Traces of Tibetan Buddhism in the Social Life of the Naxi Mosuo
This article examines the influence of Tibetan Buddhism on the social life of the Mosuo people (a branch of the Naxi ethnic group) living around Lugu Lake, on the Sichuan-Yunnan border. While the Mosuo have long preserved their indigenous Daba religion, Tibetan Buddhism was introduced via Batang and Litang in Sichuan during the late Song and early Yuan dynasties. The Sakya and Kagyu sects arrived first, aided by Kublai Khan's political patronage and the missionary efforts of Sakya lamas such as Sakya Pandita and Phagpa, leading to temple construction (e.g., Azhanluo, Zhenbogeluo, Zheboh Sakya Temple) in Ninglang's Yongning region. In the late Ming/early Qing period, Gushi Khan's military support enabled the Gelug (Yellow Hat) sect to dominate, converting existing monasteries and becoming the region's principal faith, deeply shaping Mosuo festivals, rituals, agriculture, life-cycle ceremonies, and daily customs, with concepts like karma and reincarnation permeating everyday life.
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