The Last Stronghold of Bon: Exploring the Mystic Benri Sacred Mountain

The Sacred Heart of the Bon Religion

1.Located on the northern bank of the Yarlung: Tsangpo River in the Nyingchi region of Tibet, Benri Sacred Mountain (Benri Shenshan) holds a unique and ancient status. Unlike most sacred mountains in Tibet that are revered within Tibetan Buddhism, Benri is the holiest site for Bon (Bonpo), the indigenous religion of Tibet that predates Buddhism. Rising to an altitude of approximately 4,500 meters, it is considered the "Foundation of Tibet" by Bon followers and is the only major sacred mountain in Tibet that, according to legend, was not "conquered" by Buddhism but rather reached a harmonious agreement to coexist. While Mount Kailash is shared by multiple faiths, Benri stands as the exclusive spiritual home and the greatest pilgrimage site for the Bonpos, representing the ancient soul of the plateau,.

The Legend of the spiritual Battle

The mountain's significance is rooted in a dramatic mythological battle. Legend has it that when Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) came to Tibet to spread Buddhism, he engaged in a magical contest with the Bon leader, Lord Kongpo. They competed to see who could reach the summit of Benri first. While Padmasambhava attempted to fly to the top using his magical powers upon the first rays of sunlight, the Bon leader rode his drum and arrived at the peak just before dawn. Acknowledging the power of the indigenous faith here, Padmasambhava agreed to let Benri remain a sanctuary for Bon. Thus, Benri became the only mountain in Tibet protected by Bon deities rather than Buddhist guardians, making it a place of immense historical and religious importance.

A Landscape of Lush Spirituality

Unlike the stark, snow-capped peaks often associated with Tibetan sacred mountains, Benri Sacred Mountain is lush and verdant, covered in dense forests and vibrant vegetation. It sits strategically at the confluence of the Niyang River and the Yarlung Tsangpo River. From the viewing platforms around the mountain, visitors can witness the spectacular sight of the clear Niyang River merging with the turbid, powerful Yarlung Tsangpo, creating a distinct line of color separation. In spring, the mountain slopes are ablaze with wild peach blossoms and azaleas, creating a "Jiangnan on the Plateau" aesthetic that softens the rugged spiritual atmosphere.

The Ancient Mulberry and Pilgrimage

A significant landmark on the mountain is the King of Mulberry Trees. This ancient tree, said to be over a thousand years old, is wrapped in legends concerning the ancient Kongpo King (Aba Pen). It is believed that the tree grew from a walking stick planted by the King or Tonpa Shenrab (the founder of Bon), symbolizing the enduring vitality of the region. Visitors will often see pilgrims performing the Kora (circumambulation) around the mountain. A unique feature of Benri is that Bon pilgrims circumambulate the mountain in a counter-clockwise direction, opposite to the Buddhist tradition. Their chants of "Laso!" echo through the valley, expressing their reverence to the mountain god,.

A Journey into Mystery

2.Visiting Benri Sacred: Mountain offers more than just scenic beauty; it is a journey into the pre-Buddhist history of Tibet. The area is dotted with ancient stone carvings, Bon monasteries, and sites of mythological significance like the "Heavenly Ladder" cliffs. For cultural travelers, it provides a rare glimpse into the Bon tradition, which includes distinct rituals, iconography, and beliefs that have shaped Tibetan culture for millennia. Whether you are watching the multi-colored prayer flags fluttering in the wind against a backdrop of green peaks or gazing at the sand dunes flanking the river, Benri offers a profound sense of mystery and connection to the ancient earth.