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The two prominent religions are Buddhism
and Hinduism. However, most Sikkimese have learnt to infuse customs
and practices from both religions into their daily lives.
The form of Buddhism that is practiced in
Sikkim is known as "Tibetan Lamaism", which is a form
of Buddhism mixed with mysticism. Sometime in the 7th century AD
Lord Padma Sambhava (Great Indian saint) was invited to Tibet by
King Trisong Deutsen to establish and introduce Buddhism. It is
believed that on his way to Tibet, he went via Sikkim and is said
to have hidden many treasures or 'Ters' according to the 'Ney-sol'.
'Ney-sol' is the directory of holy places kept in monasteries and
referred as a guide book. It has prophesied that Sikkim will become
a Buddhist country one day.
Accordingly, in the year 1642, three great
monks from Tibet came to Sikkim via north, south and west gates
and met at Norbugang (Yuksam). Yuksam, in Lepcha language, means
the meeting place of the three learned ones. These three monks were
Lhabchen Chempo, Gnadak Sempa Chempo and Kathok Rikzin Chempo. After
consulting 'Ney-sol', these three monks consecrated Phuntsok Nymgyal,
from the east of Sikkim, as the first Dharma Raja.
 With
the establishment of the first Buddhist monastery at Dubdi near
Yuksam, Buddhism was introduced into Sikkim and was the state religion
until Sikkim became part of India in 1975. A stone throne shaded
by a 300 years old Cypress tree still stands here today. A foot-print
on stone in front of the throne is said to belong to Lhatsun Namkha
Jigme and is worshipped by the Sikkimese people. Opposite this throne
is the Norbugang Chorten (stupa), which contains soil and water
from all over Sikkim. Norbugang is the oldest stupa built in Sikkim
and is believed to contain conch shell, hair and cloth of past and
present Buddha, and also contains cloth of Maha-Maugdalayana and
Sariputra (two disciples of lord Buddha). It also contains left
foot shoe of Lord Padma Sambhava and hair of Khandu Yashe Chogay
(consort of Lord Padma Sambhava). Thus Yuksam, the first capital
of Sikkim occupies an important place in Sikkimese history and the
history of modern Sikkim starts from here.
Images and Symbols
Monasteries and many buildings in Sikkim are richly decorated with
symbols and icons. These symbols are painted or embossed on the
walls or on Tankas. These paintings may depict the life of Buddha
or some Tibetan saint, the Wheel of Life or a deity surrounded by
lesser deities.
- Wheel of Life
The wheel of life is one of the purest Buddhist emblems. This
emblem can be seen in the entrance of almost all monasteries.
This emblem is also widely depicted on Thankas or religious scrolls.
The circular form of this wheel symbolizes the endless worldly
existence. This wheel is held in the clutches of a monster with
its claws and teeth and signifies the passionate clinging of the
people to exist in this world. The hub of the wheel contains a
cock, a snake and a pig. The cock signifies lust or desire, the
snake signifies anger and the pig signifies ignorance and stupidity.
These are shown in the centre of the wheel as it is said that
they are the root causes of the trouble on earth.
In the intermediate circle of the wheel
of life, the five worlds are drawn as advised by Lord Buddha.
The rim between the intermediate world and the innermost circle
of ignorance, lust and envy is drawn in half white and half
black. White area symbolizes good deeds and black symbolizes
bad or evil deeds. White represents people who have performed
good deeds n their life time and are now going to take rebirth
in the world of gods. Black represents hell or the world of
animals.
There are five parts in the intermediate
circle. Two upper parts symbolize heavenly and human worlds.
The remaining three worlds in the lower part symbolize sinful
deeds leading to the world of animals, ghosts and hell. The
outermost circle shows the 12 phases of life.
- Eight Lucky Signs and Their Significance
The eight signs are called Tashi Tagyein Tibetan. These auspicious
signs are intimate with life and teachings of Buddha. These eight
lucky signs are manifested in paintings and in the form of carvings
on furniture and can also be seen on the walls of buildings. The
eight lucky signs are:
1 The Dug (Parasol) which symbolizes the authority of Buddha.
The Parasol protects the head from the scorching heat of the sun
just as the law protects the mind from the scorching passion.
2 The Bhumpa (Vase) represents a repository of limitless material
wealth, good health and long life.
3 The Conch Shell (Dhungkar) symbolizes reverberating sound of
dharma and signifies the awakening from the sleeping state of
ignorance. It persuades them towards the path of noble deeds that
are beneficial to others.
4 The Banner of Victory (Gyaltsen) signifies the fortune of having
victory of good over the evil forces which hinders the success
of noble goals and also proclaims the victory of piety over evil.
5 A Pair of Golden Fishes (Sernya) symbolizes resurrection of
eternal life. The pair signifies the ability to swim with ease
without obstruction in the ocean of the world. They may also be
taken to symbolize the eye of perception as fish can see through
muddy water. The fish couple suggests mutual aid and indispensability
between the male and female in material life.
6 The Lotus Flower (Pema) symbolizes the ultimate goal namely
enlightenment.
7 Knot of Eternity (Palbheu) symbolizes eternity. It means law
without beginning and without end. It is also called lucky net
and symbolizes Brahamjala which represents all the theories and
philosophies of the universe.
8 The wheel of Dharma (Choekyi Khorlo) symbolizes the propagation
of Buddha's teaching. The wheel with eight spokes stands for the
eight fold path.
Holy Structures
The Prayer Flags can be seen almost anywhere in Sikkim. It is an
integral part of the landscape of Sikkim. These flags have prayers
inscribed on them. There are four types of Prayer flags. Lungta
or Wind Horse are strips of clothes attached with bamboo poles.
These flags have the figure of a horse with the mystical jewel on
its back. Chopen or luck flag are long, narrow and oblong in shape.
These types of flags are tied on twigs of trees, bridges and top
of hills. Gyalsten or Victorious Banner has a large amount of holy
text on them including the eight lucky signs. Glanpostob ryas or
Vast lucky flag include symbols such as crossed dorjee in the centre
with a peacock.
 Chortens
or stupas dot every nook and corner Sikkim. Chortens are normally
found concentrated around monasteries. In old times, the chortens
were built as relic holders but now they are erected in the memory
of Lord Buddha or some Buddhist saints. Though chortens vary in
size with some as high as a four storied building, their shapes
are more or less the same. The shape of the chorten symbolizes the
five elements of nature namely earth, water, fire, air and ether
to which a body is transformed after death.
Khadas are long length of silk cloth in the
form of a scarf that besides being used as an offering to the gods
are also presented at social occasions such as marriage, birthday
or funeral.
The methods of presenting khadas vary according
to the status of the person it is being offered to. To one who is
superior to you, you should raise it in both hands to the height
of the forehead while to the one of equal status, you have to raise
it in both hands at your shoulder level and present it in his hands.
To one who is below in status or age, you should put the scarf around
his neck with the free ends kept hanging in front. To the bereaved,
the khada is folded and offered.
Nepali Hindus constitute the majority community
in the state. Being orthodox Hindus, they celebrate each Hindu festival
with great passion. Dasian is their most important festival followed
by Tihar. The Hindu preaching and doctrine is followed strongly
by the Nepalis in every aspect of life - be it birth, death, marriage,
or any important event of life.
The Brahmins are thus an important part
of the Nepali society. They are responsible for performing sacred
rituals and rites to commemorate an individuals communication with
God. And they do have countless number of deities. Most of them
are associated with nature.
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