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Tormas are made by trained monks before a ceremony is to be started. The tormas are made according to the specific ceremony being performed. Ceremonies can include purification ceremonies, prayer ceremonies to specific Buddhist deities, or celebrations of auspicious days or events in Buddhism or in the country of Bhutan. They are a special offering to the deities that are being invoked to bless the particular ceremony being done.
Tormas are also made by meditation practitioners that are also doing 3 year retreats. The tormas are made for their meditation practices. There are many different forms of Tormas since there are different Buddhist deities.
Tormas can also be made for meditation practitioners who are practicing certain Buddhist diety practices. The torma is placed on the shrine and assists in the meditation practice.
Tormas are made by hand. Many are made with butter and flour but tormas can be made from many different items including oatmeal, butter, flour, wood, or clay. The items used to make the tormas depend on the ceremony being completed by the monks. Some tormas are offered to plants and animals after the ceremony is completed so therefore, the torma is destroyed. Other tormas are meant to be permanent additions to a shrine so they are made with more permanent items such as clay or wood.
The Center can make tormas for meditation practices. Please contact the Center for details. |
