Bon Jhankri Shamanism: Origins and Cosmology, Deities, and Sacred Tools

THE ROOTS OF BON JHANKRI TRADITION

Bon Jhankri shamanism is a deeply rooted spiritual tradition found primarily in Nepal and parts of Tibet, especially in Himalayan border regions where indigenous animism, the ancient Bon religion, and Hindu–Buddhist syncretism converge. Bon Jhankri shamans act as healers, spirit mediums, and ritual specialists, preserving ancient knowledge systems that predate organized religion.

The term "Bon" refers to a pre-Buddhist spiritual tradition of Tibet and the Himalayas, rich with cosmology, spirit hierarchy, elemental practice, and ritual magic. The word "Jhankri", from Nepali, denotes a shaman—someone who has been called by spirits, usually through dreams, illness, or a supernatural encounter. Other names for the person with same, or similar powers are dhami, ojha or gur. In Tibet, Bon Jhankri practices often coexist with Dzogchen teachings of the Bonpo tradition, tantric Shaivism of Siddhas, kapalikas and aghoris. They are adapted to local customs, deities, and landscapes. Himalayan shamans serve as intermediaries between the human world and unseen forces, balancing spiritual energies through ceremonies, trance, offerings, and spirit journeys.

THE PANTHEON, MAIN DEITIES AND SPIRIT BEINGS

Bon Jhankri cosmology includes a vibrant, layered universe inhabited by deities, ancestral spirits, nature guardians, and elemental beings. Some of the key divine figures and spirit archetypes include:

Bon Jhankri and Bon Jhankrini:

These forest-dwelling shamanic spirits—one male, one female—are central to initiation myths. They are said to abduct and train young shamans in otherworldly dimensions, teaching them healing arts, spirit negotiation, and magical rituals. Upon returning to the physical world, the initiated becomes a Jhankri. They are emissaries of Teacher's Principle of universe and first Shaman, the son of Shiva and Kali - Ganesha.

Kali (Kurukulla):

Kali is viewed in Bon Jhankri practice as great Mother of whole creation. Her destructive power is not feared, but embraced for purification, protection, and the defeat of negative forces. Shamans may invoke her during trance possession or blood rituals to cleanse illness or spiritual blockages. The oldest statue in the region of the great Mother is found 104000 years ago.

Shiva and Bhairava:

Many Jhankris regard Shiva as the ultimate shaman and master of spirits. In his terrifying form as Bhairava, he is both protector and destroyer, invoked in intense rituals. Shamans may use symbols of Shiva such as rudraksha beads, ashes, or a trident (trishul), seeing themselves as embodiments of his divine power.

Nagas, Bon Jhakri, Kshetrapalas and Nature Beings:

Forest spirits, river guardians, mountain deities, and ancestral ghosts form an important part of the Himalayan spirit landscape. These are not mythological figures, but active forces that must be respected, fed, and communicated with in every ritual. Nagas are the most reverent spirits of the tradition.

SACRED RELATIONSHIPS - ISHTA DEVTA, KULA DEVTA, PITRU DEVTA

Another essential feature of Bon Jhankri shamanism is the emphasis on personal, familial, and ancestral deities, which reflect different levels of spiritual obligation and connection:

1. Ishta Devata (Personal Deity)

An Ishta Devata is the personal guiding deity of a shaman or devotee. Chosen through dreams, visions, lineage or simply preference, this deity becomes the practitioner’s primary spiritual ally, invoked in nearly every ritual. It may be a form of Shiva, Kali, Tara, any other deity or a local spirit.

2. Kula Devata (Clan or Lineage Deity)

The Kula Devata is the ancestral protector of one’s extended family or clan but especially denotes a primary deity of a spiritual lineage. Worship of the Kula Devata helps maintain continuity with ancestral roots, protects the household, and ensures blessings across generations. These spirits are often honored during rites of passage and seasonal festivals. They are regarded as ancestors of the kula or family, in mystical and literal way.

3. Pitru Devta (Ancestral Spirits or Forefathers)

The Pitru Devta are deified ancestors, often regarded as still-active members of the family in the spirit world. They are propitiated through offerings, fire rituals, and trance communications. If neglected, they may cause illness or misfortune, while their favor brings health and stability.

Together, these three categories form a relational web of spirit devotion that guides a shaman's ethical life, ritual responsibilities, and healing practices. A Jhankri must constantly negotiate with all three to maintain harmony between realms.

SHAMANIC TOOLS AND SACRED OBJECTS

Bon Jhankri shamans use a vast range of ritual implements, each acting as a spiritual technology that is actively functional in trance, healing, and protection.

1. Rudraksha Mala

The rudraksha mala is a sacred necklace of beads, representing spiritual armor. Worn around the neck or wrist, it aligns the practitioner with Shiva’s frequency and offers psychic defense. It is also used to count mantra repetitions or chant during ceremonies.

2. Shamanic Crown (Sirbandi)

Often handmade and unique, the shamanic crown marks the transformation of an ordinary person into a ritual authority. Adorned with images of gods, feathers, or protective symbols, it empowers the Jhankri to enter altered states and communicate with non-human forces. It protects the shamanic practitioners thoughts from being read by other shamans or spirits.

3. Ritual Knife or Khurpa

This curved blade is used to cut away spiritual impurities, perform symbolic acts of severing attachments, and defend against invisible threats. In some cases, it is used in animal sacrifice, though many modern shamans abstain from this practice.

4. Damaru Drum

The damaru, a hand-held double drum, is one of the most powerful tools for inducing trance. The drumbeat synchronizes brain waves and opens portals to other realms. It also serves as a cosmic signal, alerting spirits that a ritual is underway. It connects shamanic practitioner with a heart bit of Mother Earth- Bhumi devi.

5. Rattles (Jhyali/Chhanchhuna)

Rattles made of gourds, copper, or iron help disrupt negative energy in spirit world and body of a someone being healed and create rhythmic momentum in rituals. They are often played around the patient or the altar to summon helping spirits and drive away illness.

6. Kangling (Human Bone Trumpet)

Used in advanced Tantric and Bon rituals, the kangling is a trumpet made from a human thighbone. It is played to cut through illusion, summon wrathful deities, disrupt a focus of evil spirits or confront fear directly. Its eerie sound reminds practitioners of death and transformation.

7. Phurba (Ritual Dagger)

The phurba is a spiritual nail used to pin down spirits, stop psychic attacks, or fix intentions into the earth. Its triple blade represents the power to transmute body, speech, and mind. It is considered embodiment of Vajra Kilaya, wrathful manifestation of Shiva. Shaman uses it as a ritual anchor while identified with great god and destroys the negativity and illness in himself and the creation at the same time.

8. Trishul (Trident)

The trishul represents the energy of Shiva and the cosmic triad of creation, preservation, and destruction. Like 3 sides of the blade of phurba, it symbolizes overcoming 3 greatest enemies of man: ignorance, greed and fear. Jhankris use it in dramatic rituals to protect boundaries, challenge spiritual foes, and channel Shiva’s fierce blessing.

THE WAY OF JHANKRI

Bon Jhankri shamanism is a sacred science of balance between self and cosmos, ancestor and descendant, body and spirit. Its mystical-magical practices all over Himalaya are a powerful vehicle of healing, insight, wisdom and continuity. By invoking personal deities (Ishta Devata), honoring family deities (Kula Devata), and revering the ancestors (Pitru Devta), along with other traditional practices, Jhankris preserve the sacred thread that ties humanity to the worlds beyond sight where its divine heritage is alive and awaiting to be rediscovered.

In a time when many feel spiritually disconnected, the Bon Jhankri tradition offers something both ancient and urgently relevant: the remembrance that life is sacred, the unseen is real, and that all creation is embodiment of one intelligence anchored in unconditional love.