There’s something magical about how Bon practitioners greet every mountain peak as a living, breathing deity. At the heart of its pantheon sits Kuntu Zangpo, the Primordial Buddha of Bon, radiating boundless compassion and wisdom. Not far behind is Shenlha Ökar, the “White Bon God of Peace,” whose luminous presence comforts devotees much like a full moon on a clear Himalayan night.

Beyond these cosmic figures, Bon honors a rich tapestry of local and nature spirits. Ri gnas (mountain deities) and chu gnas (water spirits) are venerated at rocky passes and riverbanks, where offerings of butter lamps and tsampa are still left today—as climate shifts threaten glacial melt, these rituals take on fresh meaning as pleas for protection of the fragile ecosystem. Tree spirits (shing gnas) stand guard in ancient groves, reminding visitors that every leaf carries a spark of the divine.

Protector deities add another layer of devotion. The Eight Herukas—fierce, wrathful figures—act like cosmic bodyguards, warding off obstacles to spiritual practice. Their presence mirrors modern mindfulness teachers who help clear mental “clutter” for inner peace, showing how Bon’s ancient framework still resonates. Then there’s Sipe Gyalmo, the warrior queen who safeguards practitioners much as social movements today shield vulnerable communities.

Ancestral spirits and clan deities (gshen) bring a personal touch. In many Bon families, household shrines hold tiny deity figures, each linked to forebears who guide daily life. These intimate connections echo the resurgence of community rituals seen in recent festivals, such as the 2024 gathering at Menri Monastery, where young monks choreographed age-old dances to honor both past and future.

A fascinating blend unfolds when Bon interacts with Tibetan Buddhism—many deities overlap, like mudra-shaped keys opening doors between traditions. Palden Lhamo, for example, is both a fierce Buddhist protector and, in certain Bon circles, an earth-bound guardian spirit.

Seeing Bon’s deities and spirits side by side feels like exploring a centuries-old tapestry: each thread—sky gods, nature guardians, fierce protectors, ancestral presences—woven together to form a living spiritual landscape that continues to evolve.