Religious Life

Religious Life


 

The Sherpas are Buddhist, and this compassionate religion shapes their whole culture. Traditionally more interested in matters spiritual than secular; every aspect of Sherpa life reflects a deep faith in the Buddhist teachings. Every day starts with offerings and prayers and most houses will have a small shrine and contribute on a regular basis to the village temple to support the prayers and ceremonies. Even the landscape itself is seen as sacred and adorned with Stupas and prayers carved on to rocks. Wind and water turn wheels filled with prayers. On every high pass there are Prayer Flags to carry the mantra of compassion "Om Mani Padma Hung" to the skies for the benefit of all beings. Even mountains themselves are the sacred abode of deities and the protectors of the area.

What lifts this above being mere superstition and little understood tradition is the profound insights of Buddhist philosophy. Communities of ordained and lay practitioners are dedicated to deepening their spiritual understanding of Buddhist doctrines. This has lead to a tradition of extraordinary practitioners and teachers who skillfully guide and help others. This in turn gives rise to deep faith among the ordinary people who try to live their lives according to the principals of Buddhism.