Dongba

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The term Dongba (²dto¹mba) literally refers to the religious priests, the culture, and script of the Nakhi people, who are found in southwestern China.

[edit] Religion

The Dongba, also known as wise men, are believed to be the priests of the Bön religion. They play a major role in the Naxi culture, and preach harmony between man and nature. Their costumes show strong Tibetan influence, and pictures of Bön gods can be seen on their headgear. Tibetan prayer flags and Taoist offerings can be seen in their rituals.

Religious rituals are also conducted by the priests to propitiate the spirits, as they were believed to be living in every part of the natural world.

This can be evidenced from the fact that the core of the Dongba religion is based on the belief that both man and nature are two half-brothers born of two mothers and the same father. This creates revenge from heaven, which befalls upon humans who use up too much natural resources.

Prior to Bön influence, it is suggested that the original priests were the female Llü-bu. At that time, statues or religious images could be widely seen everywhere.