Chapter - 08 Bon Po Religion - Jain Library

Shri Ashtapad Maha Tirth - II
2. The stage in which the other traditions - secret knowledge and the alchemists influenced
Bon. It also includes the influence of Shaiva and Bauddha Tantra.
3. Dramatic transformation of Bon in the form of Buddhism.
Hermanns (1965) sees Iranian influence on Buddha religion. According to P. Kavaerne (1987-
163-174), it is a non-substantiated opinion as it is a claim without any decisive proof.
Snellgrove (1967) wrote “The nine ways of Bon”-(London oriental series vol-18). He studied
the authentic religious literature of Bon Po. According to Snellgrove (1967) ‘Bon Po’ has
been strongly nurtured by Buddhism. In ‘Bon Po’ there is nothing but Buddhism hence there
was no such religion prior to Buddhism.
From the above studies two derivations can be made.
1. We cannot consistently establish the relation between pre and post Buddhist Bon
religion.
2. ‘Bon’ is a different form or transformation of Buddhism.
These derivations ignore the present study of Bon Po’s literature. Present study of
Bon Po does assert that ‘Bon’ is a valid, legitimate and historically different religious
tradition.
There is a need to investigate and re-construct the Pre-Buddhist ‘Bon’ religion. According
to P Kavaerne “I would emphasize that an adequate and coherent description of the
religion of this period is the single most important task in the study of Bon” (2004).
The period prior to Tibetan Buddhism is the period of emergence and fixation of ‘Bon’
religion.
A comparative study of Tibetan and Buddhist religion is necessary. Such studies are
made by Blondeau (1971), Karmay (1988), and Mimaki (1994). Such authentic studies
will establish the original form of ‘Bon’ religion. Such studies do show that ‘Bon
Texts’ have influenced ‘Buddhist Texts’.
The study of ‘Iconography’ will be helpful in establishing the ‘Bon’ religion. This
would establish the identity and uniqueness of ‘Bon’ religion. The derivations of
iconographical study of Bon by Kavaerne (1995) and Namkhai Norbu (1995) are very
important.
According to them
1. ‘Bon’ religion is a unique tradition of Tibetan Wisdom.
2. ‘Bon’ is inherent to the ‘Pan Asiatic Shamanism.’
To establish a historical and cultural context of Bon religion will be a meaningful academic
enterprise. This will also become an academic obligation to express solidarity with Tibetan
people.
Bon and Jain Religion - A comparative study
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