What is Bön Buddhism?
What do we believe?
Bön is Tibet’s oldest spiritual tradition. It includes teachings and practices applicable to all parts of life, including our relationship with the elemental qualities of nature; our ethical and moral behavior; the development of love, compassion, joy and equanimity; and Bön’s highest teachings of the “Great Perfection,” dzogchen.
How do Bon Buddhists practice their philosophy?
Buddhism incorporates a variety of rituals and practices, which are intended to aid in the journey to enlightenment and bring blessings on oneself and others. While some activities are unique to certain expressions of Buddhism, there are others that are found in most of the popular forms of the belief system. Join us at Ligmincha Texas to learn about the traditions of the Bon Buddhist practice.
Bön is Tibet’s oldest spiritual tradition. It includes teachings and practices applicable to all parts of life, including our relationship with the elemental qualities of nature; our ethical and moral behavior; the development of love, compassion, joy and equanimity; and Bön’s highest teachings of the “Great Perfection,” dzogchen.
How often do you offer guided meditations?
Ligmincha Texas offers weekly teaching and guided mediation. Each Wednesday, we offer a newcomers’ guided meditation. Additionally we offer other monthly practices and retreats. Check out our calendar and Event page for details!
Tell me about Tibetan traditions.
Followers of Bön receive oral teachings and transmissions from teachers in a lineage unbroken from ancient times until the present day. In addition, most of the scriptural texts also have been preserved. While much in modern Bön is similar to Tibetan Buddhism, Bön retains the richness and flavor of its pre-Buddhist roots.
Until very recently, the ancient teachings of Bön were offered to very few students of any generation. Now, its lamas are reaching out to teach fortunate Western students about the rich Bön spiritual tradition and its practices.
Do you have a newcomer’s practice?
Yes! Each Wednesday, Ligmincha Texas offers a practice open to everyone.
Amongst other things Wednesday Practice provides instruction in meditation utilizing specific practices such as breathing instruction for the Nine Breathings of Purification, chanting the Five Warrior Syllables (attendees get to learn what those syllables are!) and Tibetan Yoga (Tsa Lung).
Are there written resources and/or videos that would help me understand this practice?
Yes. Ligmincha Texas has a bookstore that has many books describing these practices. Additionally, our Practice Supports page will offer information about our practices.
Are there costs for membership in Ligmincha Texas?
Ligmincha Texas does not charge for joining in our practices. We are a non-profit and need support to continue our work. To that end, we have suggested donations for regular practices and our retreats have a cost stated, although we offer free admission to those who need that to attend. Check out our Donations page for more details about donations of both time and money.