Exploring Religions in Tibet: Unique Buddhism, Bon Tradition, and Other

In the Tibet Autonomous Region, the predominant faith is Tibetan Buddhism, embraced by the vast majority of residents. Religion in Tibet is not a separate aspect of society—it is the core foundation upon which Tibetan culture, philosophy, art, medicine, and daily routines are built.

For more than a thousand years, Tibetan Buddhism has shaped Tibet’s identity, influencing everything from governance and ethics to festivals and architecture. Alongside it exists Bon, Tibet’s indigenous religious tradition, as well as smaller communities practicing Islam, Chinese folk religions, and Christianity. Together, these beliefs form a complex and layered spiritual landscape unique in the world.

Even today, despite modern political realities and religious regulations, faith continues to play a powerful role in the lives of Tibetans. Understanding religion in Tibet is essential for anyone interested in Tibetan history, culture, pilgrimage travel, or Himalayan spirituality.

Historical Roots of Religion in Tibet

Long before Buddhism reached the Tibetan Plateau, Tibetans practiced Bon, an ancient belief system rooted in shamanism, animism, and nature worship. Traditions of Bon predate recorded Tibetan history and are deeply connected to mountains, lakes, forests, and unseen spirits believed to influence human life.

Bon: Tibet’s Indigenous Spiritual Tradition

Bon is traditionally traced to the ancient kingdom of Shang Shung, which covered much of western and central Tibet. According to Bon teachings, the religion was founded by Tonpa Shenrab Miwo, a semi-divine prince who traveled across regions teaching methods to control suffering, harmonize human life with cosmic forces, and subdue negative spirits.

Early Bon rituals included:

• Spirit appeasement
• Healing ceremonies
• Divination and astrology
• Sacred rites connected to nature elements

Originally involving animal sacrifice, Bon later reformed these practices into symbolic offerings, such as sculpted barley figures, emphasizing compassion and balance.

The Arrival of Buddhism in Tibet (7th–9th Century)

The religious transformation of Tibet began in earnest during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. As Tibet unified into a powerful empire, Buddhist influences arrived from India, Nepal, and China through royal marriages and diplomatic exchange.

Buddhism officially became the state religion during the 8th century under King Trisong Detsen, with the arrival of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and Indian scholars such as Shantarakshita. Monasteries were established, texts were translated into Tibetan, and tantric rituals were adapted to local traditions.

Initially, Buddhism encountered resistance from Bon priests, whose political and spiritual authority was threatened. At times, Bon was suppressed, but it never disappeared entirely.

The Evolution of Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism developed as a unique synthesis of:

• Mahayana Buddhism (compassion and bodhisattva path)
• Vajrayana Buddhism (tantric rituals and fast enlightenment methods)
• Indigenous Bon cosmology and ritual practice

This fusion created a distinctive spiritual system emphasizing ritual, visualization, mantra recitation, meditation, monastic study, and devotion to enlightened masters.

Major Religions Practiced in Tibet Today

Tibetan Buddhism: The Dominant Faith

Tibetan Buddhism is practiced by the vast majority of Tibetans, both in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and in Tibetan areas of Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu, and Yunnan.

Key beliefs include:

• Karma and rebirth
• Compassion for all beings
• Enlightenment (nirvana) as the ultimate goal
• Reincarnation of high lamas, including the Dalai Lama

Tibetan Buddhism permeates daily life. Elderly people spin prayer wheels, pilgrims prostrate along sacred routes, and families maintain home altars with butter lamps and offerings.

The religious landscape in the Tibet Autonomous Region includes over 1,700 Tibetan Buddhist temples with approximately 46,000 monks and nuns residing in them. Additionally, there are 88 Bon religion temples with over 3,000 monks, 93 living Buddhas, and more than 130,000 believers. The region is home to four mosques catering to over 3,000 followers of Islam, and one Catholic Church with more than 700 parishioners.

This tradition also shaped Tibetan art, medicine (Sowa Rigpa), astrology, governance, and education.

Bon Religion in Modern Tibet

Today, Bon is recognized as a legitimate religious tradition and coexists alongside Buddhism. Over centuries, Bon evolved into a philosophical and meditative system comparable to Tibetan Buddhism.

Bon teachings are organized into the Nine Vehicles, ranging from practical disciplines like medicine and astrology to advanced contemplative practices such as Dzogchen (Great Perfection).

Bon monasteries continue to operate, and Bon rituals remain influential in Tibetan funerary rites, healing practices, and folklore.

Four major Sects of Tibetan Buddhism

Moreover, the emergence of Buddhist scholars within Tibet played a crucial role in significantly influencing the internal growth of Tibetan Buddhism. These scholars actively contributed to the development of Buddhism, ultimately giving rise to distinct sects. Over time, Tibetan Buddhism underwent evolution, giving way to four major sects:

1. Nyingma: Guru Padmasambhava founded this sect, renowned for its extensive tradition of teachings and practices.
2. Kagyu: Marpa Chökyi Lodrö founded this sect, and his disciple Milarepa continued its legacy, placing a strong emphasis on meditation practices.
3. Sakya: Khön Könchok Gyalpo founded the Sakya sect, characterized by its scholarly and philosophical approach.
4. Gelug: Je Tsongkhapa established this sect, putting significant emphasis on monastic discipline and philosophical study.
5. Jonang: The Jonang school of Tibetan Buddhism is renowned for its unique philosophical view of Shentong (“emptiness of other”) and its emphasis on the Kalachakra Tantra.

The Gelug sect, known for its focus on scholarly study, logic, and rigorous monastic discipline, evolved from the Kadam tradition. Initially founded by the Indian master Atisha, this tradition was later continued by his Tibetan disciple Dromtonpa. The diverse influences and internal growth illustrated by the development of these sects within Tibetan Buddhism contribute to the distinctive and multifaceted nature of Tibetan Buddhist practice and philosophy.