23 - Tibetans, in Bhutan

Get to know the Tibetan people in 4 parts - learn, see, act, pray!

1 - Learn

Tibetan history dates back to the seventh century AD, but evidence suggests that nomadic tribes roamed the land as far back as the second century BC. The Tibetan people view themselves as one unified group, although their language is divided into various dialects. Central Tibetan, often referred to as "Bus," is the most widely spoken, with educated Tibetans learning a literary version of the language while retaining their regional dialects.

The heart of Tibetan civilization is located in the Yarlung Valley, which lies around 80 kilometres southeast of Lhasa. According to Tibetan tradition, their ancestors were created from the union of a monkey and a she-devil, giving rise to the Tibetan race. The unification of the Tibetan clans around AD 600 was led by the warrior-king Namri Gampo, who also helped spread Buddhism by marrying two princesses—one from Nepal and one from China. These marriages helped to combine Tibet's indigenous Bon religion with Buddhist teachings.

Buddhism is the dominant religion in Tibet today, though it is deeply intertwined with Bon, an ancient Tibetan belief system that includes magic, divination, demon worship, and sacrifices. The patron saint of Tibet is Chenrezig, depicted with up to 11 heads and anywhere from 2 to 1,000 arms, symbolizing compassion and the protection of all living beings.

Tibet has long been a subject of conflict, with China claiming it as an "unalienable part of China." In the 1950s, China took full control of Tibet, leading to ongoing tensions regarding its autonomy and cultural preservation.

2 - See

3 - Act
Tibetan Mandala Colouring

Craft

Go To Activity

4 - Pray
  • Pray that the Tibetan people would encounter the true light of the gospel, and that their hearts would be open to the message of Jesus Christ.
  • Pray for peace in Tibet and for justice regarding the autonomy and rights of the Tibetan people.
  • Ask God to bring healing to the land, reconciliation where there is conflict, and to work in the hearts of leaders and people toward mutual understanding and respect.

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