Enlightened Beings
Bön has a deep connection to many enlightened beings and fully realized masters, both women and men. These masters are individuals who have realized the nature of mind, are able to see reality as it is, and to whom we can turn for blessings and support on our own path toward self-realization, or Buddhahood.
The founder of the Bön tradition is Tonpa Shenrap Miwoche.
According to Bön history, Tonpa Shenrap was born approximately 18,000 years ago into a royal family in the ancient land of Olmo Lungring, part of the larger kingdom of Tazik, to the west of Tibet. After he gave up his kingship to become a monk, and attained enlightenment, he traveled throughout the land, spreading the teachings of Bön and performing various rituals. On one occasion Tönpa Shenrap he entered the kingdom of Zhang Zhung in western Tibet. There, he disseminated the first Bön teachings in that region, where they took root and continue to this day. His wives and children also played significant roles in the history of Bön.
Deities & Enlightened Teachers
Bön has a deep connection to many enlightened beings and fully realized masters, both women and men. These masters are individuals who have realized the nature of mind, are able to see reality as it is, and to whom we can turn for blessings and support on our own path toward self-realization, or Buddhahood.
The founder of the Bön tradition is Tonpa Shenrap Miwoche.
According to Bön history, Tonpa Shenrap was born approximately 18,000 years ago into a royal family in the ancient land of Olmo Lungring, part of the larger kingdom of Tazik, to the west of Tibet. After he gave up his kingship to become a monk, and attained enlightenment, he traveled throughout the land, spreading the teachings of Bön and performing various rituals. On one occasion Tönpa Shenrap he entered the kingdom of Zhang Zhung in western Tibet. There, he disseminated the first Bön teachings in that region, where they took root and continue to this day. His wives and children also played significant roles in the history of Bön.