Bön Tradition

The Bön Tradition of Tibet

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The lineage of Bön is among the oldest indigenous traditions of the world. Originating from Tongpa Shenrap Miwoche (considered a full Buddha in the tradition) more than 17,000 years ago, the Bön teachings have been transmitted from teacher to student through study and direct experience. As a unique source of Tibetan culture and tradition, Bön has played a large role in cultivating the distinct expression of Tibetan Buddhism.

Like the other traditions of Tibet, Bön tradition has a particular textual, ritual, and philosophical basis all of which are geared toward cultivating an open heart, countering obstructing forces, and recognizing the presence of innate awareness. Authors such as Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, Nyima Drakpa, and Chogyal Namkhai Norbu are among the handful of Bön lineage holders presented here.

If we relate to the natural world as a collection of lifeless mechanical processes, it is lifeless for us. If we relate to our bodies as machines, they are machines to us. If we relate to religion as fantasy, it is a fantasy to us. But if we relate to the natural world as alive, full of spirits and elemental beings, the natural world speaks to us.

-Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, Healing with Form, Energy, and Light

Books of the Bön Tradition of Tibet

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Articles

The Anatomy of a Common Tibetan Ritual | An Excerpt from Indestructible Truth

This mantra represents one of the oldest statements of Buddha Shakyamuni’s teaching, found in the Pali canon and elsewhere. Roughly translated, it means, ‘‘Whatever phenomena (dharmas) arise f...

Jamgön Kongtrul Reader’s Guide

Jamgön Kongtrul Lodro Thaye was one of the greatest masters of Tibetan history, who the Tibetologist Gene Smith referred to as Tibet’s Leonardo. It’s difficult to imagine a master who was so lear...

Sacred Syllables: An Interview with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

QUESTION: Sound is important in the world's spiritual traditions and is central to many Tibetan healing and spiritual practices. It seems that sound affects us on all levels-physical, mental, and spir...

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Videos

Alejandro Chaoul on the Tibetan Practice of Chӧd

Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

Bon and other Buddhist Schools

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Snow Lion Articles

Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche on the Practice of the Five Warrior Syllables

The following practice was designed by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. It utilizes what are known in Bön as the Five Warrior Syllables (Pa-wo du-nga). Tenzin Rinpoche explains, “The reason these seed syllables are called warriors is because they are powerful and indestructible. They are associated...

Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche: Finding Stillness

The following article is from the Spring, 2012 issue of the Snow Lion Newsletter and is for historical reference only. You can see this in context of the original newsletter here. ONE OF THE CLOSEST EXPERIENCES YOU CAN HAVE HAPPENS WHEN you are able to reach a deep place of stillness, like the stillness...

Tenzin Wangyal on the Five Indestructible Warrior Sounds

The following article is from the Winter, 2012 issue of the Snow Lion Newsletter and is for historical reference only. You can see this in context of the original newsletter here. By TENZIN WANGYAL RINPOCHE The warrior syllables are pure and indestructible. the first sounds that arose from the essence...

The Warrior Syllables and Healing

The following article is from the Winter, 2012 issue of the Snow Lion Newsletter and is for historical reference only. You can see this in context of the original newsletter here. An example of how this practice can help free us from difficult feelings from a student of Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche: "When...

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