The Nyen Collection (Gnyan ’bum) and Shenrab Miwo of Nam

Abstract

The monastic tradition of Bon (g.yung drung bon) regards its main source as being located in the old kingdom of Zhangzhung, and this connection between Zhangzhung and Bon in some ways makes the two appear to be synonymous: Zhangzhung was the heartland of Bon. Such a statement, however, cannot be supported by the evidence so far provided by critical scholarship.

The aim of this chapter is to examine a corpus of neglected texts that might bring us closer to understanding the relationship between Old Tibetan ritual traditions and the monastic tradition of Bon. Firstly, the three versions of the corpus of texts entitled the Nyen Collection (Gnyan ’bum) will be introduced. A discussion about some of their features, as well as their relationship to the wider context of Old Tibetan ritual traditions will be touched upon briefly. An attempt will be made to localize the core of the texts and this will result in a conclusion that points to an area of eastern Tibet, south of the Machen Pomra Range. The discussion will focus on the priestly figure of Shenrab Miwo, as well as his possible connection with the Nam locality and his frequent connection with the Ma (rma) beings. One of the myths contained therein (The Nyen’s Essence of Butter and Essence of Stone) will be translated at the conclusion of the paper as a characteristic example highlighting the ritual role of birds.