Can you tell me anything about Tibetan Bon?

Question

It seems really difficult to get much information about it. One website says they worship mountains (male deity), rivers or lakes (female dieties).

Another website says they are very influenced from Buddhism, and worship gods to prevent crops being destroyed, or bad weather, or for families, etc. That they don't really think about the afterlife.

I'm really finding it hard to know what Tibetan Bon is about.

Answer 1

The Bon tradition predates Buddhism in Tibet. It's founder was Shenrap Miwo. Please try to stay away from the internet when looking at something like this. Most of the websites are crap. However, there is deity worship involved. It is difficult to say whether worship of mountain/river/lake spirits was introduced with Bon, or if it predates Bon.

I would suggest reading "The Bon Religion of Tibet..." by Per Kvaerne. He is a respectable scholar in the field. Perhaps you could also try "Bon: Tibet's Ancient Religion" by Christopher Baumer. I haven't read this one, but the author is a scholar as well.

Answer 2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%B6n ...this page seems to have a bit about this topic and it has quite a few links that you can check out for more information. I hope this helps.