Mendrub
- A Book about Dolpo
Marietta Kind
MENDRUB
- A Bonpo Ritual for the Benefit of all Living Beings and for
the Empowerment of Medicine Performed in Tsho, Dolpo
This
book takes us to an ancient enclave of Tibetan culture in
Nepal - the region of Dolpo in the north-west. After outlining
the key geographical, historical and religious features of the
region, one exemplary case among the various ritual practices
of the local Bon society is placed under closer scrutiny: the
Mendrub ritual. The ceremony centres on a communal blessing
bestowed by means of medicinal pills that have undergone
ceremonial treatment during the ten days of the ritual. The
benefits that can be gained by attending the ceremony and by
consuming the consecrated medicine attract a large audience
from all over Dolpo. Mask dances lead up to the climax of the
initiation and blessing, which is followed by the social part
of the festival with songs and village dances around the fire.
The
study of the Mendrub ritual reveals a fascinating interplay of
religious practices, ranging from popular beliefs to monastic
traditions in the Bon community of Dolpo. Furthermore, this
account not only describes the ritual itself, it also gives a
clear insight into the daily life of the local society.
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