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Mun (also called Munism or Bongthingism) is the traditional polytheistic, animist, shamanistic, and syncretic religion of the Lepcha people. It predates the seventh century Lepcha conversion to Lamaistic Buddhism, and since that time, the Lepcha have practiced it together with Buddhism. Since the arrival of Christian missionaries in the nineteenth century, Mun traditions have been followed alongside that religion as well. The traditional religion permits incorporation of Buddha and Jesus Christ as deities, depending on household beliefs. The exonym "Mun" derives from the traditional belief in spirits called ''mun'' or ''mung''. Together with ''bongthing'' (also ''bungthing'' or ''bóngthíng''), ''mun'' comprise a central element in the religion. These terms are also used to describe the shaman priesthood that officiates the respective spirits.〔〔 The Mun religion and its priesthood are in decline. Conversion to other religions is attributed to economic pressure, as traditional practices are immensely expensive to the ordinary practitioner.〔 It has, however, regained interest among Lepcha as ecological encroachment becomes a growing concern.〔 The environment is so deeply intertwined with Mun beliefs that religious leaders have offered direct opposition to development in areas including the Rathong Chu and Teesta Rivers. ==Mythology== The traditional Lepcha belief system is rich in oral myths, legends, fables, and fairy-tales collectively called ''lúngten sung''. According to Mun mythology, the ancestors of the Lepcha were created by Itbu Rum, who molded them from the pure snows of mount Kangchenjunga. They thus share a lineage with the natural environment and share the cosmos with non-human spirits.〔 The spirit of the legendary Thekong Thek delivers reproaches to the Lepcha chief through ''mun'' or ''bongthing'' shamans.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Mun (religion)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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