|
The performance of Lama Dancing is very unique and sacred tradition in Bhutan. There are two categories of Dances or Chhams in Buddhism. One category involves the dances that are performed by lay people and the other category are the dances that are performed by ordained monks. The tradition of Lama Dancing was brought and to Bhutan by a saint named, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel that propagated Buddhism in Bhutan and instituted religious and government structure in this country.
In Bhutan’s culture, dance and music play a very important role. In each community and village, a tradition of dance that hallmarks the passing of seasons and communal occasions can be found. These dances have played a significant role in uniting the population. Since these dances are held for the public, non-monastic people can come to share in and understand the history of the country. Chhams (mask dances) are usually performed during Tshechus (spiritual festivals).
These Chhams can be performed to convey spiritual messages to people. Specific dances also introduce to the concept of karma and cause and effect to the viewer. The dances can also reach people who can not listen or hear teachings due to their karma. The dances help to purify the negativity that may be surrounding these people and thereby offer benefit to these people who see the dances.
Some were composed by Guru Rinpoche and others were created by Tertoen Pema Lingpa, Shabdrung Rinpoche and other great saints. Some of the dances tell about visions that a particular terteon or saint may have experienced. Other dances tell the stories of important Buddhist figures such as Milarepa. During the mask dances, the deities of the tantric teachings are invoked and through their power and blessings, misfortunes are removed. As well, all evil spirits and demons that are preventing the spread of Chhoe (the doctrine of Dharma) are suppressed so that Lord Buddha can be abundant and bring joy, happiness and peace to all beings.
Dances can be performed with a peaceful or wrathful appearance depending on the purpose of the dance. The wrathful appearance is done to lead sentient beings to the path of Enlightenment. There is no other way for these beings to be lead to the path of Buddha due to the immense load of their negative karma. These beings can not be reached through peaceful means. These beings are enemies to the Buddha’s Doctrine and the lama dances can destroy them to prevent this obstacle. The inner expression of the wrathful appearance is actually an expression of the unchanging altruistic mind of wisdom and compassion and it is through this expression that the enemies to the Buddhist Dharma are controlled or demolished.
The dances that are performed involve hand gestures and a three (3) fold meditation practice. This includes: a physical visualization of the deity, verbal recitation of mantra and a mental focus or meditative concentration which is called Gar. Gar is the specific features of a specific dance. |
