Introduction / History

The Tibetan Buddhist Rigzong people live in the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir. Their homeland straddles the disputed area where Indian and Pakistani forces clash. Most of them live on the Indian side of the border, but some are in Pakistan. They speak Balti.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Rigzong people reside primarily in remote, mountainous villages. They engage in agriculture, animal husbandry, and small-scale trade to sustain their communities. Many Rigzong families cultivate crops such as barley, wheat, and potatoes, and also raise livestock like sheep and goats. Their daily lives revolve around the agricultural calendar and communal activities.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Rigzong practice Buddhism, the major world religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama or the Buddha, who lived in the 6th and 5th century BC in ancient India. The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths by which one can gain spiritual knowledge and escape the endless cycles of reincarnation. Theravada, one of the two major branches of Buddhism, declares that by following the Noble Eightfold Path of right intentions and right actions that a Buddhist can achieve nirvana or a state of freedom and salvation. Mahayana Buddhism, the other main branch of Buddhism, asserts that by following the six perfections that a Buddhist can move along the path to Enlightenment. Tibetan Buddhism falls within the Mahayana school. However, Tibetan Buddhists like the Rigzong people blend the shamanistic bon religion with their form of Buddhism.

What Are Their Needs?

The Rigzong people need to be given the chance to hear the life-changing gospel so they can enjoy life to the full.

Prayer Points

Pray for loving gospel workers to catch a vision for reaching the Rigzong people for Jesus and that in God's sovereign timing the hearts of these people would be open and ready to follow him.
Pray for Jesus movements to bless extended families so the gospel will spread rapidly.
Pray for the spiritual lives of the Rigzong people to become fruitful so others will be drawn to Jesus Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Rigzong in Pakistan.

References

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