Dongbaism of Naxi Ethnic Minority

Naxi ethnic minority, predominantly residing in Lijiang, is one of the most culturally distinct groups in southwestern China. The Naxi people are the only group in China with a Naxi Autonomous County, making Lijiang an important cultural hub for the Naxi culture, including their Dongbaism religion. Dongbaism, rooted in Bön, is an ancient belief system that influences many aspects of the Naxi way of life.

What is Dongba?

Definition of Dongba

The term Dongba refers to the priests of the Naxi people, who act as spiritual leaders and experts in the traditional culture, language, and symbolic systems of the Naxi. These priests are deeply knowledgeable in Dongba characters, the sacred Dongba scriptures, and other cultural expressions such as music, dance, and visual art.

• The Dongba priests are considered the keepers of ancient knowledge, including literature, rituals, and sacred symbols. They are also the practitioners of Bön, which is an indigenous Tibetan religion that predates Buddhism in Tibet.

• The Dongba priests preach the harmonious relationship between man and nature, reinforcing the belief that both humans and nature have a shared divine origin. This belief strongly influences Naxi culture, emphasizing respect for the environment and sustainability.

The Role of Dongba Priests

Dongba priests play an essential role in Naxi society, conducting rituals, healing practices, and ceremonies to connect with the natural and spiritual realms. The priests perform rituals to propitiate the spirits, which are believed to inhabit every part of nature, such as rivers, trees, mountains, and even the sky.

The Symbolism of Dongba

The costumes of the Dongba priests reveal Tibetan influences, with symbolic representations of the Bön gods often depicted on their headgear. Tibetan prayer flags and Taoist offerings are commonly integrated into their rituals, representing the syncretic nature of Dongba, blending indigenous beliefs with influences from Tibetan Buddhism and Daoism.

The Dongba priest’s role as a mediator between humans and the spirit world is critical in maintaining balance and harmony. Their role is central to rituals intended to appease the spirits and ensure the well-being of the community.

Core Beliefs of Dongbaism

Dongbaism is a nature-centric religion that revolves around the interconnectedness between humankind and nature. At the core of the belief system is the idea that humans and nature are two half-brothers born of two mothers and the same father, indicating a divine relationship between both entities.

The Concept of Divine Retribution

One key belief in Dongbaism is the retribution from heaven, which punishes humans who overuse natural resources. This belief underscores the importance of sustainability and balance with nature. The ancient Naxi believed that abusing the environment and failing to respect the spirits that reside within the natural world would lead to divine punishment.

The Role of Female Priests (Llü-bu)

Before the Tibetan influence, it is suggested that the original Naxi priests were female llü-bu. The llü-bu were likely priestesses who had a deep connection with the natural world and performed religious rituals to honor the deities of the land. These early female priests used statues and religious images to aid in their practices, and their influence can still be seen today in some of the symbols and rituals of Dongbaism.

The Components of Dongba Culture

Dongba culture is rich and diverse, and it is comprised of several essential elements, all of which are deeply intertwined with the spiritual practices of the Naxi people.

Dongba Characters

The Dongba character is a pictographic script used by the Naxi people to record and transmit religious texts, rituals, and histories. It is one of the oldest picture-like forms of writing in China. The Dongba script is highly symbolic and carries both meaning and sound. The script’s origins lie in the Dongba scripture, the holy text of Dongbaism.

Dongba characters are primitive and even more ancient than the oracle bone script used by early Chinese civilizations. Today, Dongba characters are still used in religious ceremonies, sacred texts, and cultural practices.

Dongba Scriptures

Dongba scriptures are the religious texts used in Dongbaism. They are written in Dongba characters and are considered the sacred texts of the Naxi people. These scriptures are traditionally bound using Dongba paper, which is made from the skin of local plants, and they are written with homemade bamboo pens and inks.

The Dongba scriptures contain a vast array of knowledge, including myths, legends, prayers, and rites. They are not only sacred but also an important source of cultural identity for the Naxi people.

The scriptures are found in several regions inhabited by the Naxi people, including Lijiang, Zhongdian (now Shangri-La), and Weixi Autonomous County, among others.

Dongba Painting

Dongba painting is an essential visual form of Dongba culture. These paintings depict the gods, spirits, and mythological worlds associated with Dongbaism. They often show the diverse life of the Naxi people, their interaction with nature, and the spiritual world they inhabit.

Dongba paintings are integral to religious ceremonies and are used to decorate sacred spaces, including temples and shrines. They are also part of the storytelling tradition of the Naxi, illustrating key moments from their myths and rituals.

Dongba Music

Dongba music is a unique form of chanting that accompanies many of the religious ceremonies and sacrifices of the Naxi people. It is typically sung by Dongba priests and is accompanied by traditional instruments. The music is often preserved in both the Dongba scriptures and paintings, serving as an oral and auditory component of the Naxi spiritual tradition.

The tones and rhythms of Dongba music are believed to help maintain the balance between the human world and the spirit world. The music is a key part of the Naxi people’s religious rituals and is considered a form of communication with the divine.

Dongba Dance

Dongba dance is an essential part of the religious rituals of Dongbaism. These dances are performed by the Naxi people during ceremonies to honor the spirits and deities. The movements in the dance often mimic animals and other natural forms, creating a vivid connection between the dancers and the world of nature.

Dongba dances are considered sacred and are performed to appease the spirits. They are also seen as a way of celebrating the divine forces that govern the Naxi worldview.

The Dongba religion and culture represent a rich and unique aspect of the Naxi people’s spiritual and cultural identity. The intertwining of nature, spirit, and humanity forms the foundation of their beliefs and practices. Through their rituals, art, music, and dance, the Naxi people continue to maintain a deep connection to their ancestors and the natural world.

Visitors to Lijiang and other Naxi regions can immerse themselves in this fascinating cultural heritage, exploring the ancient traditions of the Naxi people while experiencing their unique religious ceremonies and artistic expressions. Dongbaism offers not just a view into the past but a living tradition that continues to thrive today.