Benzhuism (Chinese:本主教;pinyin:Běnzhǔjiào;lit. 'religion of the patrons') is theindigenous religion of theBai people, an ethnic group ofYunnan,China. It consists in the worship of thengel zex, theBai word for "patrons" or "lords", rendered asbenzhu (本主) in Chinese, that are local gods anddeified ancestors of the Bai people. It is very similar to commonChinese religion.
While many of the Bai areBuddhists, the local government of China has recently helped the revival of the Benzhuethnic religion, for example through the promotion of the Gwer Sa La festival.[1]
Thebenzhu are mainlydeified ancestors, "patrons" or "lords" of the local communities. Every Bai village has its own pantheon of gods which has formed throughout its existence, incorporating its history in deifying virtuous leaders, warriors, andheroes.[2] These deities, who are tied to the immediate surroundings, protect the people against sickness and violence, foster local economy, and grant prosperity.[2]
Generally, one village enshrines one benzhu, and there are also cases of multiple villages consecrated to the same benzhu. In every village aroundErhai Lake the local people have developed a peculiar mythology about their local lord, differing from that of neighboring villages.[2] This tradition is similar to that of theCity God Temple of Chinese religion.[2]
Otherbenzhu are gods of the generation of the local place.[2] These include the God of the Mountain, the God of the Crops, the God of the Hunt, theDragon King or theMother Goddess of the Dragon King.[2]
Benzhu Festivals inDali City take place according to thelunar calendar, afterChinese New Year. During festivals, the benzhu shrine are taken from the temples and carried through the towns to a different location where they stay for a number of days. The villagers follow the gods to the designated place burning incense and worshiping with food and money.
The Bai believe that the soul does not die with the body, but it can go to the "Kingdom of the Shades" helped by complex ritual ceremonies performed by the living community.[2] Angry spirits can cause illness, but local gods can protect people against them. Illnesses are caused by the possession of evil spirits and they can be treated by femaleshamans.[2]
The Nama branch of the Bai, residing near theMekong, preserves a cult of the white stones common to the ethnic groups descended from theQiang people.[2] Some believe they represent the bones of the ancestors, others that they are a representation of the Fire God, a deity worshipped aroundChina.[2]
