The Tibetan assimilation of Buddhism
The Buddhist was introduced in Tibet during the reign of Songtsen Gampo (627–649), first king of Tibet and founder of the Yarlung dynasty, which lasted until mid-9th century. During this period, Buddhism remained confined to the court and aristocracy. Both prior to and following Songtsen Gampo’s reign the major Tibetan religion was Bon, a form of shamanism with ritual performances and the offering of human sacrifices on the occasion of rulers’ funerals. This animist religion was initially hostile to Buddhism, but later accommodated the new faith.
