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Historical Context of Gutor in Yungdrung Bön
Ancient Origins: The Gutor ritual (literally "offering
of the 29th day") is a centuries-old practice in the Yungdrung Bön
tradition, predating Buddhism in Tibet. It stems from Bön’s indigenous
spiritual practices, which emphasize purification, obstacle removal, and
harmony with natural and spiritual forces. Gutor is traditionally performed
in the final days of the Tibetan lunar year (often late December or January)
to clear negativities before Losar (Tibetan New Year).
Yungdrung Bön: As the "eternal" or formalized
Bön tradition, Yungdrung Bön codified these rituals over centuries,
with texts and practices attributed to figures like Tonpa Shenrab, the
legendary founder of Bön. Gutor rituals involve wrathful deity practices,
torma offerings, and purification rites, which have been passed down through
Bön lineages.
Cultural Continuity: Gutor has been practiced in
Bön monasteries (e.g., Menri Monastery in Tibet and India) and communities
for generations, often spanning several days with elaborate ceremonies.
Its structure has remained consistent, though specific practices vary by
lineage or lama.
The Gutor ritual is a traditional practice in the Yungdrung Bön
tradition, typically performed in the days leading up to the Tibetan New
Year (Losar) to dispel obstacles, purify negativities, and ensure good
fortune for the coming year. We use it as a template for the 5 day fasting
period that ends the Spring Session. A 5-day Yungdrung Gutor Retreat would
likely involve intensive meditation, ritual practices, and preparatory
activities centered around this purification process.
Key Features of a 5-Day Yungdrung Gutor Retreat:
Ritual Practices:
Gutor Ritual: Focus on wrathful
deities like Sherab Jyamma (as seen in some Bön retreats) to clear
obstacles. This includes chanting, offerings, and visualizations.
Torma Making: Participants
may engage in creating ritual tormas (sculpted offerings).
Sangchoe and Choed: Morning and evening practices involving incense offerings (Sangchoe) and cutting through negativity (Choed), common in Bön retreats.
Meditation and Purification:
Daily meditation sessions (often 2 or more) to cultivate
mindfulness.
Traditionally ractices like "ransom and washing"
rites or consuming Guthug (a traditional nine-ingredient soup) on the final
day to symbolize purification and renewal, but here observation of a 5
day mimicking fast is accomplished.
Culmination:
The retreat typically peaks on the final day, with major rituals like the Gutor ceremony, followed by good-luck practices and celebrations.
A 5-day retreat might be a condensed version, focusing on key rituals and meditation, tailored for participants with limited time.
Example Schedule (Based on Similar Retreats):
Day 1-2: Torma preparation, introductory teachings,
Sangchoe, and meditation.
Day 3-4: Intensified Gutor rituals, wrathful deity
practices, and obstacle-clearing ceremonies.
Day 5: Main Gutor ritual, purification rites, Guthug
soup, and closing practices.
