Bon Religion

Gurung Shamanism is arguably one of the oldest religions in Nepal. It describes the traditional shamanistic religion of the Gurung people of Nepal. There are three priests within the Gurungs which are Pachyu, Khlepree and Bonpo Lama (Pre-Buddhist Lama). Tamus do not have a written script; nowadays they use the Devanagari script. However, the Tamus have created their own script called ‘Khema Script’ which is taught in Rupandehi, Nepal, and is widely taught even in overseas countries like Sikkim, India. The pronunciation of the word ‘Pachyu’ and ‘Khlepree’ are often different from one village to another. Pachyu are sometimes referred to as ‘Poju or Pajyu’ and Khlepree is also known as ‘Lhori or Ghyabri’. Bonpo Lamais the proper term for a Gurung Lama. The “Pachyu” is understood to be the first priest amongst the three priests followed by Khlepree and lastly the Bonpo Lam. Pachyu, Khlepree and Bonpo Lams’ recite chants of ancient legends and myths. These sacred myths and legends within the Pe are historical events and stories which dates back to as early as the creation of Earth to stories that have occurred within the Gurung societies as they are one of the indigenous people of Nepal.