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.

What Are Their Lives Like?

We know very little about the lifestyle of the Rigzong people. Most likely they tend livestock like many of the other peoples in Kashmir. Their communities are in danger when Indian and Pakistani troops face off in this mountainous land.

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 India.