The state religion of Bhutan is Mahayana Buddhism (Kargyupa) in its Tantric form. In the east, most practice Nyingmapa tradition. The basic principles of Buddhism are to give back to nature what has been taken and to respect all forms of life. Both Buddhist and pre‑Buddhist (Bon and Animism) beliefs encourage a cautious attitude towards changes in the environment. The mountains, rivers, lakes, streams, rocks and soil are believed to be inhabited by spirits, so that any pollution or disturbance of them is thought to cause death and disease.
Throughout Bhutan, from the densely populated valleys to the remote mountain peaks, religious monuments, symbols and prayer flags everywhere bear witness to the deep and enduring faith of the people. The monastery and temple in each area provide a central focus for the community.
The Hindu religion, as practiced in the southern Bhutanese of Nepalese origin.
Advent of Buddhism
One of the most famous and celebrated figures in Bhutanese history is Padmasambhava, otherwise known as Guru Rimpoche or „the Precious Master“. He introduced Tantric Buddhism into Bhutan in the eighth century and founded the Nyingmapa religious school whose followers consider him to be the Second Buddha.
Early in the eleventh century there was a revival of Buddhism in Tibet, followed by religious expansion and the foundation of several different religious schools. By the end of the twelfth century, missionaries had taken the teachings of the new schools in Bhutan. Phajo Drugom Shigpo, member of Drukpa branch of the Kargyupa School in central Tibet arrived Bhutan in the thirteenth century and founded the monasteries of Phajoding and Tango near Thimphu. One of the most popular figures of Bhutanese history is Drukpa Kunley, or “the divine madman”, a wandering teacher who taught religion through songs.