Children reading texts at the Yungdrung Bon Monastery School in Sikkim
Category Archives: Preservation
The Language of Zhang Zhung
These boards with mantras written in gold were created in order to be offered during the fire ritual of the Yungdrung Bön tradition, These mantras are written using the ancient Zhang Zhung script.
Discovery from an Ancient Kingdom
Zi bead found in Western Tibet. Photo credit: Unknown
Recently, an archaeology professor working in the Ngari region of Western Tibet, South of the Ganges River, discovered an ancient zi from a gravesite. This was the area of the ancient kingdom of Zhang Zhung.
The original article can be read in full at the Himalaya Bon Tibetan language website: http://himalayabon.com/news/2015-04-10/574.html
Iconography: Defining Space
Illustration from the book “Tibetan Thangkha Painting, Methods & Materials” by David & Janice Jackson
Before the artist begins sketching out the images that will appear on the thangkha, they must first determine the division of space on the canvas. First, by using chalk lines and a compass, the true center of the canvas must be found. Second, both the horizontal and the vertical axis must be established. In this way, the artist can allocate space to the images according to hierarchy and the number of images that need to be represented.
Diagram 1: Common positions when depicting a central image and 4 retinue
Diagram 2: Common positions when depicting a central image and 8 retinue
These diagrams show the most common designations of space although there are variations. However, even with variations, the position of the retinue in relation to one another remains the same. The retinue are positioned according to their association with the directions. In the text, the detail of the deities position begins with the center and is then listed the Bön way, or counter-clockwise, beginning with the East. Referencing the diagrams above: 1=Center, 2=East, 3=North, 4=West, 5=South, 6=Southeast, 7=Northeast, 8=Northwest, and 9=Southwest. Most often, but not always, the deities are the color associated with the direction. East=yellow, North=green, West=red and South=blue.
The Deities of the Five Buddha Families
Here, the deities of the Five Buddha Families are positioned according to diagram 1 above. In the center is the Enlightened One, Künang Kyapa and consort. In the east is the Enlightened One, Salwa Rangjung and consort. In the north is the Enlightened One, Gélha Garchuk and consort. In the west is the Enlightened One, Jedrak Ngomé and consort. And in the south is the Enlightened One, Gawa Döndrup and consort.
Direct Descendants of the Enlightened Lord Tönpa Shenrap Miwoché
Over 18, 000 years ago, in the ancient realm of Olmo Lungrik, the founder of the Yungdrung Bön spiritual tradition was born. The enlightened Lord Tönpa Shenrap Miwoche was born into the human realm as a prince. He later adopted the life as a monastic in order to display the path of renunciation to his followers. However, prior to this, he was married and had sons and daughters. The direct descendants of this Shen lineage have continued until this very day. Currently, there are two sons who are direct descendants of Lord Tönpa Shenrap.
Heir to the Shen Lineage, Tsukpu Namdrol Rinpoche, during a visit to the Yungdrung Bon monastery of Gangru Dargye located in Khyungpo, Tibet
The two sons of the Shen lineage who are direct descendants of the Lord Tonpa Shenrap.
In November of 2014, His Holiness, the supreme 33rd Menri Trizen Lungtok Tenpé Nyima offered prayers to both descendants.
Shen Tsukpu Namdrol Gyaltsen Rinpoche
Prayer of Stability for the Shen Heir, the Supreme Tsukpu Namdrol Gyaltsen
EMAHO!
Highest praise for the best of crown ornaments,
Storehouse of the ocean of sutra, tantra and unsurpassed division of teachings,
From the proper understanding of the profound meaning of the innermost essence,
May the victory banner of liberation and realization be established!
Murik Shen Yungdrung Rangdrol Nyima Rinpoche
Prayer for the Shen Heir, the Supreme Murik Shen Yungdrung Rangdrol Nyima
EMAHO!
Essence of the king of doctrines, the supreme Yungdrung Bön,
Distilled essence of the teachings of renunciation, transformation and liberation,
Having raised a stronghold through the dynamic energy of self-liberated awareness,
May the sun disc of realization and liberation eternally appear!
Composed by 33rd Menri Trizen Luntok Tenpé Namdak Rinpoche on the Western date of 11/26/2014
Translated by Raven Cypress Wood
The original article first appeared on the Tibetan language website Himalayan Bön and can be viewed here: http://www.himalayabon.com/article/poem/2015-01-02/518.html
Nine Ways 