Abstract
Tibetan religions, including Buddhism and Bon, have been profoundly shaped by the institutional influence of monasticism-the congregation of ordained monks and nuns who support a sole religious tradition according to a cenobitic (communal), eremitic (isolated), or peripatetic (itinerant) lifestyle. Buddhist monasticism is widely popular not only in Tibetan society, but also in the culturally akin societies along the Himalayan belt. Despite its prominent role, monasticism is not the only religious manifestation in Tibetan society. Next to monastic life and activities, a variety of lay or non-celibate movements, communities, traditions, lineages, and religious practices have emerged in Tibet and the Himalayas. A form of social and religious authority particularly important outside of Buddhist monasticism within Tibetan lay communities is that of 'spirit mediums', or lha pa . The chapter also presents an overview of the book and how the other chapters of the book are organized. Keywords: Bon; Buddhist monasticism; Himalayas; spirit medium; Tibetan religions
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
