Chinese occupied the Tibet in 1959, meantime
Tibetans fled from their homeland whom many are Bonpo, followers of Bon, which
is the oldest spiritual tradition of Tibet. Bonpo believe their culture to have
originated in the land of Olmo Lungring (located in a larger country referred
to as Tazig, a region probably to the west of present-day Tibet) and that it
flourished as it moved eastward through the Kingdom of Zhang Zhung, which made
up much of what is now western Tibet. The ancient roots of Bon religion derive
from a profound respect for nature and emphasize the healing of physical and
environmental as well as spiritual afflictions. As Indian Buddhism was being
established in Tibet, many native Bon elements were incorporated into the
incoming religion, resulting in a distinct religion known today as Tibetan
Buddhism. In turn, Buddhist influences are abundantly evident in Bon religion
as it currently exists. The two religions are distinct in many ways but share a
strong and identical commitment to bringing an end to all suffering. Although
they trace their origins to ancient times, Bonpo practice a living doctrine
dedicated to perpetuating the teachings of their founder Tonpa Shenrab, who
occupies a preeminent position in Bon culture similar to that of Sakyamuni in
Buddhism. Tonpa Shenrab's teachings are collectively known as Yungdrung Bon or
the "tradition of Eternal Wisdom" and include the Nine Ways of Bon
that outline the laws of cause and effect on the path to spiritual liberation.
Bon monasteries have survived throughout Tibet despite long periods of
persecution. H. H. the Dalai Lama's recognition of Bon as the native religion
of Tibet and one of its five core spiritual traditions is an important
acknowledgement of Bon's significant role in Tibetan history and current
affairs.
