Benzhuism of Bai Ethnic Minority

Benzhuism is the indigenous religion of the Bai people, who predominantly reside in the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, China. The central concept of Benzhuism revolves around the worship of ngel zex (patrons or lords), rendered as benzhu (本主) in Chinese. These are revered local gods and deified ancestors, often believed to protect the people and the land. Benzhuism bears similarities to broader Chinese folk religions but is unique to the Bai community, embodying their history, culture, and belief systems.

While many Bai people follow Buddhism, particularly Chinese Buddhism, the local government of China has increasingly supported the revival of Benzhuism. This support includes the promotion of cultural festivals like the Gwer Sa La Festival, aimed at celebrating and preserving this ancient faith.

The Patrons: Local Lords and Ancestors

Benzhuism centers around the veneration of gods, local lords, and deified ancestors, many of whom are believed to have once lived in the community and helped shape its history.

Benzhu Shrines in Dali

According to a 1990 census, approximately 986 Benzhu shrines were documented in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. These shrines, often modest in size, are dedicated to different local gods and patrons. They serve as focal points for worship and are scattered throughout Bai communities.

In general, each Bai village has one main Benzhu shrine, and the specific god worshiped can vary based on local history and tradition. Some villages have multiple shrines dedicated to different Benzhu deities. For example, villages near Erhai Lake have developed distinct mythologies around their local patrons, which differ from those of nearby villages. Over the centuries, these local gods were associated with virtuous leaders, revered warriors, and heroic ancestors, whose deeds were seen as divine.

Benzhu and Their Role in Bai Society

Benzhu gods are deeply tied to the collective memory of the community. In some cases, historical figures such as military leaders, village chiefs, or influential monks are deified and honored as Benzhu after their death. The pantheon of gods in each village continues to evolve, creating unique spiritual practices for different Bai groups.

Gods of Nature

Benzhuism also encompasses gods connected to the natural world. These gods are believed to protect and nurture the environment, ensuring the fertility of the land, the abundance of crops, and the safety of hunters and fishermen.

Examples of Nature Gods

God of the Mountain: Worshiped as a guardian of the mountains, this deity ensures the safety of those who venture into the hills, as well as the preservation of the ecosystem.

God of the Crops: This god is associated with the fertility of the soil and the success of agricultural endeavors, often invoked during planting and harvest seasons.

God of the Hunt: This deity watches over hunters, ensuring their success in the wilderness and the proper balance between humans and animals.

Dragon King or Mother Goddess of the Dragon King: Revered for their association with water, these deities are often invoked to ensure plentiful rainfall and protect villagers from floods and droughts.

Natural Elements in Benzhu Worship

In Benzhuism, the natural world is seen as sacred, and the worship of gods related to nature ensures the harmonious relationship between humans and the environment. These gods are often believed to have the power to bring about or prevent disasters such as floods, droughts, and famine.

Benzhu Festivals

Benzhu festivals are an integral part of the cultural calendar in Bai communities. These festivals are commemorations of the local gods and are celebrated with great fervor and joy.

Festival Traditions

Benzhu festivals in Dali City and surrounding areas typically occur after the Chinese New Year according to the lunar calendar. These festivals are characterized by:

Processions of Benzhu Shrines: During the festivals, the Benzhu shrines are carefully removed from their temple homes and carried in elaborate processions throughout the village or town. The shrines are taken to a different location for a set number of days, during which the villagers gather to worship.

Worship Practices: As the shrines are paraded through the streets, the villagers follow, burning incense, offering food, and performing rituals of thanks and devotion. Villagers also offer symbolic gifts like money, food, and sacrifices to please the gods.

Community Participation: The festival is not only a religious event but also a social gathering that strengthens the bonds within the community. Villagers take part in communal meals, dances, and other cultural performances during the festivities.

The Gwer Sa La Festival

A notable example of a Benzhu festival is the Gwer Sa La Festival, which is a community-wide event aimed at reviving the traditions of Benzhuism. The festival involves elaborate rituals, prayers, and celebrations, often lasting several days. The government’s support for this festival has helped to ensure the continuity of Benzhuism as an important cultural and religious practice.

Psychology and Shamanism

In Benzhuism, the belief in the soul and its afterlife plays a crucial role in understanding human health and illness. The Bai people have a unique view of spirituality and its effects on the body.

Soul and Afterlife Beliefs

The Bai people believe that the soul does not simply die with the body but continues its journey after death. The soul is believed to move to the “Kingdom of the Shades”, a spiritual realm that requires complex ritual ceremonies to help the soul transition peacefully.

Role of Spirits and Shamans

Angry Spirits: The Bai believe that angry spirits can cause illness, misfortune, or bad luck. These spirits are often seen as the cause of physical ailments and emotional distress.

Protection from Local Gods: The local gods, or Benzhu, are believed to offer protection from these harmful spirits and prevent diseases or disasters.

Shamanic Healing: Illnesses caused by evil spirits are often treated by female shamans, who perform specific rituals to exorcise the spirits and restore health to the affected individual. These shamans play a critical role in maintaining the spiritual and physical wellbeing of the community.

Cult of the White Stones

The Nama branch of the Bai people, who live near the Mekong River, practice the cult of the white stones. This tradition is shared with other ethnic groups that are descendants of the Qiang people.

Beliefs About the White Stones

Ancestral Remains: Some Bai people believe that the white stones represent the bones of their ancestors, serving as physical links to their forebears and embodying the ancestral spirits.

Representation of the Fire God: Other Bai people believe the white stones represent the Fire God, a deity worshipped by various ethnic groups across China. The Fire God is associated with the elements and is believed to bring warmth, light, and energy to the community.

Rituals Involving White Stones

The white stones are often kept in sacred places, such as temples or shrines, and may be involved in rituals related to fertility, health, and prosperity. In some areas, the white stones are also used in ancestor worship, where offerings are made to honor the deceased.