Bökyi Rüchen Zhi
Traditional classifications of clans in Tibet generally name ‘The Six Ancestral Clans’— Bökyi Rüchen Zhi—who are believed to descend from the progeny of the Bodhisattva monkey and demoness, the subjects of Tibet's origin myth. These lineages later split into numerous sub-clans that are often associated with specific geographical regions, and in some cases, monasteries. According to one tradition, the six original clans are the followings.
The four major clans:
- 1. Mutso Ga (Wyl. sga), said to be scholars, so its people are skilled in learning.
- 2. Abo Dong (Wyl. ldong), said to be fierce and powerful, hence its people are extremely powerful like the four great rulers.
- 3. Seng-Kyung Dra (Wyl. sbra), said to be famous and determined, so its people are rich and prosperous.
- 4. Achak Dru (Wyl. ‘bru), said to be people of actions (byas pa can), hence they are wild and violent against enemies.
The two minor clans:
- 5. Wa (Wyl.dpa) or Da (dba’), said to be ordinary people belonging to matrilineal lines.
- 6. Da (Wyl.zla), said to be ordinary people belonging to matrilineal lines.
Since the early 8th century, Tibetans and Himalayan people have treasured "Namtars" as written or spoken narratives that demonstrate the realization of the Buddhist path by exceptional practitioners. These namtars, or spiritual biographies, serve as inspirational guides on the path to enlightenment.
Today, Namtars Foundation aims to record, preserve, and freely offer the world a written and electronic treasury of the oral wisdom of Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhism.
