Introduction to Bön by Geshe Sonam Gurung

In this video, Geshe Sonam Gurung introduces himself as a lineage holder of Atri Dzogchen and sets the stage for the Preliminaries Course. He presents Atri Dzogchen as the "Path of AH," a direct approach to recognising the nature of mind within the Bön tradition. Geshe also provides a broader context, discussing the historical meeting of Bön with Buddhism and the need to understand both their distinctions and their interwoven influences.

Geshe elaborates on the long and rich history of Bön in Tibet and the Himalayan regions, highlighting Mount Kailash as a sacred site central to the spiritual landscape of Bön and deeply revered by Himalayan people. He introduces Yungdrung Bön, or Eternal Bön, tracing its origins back to its founder, Buddha Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche, who is regarded as the source of its teachings. The video also introduces the Nine Ways of Bön, which provide a structured path to liberation. Geshe explains how these nine ways are traditionally classified into three overarching paths: the path of renunciation (sutra), the path of transformation (tantra), and the path of liberation (dzogchen), each offering a distinct approach to spiritual practice.