Conflicts between Milarepa and Bonpo Narochung

 The conflict between Milarepa, the famous Tibetan yogi and disciple of Marpa, and the Bonpo master Naro Bonchung (also spelled Narochung), is a well-known legend from Tibetan spiritual history. This story takes place at Mount Kailash, a sacred mountain to both Buddhists and followers of Bon, an indigenous Tibetan spiritual tradition.

During the 11th century, both the Bon and Buddhist traditions were striving to establish their spiritual dominance in Tibet. Bon, being the older indigenous tradition, found its legitimacy challenged by the rapid spread of Buddhism. The story of the contest between Milarepa and Naro Bonchung symbolizes the clash between these two traditions.

Milarepa and Naro Bonchung both wished to claim Mount Kailash as the sacred domain of their respective traditions. To settle the matter, they agreed to a spiritual duel involving a race to the summit of the mountain. Whoever reached the peak first would gain spiritual authority over the region.

Naro Bonchung, a powerful Bonpo master, relied on magical tools and ritualistic methods to gain an advantage. He flew towards the summit on a magic drum, displaying his mastery over esoteric Bon practices. Milarepa, however, is said to have relied only on his yogic powers and deep realization of emptiness, rooted in his meditative practices.

As Naro Bonchung neared the summit, it appeared as though he would win. However, just before he could touch the peak, Milarepa, sitting calmly in meditation, transformed himself into a ray of light and instantly reached the summit, surpassing Naro Bonchung. This event symbolized the triumph of Buddhist teachings over the Bon tradition, at least according to the Buddhist narrative.


While Milarepa won the contest, demonstrating the superiority of his spiritual attainment, he is said to have also respected Naro Bonchung and the Bon tradition. The legend concludes with Milarepa offering a portion of Mount Kailash to the Bonpo, symbolizing peaceful coexistence between the two traditions.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Difference between three Yanas

 1/ Hinayana or less vehicles, which focus on individual liberation through personal efforts and wisdom. Hinayana main goals is to achieve arhatship which means a fully enlighten being who has broken the cycle of life and death. Hinayana practice a strict monastic discipline, meditation and ethical conduct . 2/ Mahayana which means greater vehicle focus on enlighten for all living being and not just for individual liberation. Mahayana goals is to achieve bodhisattva. Mahayana practice compassion and wisdom. 3/ vajaryana which means diamond vehicle which  on speedy path of enlightenment using esoteric practice and ritual. Vajaryana main goal is to achieve Buddhahood in a single lifetime through tantric practice.
Read more

Four school

1/ Nyingma school  The Nyingma school is the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by followers of Padmasambhava, an Indian tantric master who is believed to have introduced Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century. The word "Nyingma" means "ancient" in Tibetan, emphasizing its status as the earliest form of Tibetan Buddhism. Nyingma teachings emphasize the Dzogchen (Great Perfection) tradition, which focuses on the realization of the innate, primordial nature of mind. Dzogchen is considered the highest form of practice, aiming at the direct experience of one's own true nature without relying on complex rituals or intellectual understanding. 2/ kagyu school The Kagyu school is one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, known for its emphasis on meditation practice and the transmission of esoteric teachings from master to disciple. It is often referred to as the "Oral Lineage" due to the tradition of passing down teachings through...
Read more

The Eight - Fold path

Image
 The Eightfold Path is a fundamental teaching in Buddhism, part of the Fourth Noble Truth, which outlines the path to end suffering (dukkha) and achieve enlightenment (nirvana). It provides practical guidance for ethical and mental development. The eight aspects are often divided into three categories: wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline. Here's a breakdown: 1. Right View (Samma Ditthi) – Wisdom Understanding the nature of reality and the Four Noble Truths (suffering, its cause, its cessation, and the path leading to its cessation). 2. Right Intention (Samma Sankappa) – Wisdom Developing the right intentions and motivations, such as renunciation, goodwill, and harmlessness. 3. Right Speech (Samma Vaca) – Ethical Conduct Speaking truthfully, avoiding lies, gossip, harsh speech, and slander. 4. Right Action (Samma Kammanta) – Ethical Conduct Acting in ways that are ethical and non-harmful, which includes avoiding killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct. 5. Right Livelihoo...
Read more