Bon monastery in Sikkim - has anyone visited it?

SilverMaple

I was amazed to read that there's a recently established (in last 20 years) monastery for the Bon religion in Kewzing, a perfectly accessible small community in south Sikkim. We should be nearby in 4 weeks time. Has anyone visited this monastery or know whether you can visit? I had no idea that the Bon religion was so alive or organised.

SilverMaple

Since I posted this question, someone in the Sikkim forum has posted info about her visit to this Bon monastery in Kewzing. See posts from Janice in the thread
'How much steep walking is needed to reach Permayangste & Tashiding monasteries?'

tacita

silvermaple,
i'm glad you found my other post. the rubin museum in NYC, which exhibits himalayan art, is currently showing a bon exhibit and running a bon educational program. of course, you're too far away to visit the museum in person, but you can learn more about bon and its art here. click on "gallery", then "themes", then "bon".

also, there's an excellent article on bon that you may be able to find online. it's titled "a general introduction to the history and doctrines of bon", from the arrow and the spindle: studies in history, myths, rituals and beliefs in tibet, by samten g. karmay.

as i said elsewhere, the monastery seems to be little-known and is well worth visit. i was warmly received everywhere, but most warmly there. below is a photo of a woman outside the sangha building. unfortunately, the upload failed for other photos i took there.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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tacita

but it doesn't flourish, having been largely "replaced" by buddhism. this is the only bon monastery in sikkim.

singsub

where in Sikkim is this Bom monastery ?? Tashiding ??

amarama

You want a cool bon monietry. Check out the one in Solon, which is south of shimla. I think its called dole loan ji. You have to take a rickshaw from solon. Dont take the bus. Rickshaw should be around 120 ruppes. But that was two years ago. Pretty cool place, if you can check it out...

rajiveanand

Dear Janice,

I visited the Rubin Museum for my birthday and saw the exhibit you are talking about.

I just finished a new painting about meditation that some of the crew might like to check out..

It's not Bon, but it's very Tibetan.

Meditation

R.

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rajiveanand

I also found it very interesting that Bon is not a supertiscious religion, as I had always thought, but that it is a highly developed philosophy... I never knew!

R.