I keep hearing conflicting viewpoints as to whether Bon is a type of Buddhism or not. Some Bonpos say that Bon is a type of Buddhism while others say it is distinct from Buddhism. So I have some questions. But before I ask them I like to show an article from Wikipedia which outlines the basic points which are in common with Theravada and Mahayana (where the terms Mahayana encompasses all schools within Buddhism where the Bodhisattva path is compulsory including conventional Mahayana, Vajrayana and Dzogchen schools). The list is supposed to be representative of what is supposed to common to all forms of traditional Buddhism.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_poi ... 1y%C4%81na
Also here is the Wikipedia article
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bon
So here goes the questions -
1. Does Bon include the 4 Noble Truths, the 8Fold Path, the 37 Qualities conducive to Enlightenment (Bodhipakkhiyadhamma) and Interdependent Origination and the 3 Refuges?
2. When Bonpos take refuge in Buddha, do they mean that they take refuge in only Buddha Tonpa Sherab or Buddha Shakyamuni or Both or all Buddhas that lived in the past as well as the Buddhas who will come in the future?
3. If there are those who do not consider Bon to be a form of Buddhism then is it because of the following reasons -
- that Bon has Buddha Tonpa Sherab as its Buddha instead of Buddha Shakyamuni?
- that Bon has its own set of scriptures which is distinct from Tibetan Buddhism?
- because some Bonpos prefer not to be identified as Buddhists?
- because Bon considers Buddhism to be a form of Bon?
As for me personally I hope that Bon is a form of Buddhism and that I can take teachings/empowerments from Bon. I respect Bon equally to all other traditional forms of Buddhism. I respect the Bon monks and nuns on an equal level to Buddhist monks. I like to see Bon as a form of Buddhism and that Bon gets more and more support from the rest of the Buddhist World. Basically I see Bon as a form of Buddhism.
Despite this I thought it was best that I ask from different people as to what they thing and whether they could direct me to resources.
Thank you all!