Views and Beliefs

Traditional Bhutanese have a very wide range of beliefs, worldviews and interpretation of the symbolism of events and objects in their life. The views and beliefs range from very philosophical ones promoted by Buddhism to folk beliefs. The beliefs and views based on Buddhism are largely based on logical reasoning but many folk beliefs do not have a logical grounding. The latter are mostly prognostic interpretations of either positive and auspicious type or of negative and ominous type. The beliefs and interpretations include those about time, natural signs, behavourial styles and incidental occurances, etc. When there are ominous signs, there are also cultural practices which act as an antidote and can avoid the presaged future.