In a world full of natural wonders, Tibet is just one such place where mystery and magic are alive. Tibet boasts an incredibly diverse culture, with many devoting their lives to spiritual Tibetan Buddhism and Bon Religion practices. This is where the restful Tibetan mythologies come from - still strong in today's modern world.

The body of myths that make up Tibetan mythology intertwines with the culture's deep spiritual roots and rich beliefs. The deities in Tibetan mythology are woven into the fabric of society, playing a significant role in everyday life. These tales are often passed down orally, or exist in traditional art, making Tibet enveloped by a shroud of mystery.

The snowy mountain and Tibetan prayer flags

Disappeared Ancient Civilization

In the far reaches of the Tibetan Plateau, at an elevation of 15,000 feet above sea level, is home to evidence of civilizations predating Buddhism. Although untouched by man, this area has remained ravaged through the centuries due to harsh weather conditions. Yet, there, citadels still stand proud among the ruins as testaments to what once was.
 

The Ancient Kingdom of Zhang-Zhung

Zhangzhung (also known as Shang Shung or Xang Xung in the Tibetan Language) has a deep history and connection with Tibetan Buddhism. Throughout the years, Zhangzhung correlated closely to the Bon religion, which preceded it by 400 years. The country's native religion (Bon) is still practiced today in parts of Tibet region and other provinces in China.

Just to the west of Zhang-Zhung, there once existed a vast Kushana empire. There, Indian Buddhism and Bon teachings interacted with various strands of Zoroastrianism, as well as other religions. It was indeed an incredible center for religious diversity.

The site of Zhangzhung Kingdom

The Mystery of the Guge Kingdom

Throughout history, there have been many kingdoms that disappeared mysteriously. One of which is the Guge Kingdom in Tibet. This kingdom had a rich and well-developed culture, which is precisely why its disappearance - sudden and complete - was a shock to many. It left only several legends behind about their once-great civilization, before they vanished without warning or explanation.

As if frozen in time, the site of the Guge Kingdom is a surreal environment. No destruction has touched its construction and streets there. In addition, no correction has ever occurred. How it happened remains unknown, but mysteries are part of what makes life so magical.

The Mythologies of Sacred Lakes and Mountains in Tibet

Tibetan spirituality is deeply rooted in the natural world. The connection between man and Earth has been celebrated for centuries through a rich array of myths. Sacred lakes and mountains abound in Tibet, each with their own story to tell about how they came into being.

The Legend of Mount Kailash

The breathtaking peak of the most sacred mountain in the world, modern man has never conquered Mount Kailash. The stunning pyramid-shaped hill sits at an altitude of 21778 feet above sea level. It's considered to be a tourist attraction for many climbers alongside Everest.

It's hard to imagine the harsh conditions of Mount Everest, let alone climb it. Yet, only one man has ever attempted and succeeded in reaching its summit. But, believe it or not, that was without setting foot on the slopes.

The physical characteristics of Mount Kailash are not the only things that make it special. In Bon mythology, the Bon religion believes that Mount Kailash is the site where their founder Shenrab came down from heaven. This has led followers of this faith to believe that the surrounding region is mystical, and that there are nine levels of existence that come together at this mystical mountain - making it a seat for spiritual power and significance.

Mount Kailash

Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains and Namtso

Nyenchen Tanglha is a vast mountain range that spans from East to West across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The snow-capped mountains are 932 miles long, with an average elevation of 5000 meters. In many places, they lie shrouded by misty clouds.

An immense, holy lake in Tibet, known for its location near the father of all mountains. Namtso's story starts long ago, when a divine force to marry Nyenchen Tanglha arose. Tanglha lived on top of the mountain, and guarded over this watery paradise with his mighty spear.

Nyenchen Tanglha mountain god and his wife Namtso are the most famous deities in Tibet. Their love story receives worship from many people, including nomads who live on the Tibetan plateau. The Tianmen mountains are also home to many strange rock formations, but the most famous is a group of rocks shaped like giant elephants. In native Tibetan, these rocks go by the name of Shengxiang Tianmen.

Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains and Namtso

Yamdrok Lake Legends

Yamdrok Lake is a breathtaking and sacred place for Tibetans, who believe it to be the lifeline of their people. It's said that if Yamdrok dries up, then so would Tibetan civilization - leaving those around its shores with nothing but abandoned ruins.

The lake's waters are holy to Tibetans, who believe they're blessed by a goddess Dorje Gegkyi Tso. Locals walk around in pilgrimage for seven days and earn merit from washing away their sins. Some legends even say that Yamdrok Lake formed when a fairy descended down into the mortal world!

The Story of Manasarovar Lake

Visiting Lake Manasarovar is a pilgrimage for many Hindus. Tibetan myths believe that bathing in the sacred waters of this lake will absolve you from your sins. It culminates with visiting Mount Kailash, which contains some of the holiest lakes on Earth.

The Manasarovar is the mother of the Holy Lake, and it should be no surprise that this body of water has four sources. To the East lies Ma Quan River. To its South flows Peacock River. Westward sits the elephant spring river, which also lays Northwards at Shiquan's bend. Together, these rivers form an invincible elixir for a thirsty traveler who ventures in search of Shangri-La.

Manasarovar, the sacred lake of Tibet mythology, is also believed to be home to a dragon god who lives in an ancient palace. According to Tibetan folklore, it's said that a long serpentine Dragon God actually inhabits Manasarovar Lake. He lives atop his pyramid-shaped castle, which resides deep within its crystal clear waters.

Lake Rakshastal

The Burang County of Ngari Prefecture in Tibet is home to two lakes. One obtained fame as many believed it became conceived in the mind of Lord Shiva himself. The other rumor came into existence when Ravana was finally granted his wish by Lord Shiva.

While Lake Manasarovar is a sacred lake, Rakshastal is deemed to be the complete opposite. In fact, it's known by locals as the "Devil Lake" or the "Ghost Lake."

Legend tells of how Ravana offered up one human head a day as a sacrifice to Lord Shiva until finally, he granted his wish. Then, in rejoicing at the powers he received from Lord Shiva, Ravana created the salty lake in order to test out these newfound abilities.

Lake Rakshastal

The Mythologies of Ancient Lhasa

Lhasa is a city with history and culture that reaches back centuries. You'll find the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and more in this beautiful area of Tibet. Each one is brimming over with tales to tell about the Tibetan people who inhabit them. However, these sites are only part of what makes Lhasa so unique.

Supine Demoness

The Jokhang Temple at Lhasa is known for its depiction of the "supine demoness," a late-nineteenth-century symbolic rendering that draws heavily on post-dynastic histories. The image of the supine demoness is iconic because it represents the rich tradition of geomancy. Geomancy was an indispensable facet in religious life across Tibet, and its practice joined Chinese concepts with Indian tantra to create this complex science that promoted moral well-being as well as community prosperity. Read more about the supine demoness here.

The Mythology of the Potala Palace

One of the most fascinating places on Earth, Tibet's Potala Palace is a monument that has been awe-inspiring people for thousands of years. This magical palace hides many unsolved mysteries and unexplained secrets, which have made it even more intriguing to explore.

Legend has it that Emperor Tibet Songtsen Gampo built a 9-story palace back in VII century to welcome his bride, Princess Wen Cheng. This 999 room castle is said to be so beautiful and magnificent with its imperial style of architecture where even today, it's still largely spoken of.

Many legends also state that the Potala Palace has a passage leading to the Pure Land—Shambhala. Thus, it acted as a mecca for Lamaist pilgrims, and it served Tibet what Athens' Acropolis once did in ancient Greece.

Potala Palace

Treasure of the Potala Palace

Potala Palace is home to a large number of gems and gold treasures, with some suggesting it rose on the back of this great fortune. Potala Palace is the most impressive example of Tibetan architecture in all its glory. The palace's gold bricks are a testament to Potala Palace, as it's held up by golden infrastructure. As a result, it was one of the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage sites around. So much so, that it even became part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

One of the most famed legends in Tibetan culture is that Wencheng, Princess of China's Tang dynasty (618-907 AD), brought gold and silver treasures as well as precious ancient books when she came to live at Potala Palace. It was in the palace of Potala that there existed an underground palace. It contained all kinds of treasures and precious ancient books which were collected over time (primarily by the princess). However, this place also had access to "Shambhala," a mystical land where only those with pure thoughts could live.

Potala Palace

 Jokhang Temple

The Jokhang Temple is the heart and soul of Lhasa, Tibet. It's also known as "Zura Kang" in Tibetan, and was formed by Srongtsen Gampo, the Tibetan King.

Legend has it that the Jokhang Temple was embellished on a lake, and the ring of a princess fell into form what looked like giant netting. From this emerged nine levels of white pagoda - so began one ancient story about how Lhasa's most sacred temple came into being.

The Jokhang Temple with pilgrim crowd

The Mysterious Phenomenon of Religion in Tibet

In Tibet, you may find yourself in the most mysterious and spiritual place on Earth. Religion is an integral part of Tibetan culture. The landscape is sparsely populated by humans, but filled with temples, statues, monasteries, and shrines to Buddha and other deities.

Bon

Bon religion is a native and ancient tradition that originated in Tibet. This 3,800-year-old belief system was founded by the master gShen rab mi bo, who lived during 1917 BC. This was before Buddhism introduced itself to Tubo 7 centuries later. Bon, the indigenous religion of Tibet, gave Tibetan Buddhism much of its distinctive character.

Bon Religion

Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism is a spiritual path that is rich in culture and values. It subscribes to the idea of reaching enlightenment, which allows for true peace of mind and greater happiness. Tibetan Buddhists believe this type of understanding can come from following any one school from their many different branches. Each has slightly differing beliefs, but all share love for all beings on Earth.

Chanting Monks

Reincarnation

Many Buddhists also believe in rebirth and reincarnation, which is especially strong among Tibetans. They think that beings are born in different realms of existence, depending on their karma from one life to another. This can include rebirth on realms like animals, humans, or even the godly world.

Reincarnation

Rainbow Body Phenomenon

For centuries, Tibetan Buddhists have been practicing meditation as a means to achieve enlightenment. In Tibet's native Buddhism tradition, many believe that the body can transform into five radiant lights through certain types of meditative practices; one of these transformations goes by the name of the "rainbow body."

The five elements, space, air, fire, water, and Earth, are the building blocks of the rainbow body phenomenon. In Vajrayana traditions, Tibetan Buddhism - where tangible matter is made up with these five elements - believes that cosmic energies in our body create a sense of self-awareness or individuality.

Rainbow Body Phenomenon

Terma

In Tibetan Buddhist and Bon spiritual traditions, Terma means various forms of hidden teachings that have been key to their tradition's survival. The phrase "Terma" originally refers to the mystical activity whereby these deep-rooted religious philosophies hid within someone's unconsciousness when they were in danger.

According to Tibetan Buddhism, Terma refers to Buddhist scripture and relics retrieved from the distant past and is used as an umbrella term for all sorts of knowledge received by venerable beings in their meditations over millennia.

There are two types: Earth Termas, which means "treasure," and Mind Termas, which refer to treasures revealed through meditation.

Terma

Uncover Mystery with Songtsam

If you are looking for a spiritual adventure, then it is time to book your Songtsam Tour in Tibet. This journey will take you through the remote and mystical landscapes that hold so many of the legends we have discussed here today.

You may find yourself wondering if these mysteries could be real--are there really disappeared ancient civilizations like the mystery of the Guge Kingdom? What truly sits inside of Potala Palace? Where did Nyenchen Tanglha and Namtso's love story really begin?

These questions remain unanswered as we continue on our quest to uncover all things Tibetan mythology. Book your Songtsam Tour in Tibet now, and get one step closer to uncovering the mystery of the mythology of Tibet.