Bön
Tibet's ancient indigenous religion is Bön. Before Buddhism's arrival the ‘bön’ was likely simply one class of priests among many at the royal court practicing what was collectively called "lhachö" (sacred conventions), thus tensions between Bön adherents and Buddhist followers arose upon the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet. ‘Bön’ as a designation for an organized tradition likely emerged only in deliberate contrast to Buddhism's ‘chö’ (dharma). Today's Bön therefore refers to a systematic spiritual tradition that, while rooted in pre-Buddhist practices, has been significantly shaped by centuries of interaction with Buddhism, sharing similar philosophical frameworks and meditative practices including Dzogchen teachings.
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.
