Death Rites and Death Beliefs of a Village Bön Tradition in Dolpo

Master's Thesis from the year 2021 in the subject Ethnology / Cultural Anthropology, grade: 1.3, Humboldt-University of Berlin (Department of Asian and African Studies), language: English, abstract: This Master's thesis explores the intersection of ritual, belief, and social structure in the Yungdrung Bön tradition as practiced in Tsho (common name: Ringmo), a village in Dolpo, Nepal. Combining anthropological fieldwork with religious and philosophical analysis, it provides a detailed examination of death rituals, their meanings, and their roles in the community. The research, conducted through interviews and participant observation during field visits between 2017 and 2018, contextualizes these practices within broader academic discussions of Tibetan, Buddhist, and Bön studies. Drawing from theories such as Arnold van Gennep's rites of passage and Émile Durkheim's social constructs of religion, the thesis bridges theoretical frameworks with ethnographic findings. It offers a nuanced view of how death is perceived not as an end but as a transition, with rituals designed to guide the deceased through the intermediate state (bardo) toward rebirth or ultimate liberation. Tsho's community life is deeply intertwined with Yungdrung Bön, a religious tradition that informs not only spiritual practices but also social cohesion. Family altars and dedicated prayer rooms (chos khangs) anchor daily rituals and seasonal ceremonies, creating a living connection between the villagers and their deities, ancestors, and protectors. In this thesis, funeral practices, including cremation and rites such as zhi khro, are examined in detail, showcasing their philosophical underpinnings and communal significance. The study also sheds light on how external influences, such as tourism, economic shifts, and migration, interact with traditional practices. Economic reliance on the harvest and trade of Yartsagunbu, a highly valued caterpillar fungus, has significantly transformed livelihoods and social dynamics in the village. Despite these changes, the rituals retain their core purpose, reflecting a balance between tradition and adaptability. By combining a focus on ritual analysis with an exploration of social change, this thesis highlights the resilience and evolution of cultural practices in Tsho. It contributes to a deeper understanding of how the Yungdrung Bön tradition integrates beliefs about death with the practical realities of communal life, offering a compelling study of the interplay between the sacred and the everyday.