When we think about the religion in Tibet, there’s a common misconception among many travelers that all Tibetans exclusively practice Buddhism. However, the reality is far more diverse, much like the rich tapestry of religions found around the world. In Tibet, various religions coexist harmoniously.
Buddhism has held a significant sway over Tibet since the 8th century AD. But before the arrival of Buddhism, the indigenous people of Tibet followed animistic and Shamanic practices known as Bön. Interestingly, Bön still finds a home among sizable minorities in Tibet today. This ancient religion played a crucial role in shaping Tibetan Buddhism as we know it.
Despite the prevalent belief that all Tibetans are Buddhists, it’s essential to recognize the religious diversity that exists. Approximately 91% of Tibetans do practice Buddhism. However, the remaining 9% follow other faiths, including Bön, Islam, and Christianity. The Bön religion boasts a substantial following with around 400,000 adherents. In Tibet, there are four mosques where approximately 5,000 Tibetan Muslims worship. Additionally, there’s even a Catholic Church in Yanjing, located in eastern Tibet, with a congregation of 700 devoted parishioners.
Tibet’s religious landscape is a vibrant mosaic, where different faiths peacefully coexist, contributing to the cultural richness and diversity of this fascinating region.
Since this website is meant for International travelers visiting Tibet. Here in this category, you will find the blog post on different aspect of Tibetan Religion.
