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Religion |
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Monks playing religious instruments
Buddhism
is practiced throughout the country and the majority of the Bhutanese are
Buddhist. Hinduism is practiced particularly in Southern Bhutan among the
Bhutanese of Nepali origin.
As
practiced by the Southern Bhutanese, Hindu religion has many common saints
and divinities with Vijrayana Buddhism, the school of religion prevalent
in Bhutan. The main protective deity of the country, Yeshey Gonpo or Mahakala,
is a Tantric Buddhist form of Hindu God Shiva and often appears in the
form of a raven.
Prior
to the advent of Buddhism, various forms of animistic religions including
Bon were followed in Bhutan. |
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some parts of the country these traditions and rituals are still practiced
by minority groups.
Bhutan
has been home to many sages and saints over the centuries since Guru Rinpoche
brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Kuenkhen Longchen Ramjam,
Phajo Drukgom Zhigpo, Pema Lingpa, Drukpa Kuenley, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal
and Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye are some of the key figures of Bhutanese Buddhism.
Drukpa Kagyu, school of Tantric Mahayana Buddhism, is the official state
religion. Although it is similar to Tibetan Buddhism, it has it's own set
of unique beliefs and practices. |
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Religious
Institutions continue to play an important role in Bhutan. Besides the
formal monastic structure that is supported by the state, the monk body
also includes monks and nuns who are not part of state sponsored institutions.
Monks continue to play an important role in people's daily lives. They
perform religious ceremonies, and preserve and promote traditional scholarships.
Many
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Paintings
of Guru Rinpoche on the rock |
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