Blessing the land ~

As humans, we like to make our mark and build on land that we consider empty. We buy it, exchange or inherit it and consider it ours. In Tibet, people believe that what they see is not just what there is. Every mountain, hill, river, pasture, and lake is inhabited by a spirit, commonly known as the Land Owner. Money or agreements made by humans over this land is not the Land Owners’ concern; a deal must be sought with them before building or grazing on it.

When Buddhism spread to Tibet from India in the 7th century, a local, animistic religion existed called Bon. Buddhist teachers recognized the spirits and gave them a place in the new religion; though not considered sacred, they are respected, and their welfare is considered. From this evolved numerous Buddhist practices and rituals to deal with the spirit world, including some performed to convince a Land Owner to cohabitate or move out. More than anything, it is a negotiation process, and if the area is known to be the dwelling of difficult spirits, a lama or practitioner with strong powers and insight will be called upon to conduct the ritual.

#tibet #buddhist #norlha

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