Bombo in Panchpokhari, Sindhupalchok. Photo- Netra Tamang |
Netra Tamang-
Bombo is the spiritual, and cultural leader of the Tamang people. Tamang
people believe that Bombo has divine power. They work with sounds. Bombo performs
like a singer and dancer. Bombo is almost the history book of the Tamang people.
They are specialist in society. According to the Addras
Hofer Bombo is the holy man of the Tamang people. Hofer has written 339 a thick
book about Bombo named A Recitation of the Tamang Shaman in Nepal.
Bombo's Tebetian term is Bon-po. but the tamang bombo
tradition has no ties with the so-called organized Bon religion of the
Tibetans. According to Hofer, Tamang Bombo invariably a male person - is such a
shamanic healer. He is expected to be competent for both humans and cattle.
The Tamang Bombo is independent of any organization and has
no function to fulfill communal rituals. His clients are individuals whom he
treats at their homes.
Who will be the Successor of Bombo?
Bombo's son follows to become Bombo, after Bombo's death He
can take an oath to continue the Bombo journey, but sometimes the knowledge transforms
into other people than his son. It is believed that knowledge transforms automatically, with no
need to learn. After getting signs of transformation Bombo organizes
everything with him. He joins the spiritual journey with other Bombo.