By S.K.Ghising, April 8, 2019
The major part of the culture of Darjeeling is deeply rooted in the Tibetan culture. The Tibetan culture has heavily influenced the culture and tradition and religion of the people. Many people wonder as to what was the culture of the people of Darjeeling prior to the British rule. Many of the similarities can be found or be traced back to the Tibetan culture, prior to the British rule. Darjeeling District today is one of the most diverse district in the country in terms of religion, language and culture. According to the 2011 census of Darjeeling, the District (Darjeeling District) has a total population of 18.47 lakh people. Out of 18.47 lakh people, about 13 lakh are Hindus, 2 lakh are Buddhists, 1 lakh muslims, 1 lakh christians, 2 thousand sikhs, and about 1 thousand Jains. Others constitute about 15 thousand people. Diversity of the district began with the British rule.
But in this article, our main focus lies in the characteristics of a Tibetan Culture that was ingrained in different cultures of the hills, in time. For example, many of us get confused with the Buddhism that is followed and practiced in Darjeeling today. Buddhism that is actually followed and practiced in Darjeeling as well as other Himalayan districts, is a blend of Tibetan traditions and Buddhism. Tibetan traditions are a unique mixture of original shamanic Bon practices. Before Buddhism was introduced in Tibet, there existed a different set of religion and cultural practices. So in order for Buddhism to somehow survive in Tibet, the psychic aspects of Tibetan tradition, primarily from the Pre Buddhist Shamanic Period was extensively incorporated by the monks into their practices.
So what are these Tibetan Traditions ? The oldest Tibetan traditions are those of the oracles, which involves deity possessions, Mo Divination, which often involves a Tibetan deity called Palden Lhamo. Buddhism, all over the world varies depending upon the needs of different regions. There are many types of Buddhism, and that in Tibet is renowned for its inclusion and development of psychic abilities. This is very much reflected in the Buddhism that is being practiced in the Trans Himalayan region, including Darjeeling and its surrounding regions.
Tibetan Calendars are a perfect example. For example, Tibetan calendars specify more than a dozen different attributes of each day, whether or not it is auspicious to start a business, get married, etc.
Prophecies are a major constituent of Tibetan Traditions. They commonly take note of omens such as certain birds being seen, overhearing certain music, or people saying auspicious words.
As can be observed from the list of different types of practices, divination ranges from the most simple “good or bad luck” omen through to highly developed clairvoyant skills, and from practices that anyone can do to those normally preferred only by monks.
Palden Lhamo or “Dorje” is the main protector diety of Tibet. A kind of divination referred to as mirror divination is performed or dedicated to Palden Lhamo. In this divination, a mirror is placed ceremonially, and rituals are performed. The diviner sees appearances, reflections of writings and letters from the deity.
An Oracle often is a medium in the Tibetan tradition . An Oracle becomes possessed by a deity because of the wind energy in their channels. Some people, in this case, the Oracles have the ability to see the future, because of past life Karma, which is related to their wind energy.
Demons and the fear of them are apparently very common in Tibet. A disease is normally attributed to a bad spirit. As a result an amulet is often worn around the neck as a charm against evil or injury.
These are some of the many characteristics features of the Tibetan tradition, that ultimately led their way into religions, and culture of the Trans Himalayan region. Tibet was able to contain their culture for such a long time, because outsiders were not allowed in Tibet until the 19th century.
Sir Francis Younghusband writes in his book, ‘Wonders of the Himalaya’, “we have to trust to someone higher than man to lead us through everything safely. The mere slip of the foot might often send us to destruction, and even very trifling mishaps might spoil the success of the undertaking. So that we cannot, but feel, that any success that may come in the end is due to an overruling Providence and not to our won feeble efforts.” Sir Francis realizes that his change in understanding “someone higher” has been due to his surrounding environment. So the Tibetan tradition developed the way it developed, not because of anything but it’s environment. And the amalgation of religions that were foreign to the land of Tibet, quickly acquired the properties of the Tibetan tradition, ultimately giving rise to many new traditions, having a common parentage.
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