A gathering of religious leaders and representatives from 37 countries practicing the ‘Yungdung Bon’ religion is taking place at the Trident Noburche Monastery in Kathmandu. The gathering is being held to inaugurate the newly built monastery, celebrate the centenary of the religious leader Yongzin Lopon Tenzing Namdak Rinpoche, and participate in the Sixth International Bon Conference.
According to the monastery’s operator, Geshe Lodoe Choglek, around 400 international representatives are attending, along with thousands of Nepalese devotees. “Thousands have participated in the inauguration and the centenary celebration of the revered Rinpoche,” says Geshe Choglek.
The program started on Magh 19 and will run until Falgun 1 (February 13). From Magh 19 to 22, rituals like the consecration of the new monastery and prayers for Rinpoche’s long life were held. The monastery was officially inaugurated on Magh 23, and Rinpoche’s centenary was celebrated with fanfare on Magh 24.
The conference began on Friday and will run through Saturday. On Sunday, students who have graduated from the monastery will receive their Geshe degrees. A cultural program was also held on Thursday to mark Rinpoche’s birthday, with performances in traditional attire by various ethnic groups. Famous artists such as Melina Rai and Sonam Tapden also performed, with Miss Nepal Sadiksha Shrestha hosting the event.
Notably, Rinpoche, who is celebrating his centenary, established the Triden Norbuche Monastery in 1986 in Kathmandu’s Trighare. He is credited with establishing the largest Bon monastery in Nepal. The monastery is dedicated to the preservation and practice of Bon culture and philosophy, including courses up to the level of Geshe (Doctor of Philosophy).
Rinpoche has contributed significantly to the preservation of Bon culture and has written over two dozen books on Bon Dharma. “Rinpoche’s unparalleled contribution to preserving Bon culture is invaluable. He is our Buddha,” says Geshe Choglek.
Bon is an ancient religion that aims to protect all beings from suffering and lead them towards happiness. The founder of Bon, Tonpa Shenrab Miwo, started this religion over 18,000 years ago. The Bon texts mention that 1,008 Buddhas will be born on Earth, and Tonpa Shenrab is considered the 8th Buddha.
In Nepal, Bon practitioners are found in regions such as Dolpa, Mustang, Humla, Jumla, Baglung, Mugu, Kaski, Chitwan, and Kathmandu. Dolpa alone has more than 30 Bon monasteries, earning it the title “Land of Bon.” Over 50 countries around the world practice Bon Dharma and culture.
