Título: Sherpa people
Seção: Religion
Background: Sherpa are a Tibetic ethnic group native to the most mountainous regions of Nepal, China, Bhutan and India, the Himalayas. The term sherpa or sherwa derives from the Sherpa language words shar ("east") and wa ("people"), a reference to their geographical origin in northeastern Tibet. Most Sherpa people live in eastern regions of Nepal; however, some live farther west in the Rolwaling valley and in the Helambu region north of Kathmandu. Tengboche is the oldest Sherpa village in Nepal.

Conteúdo: According to oral Buddhist traditions, the initial Tibetan migration was a search for a beyul (Buddhist pure-lands). Sherpas belong to the Nyingmapa, the "Ancient" school of Buddhism. Allegedly the oldest Buddhist sect in Tibet, founded by Padmasambhava (commonly known as Guru Rinpoche) during the 8th century, it emphasizes mysticism and the incorporation of local deities shared by the pre-Buddhist Bon religion, which has shamanic elements. Sherpa particularly believe in hidden treasures and valleys. Traditionally, Nyingmapa practice was passed down orally through a loose network of lay practitioners. Monasteries with celibate monks and nuns, along with the belief in reincarnated spiritual leaders, are later adaptations. In addition to Buddha and the great Buddhist divinities, the Sherpa also believe in numerous deities and demons who inhabit every mountain, cave, and forest. These have to be respected or appeased through ancient practices woven into the fabric of Buddhist ritual life. Many of the great Himalayan mountains are considered sacred. The Sherpas call Mount Everest Chomolungma and respect it as the "Mother of the World." Mount Makalu is respected as the deity Shankar (Shiva). Each clan reveres certain mountain peaks and their protective deities. Today, the day-to-day Sherpas religious affairs are presided over by lamas (Buddhist spiritual leaders) and other religious practitioners living in the villages. The village lama who presides over ceremonies and rituals can

user: What is the religion of the Sherpa people ?

assistant: Sherpas belong to the Nyingmapa, the "Ancient" school of Buddhism.

user: What do the majority of Sherpas believe in ?

assistant: it emphasizes mysticism and the incorporation of local deities shared by the pre-Buddhist Bon religion,

user: What deities or gods do they believe in ?

assistant: Buddha and the great Buddhist divinities, the Sherpa also believe in numerous deities and demons who inhabit every mountain, cave, and forest.

user: Do Sherpa People have holy men ?

assistant: Sherpas religious affairs are presided over by lamas (Buddhist spiritual leaders) and other religious practitioners living in the villages.

user: Where do Sherpa people pray ?

assistant: An important aspect of Sherpa religion is the monastery or gompa.

user: Are there any other interesting aspects about this article?

assistant: The Sherpas call Mount Everest Chomolungma and respect it as the "Mother of the World."

user: Is Mt. Everest a holy site for them ?

assistant: Many of the great Himalayan mountains are considered sacred.

user: What religious rituals do Sherpa people do ?

assistant: In addition, shamans (lhawa) and soothsayers (mindung) deal with the supernatural and the spirit world.