Representative Tsepri Lopan Tulku Ngawang Chokdup presenting a ceremonial white scarf to graduates on behalf of the Department of Religion and Culture, CTA.

Kathmandu: Representative Tsepri Lopan Tulku Ngawang Chokdup attended the 12th bka rams pa convocation ceremony at the Triten Norbutse Monastery in Swayambhu, Nepal on 8 March as a chief guest on behalf of the Department of Religion and Culture, CTA.

Following the completion of liturgies in accordance with the tradition of the Bön religion, the graduates of the 12th bka rams pa (highest examination in philosophical studies at monasteries) were bestowed with degree certificates at the ceremony. 

Addressing the gathering, Representative highlighted the historical significance of the Yungdrung Bön in Tibetan history, given its entitlement as the most ancient religion of Tibet. He said the Bön religion was widely practised throughout Tazig, Zhang Zhung, and Purgyal (old Tibet), most notably during the reign of Tibet’s first king, Nyatri Tsenpo, to Drigum Tsenpo, the eighth king. He further stated that Bön traditions have immense influences on every aspect of Tibetan society that started diminishing after the introduction of Buddhism in the 7th century and its eventual prevalence since the 8th century during the period of Trisong Detsen. 

Furthermore, the representative recalled the contributions of Menri Trizin Rinpoche, Lopön Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche and the older monks of Bön in sustaining the religion inside the exile community following China’s violent annexation of Tibet. He also implored Nepal’s Himalayan communities such as Dolpo, Tamang and Loba to maintain their Tibetan traditions and religions as they originated from Tibet. 

-Report filed by OoT Nepal