Haha... the reason why I haven't been active for the past year was because I wasn't that free to be doing this so much. But documenting, as I learned. is a very important tool for a designer to have. Also, arrgghhh.. Having that neck problem is a nuisance, I can't be on the computer for too long.. D: But I guess if I controlled my blogging, I can still do it right??
So that made me think to resume blogging again. Plus, I also have free time at hand now... So why not??
Today's glorious topic for my resume to blogging. My most prized writing ever!!
A Symposium on Bhutanese Chams - by V-Ki Cheong
Chanting of prayers filled the silent Himalayan mountains, even before the dew is settled on the grass amongst the misty surrounding. Light winds caress the prayer flags that, with it blew the prayers of the people of Bhutan, with it flutters the message of hope and beliefs of the nation. On the other hand, prayer wheels were ringing in the dzongs, ringing the voices of holistic monks, the deafening sounds of their serenity, peace and purity. Dawn is nearing and as the first light hit the surface of the forgotten, mystical earth, to some, known as “The Last Shangri-La”, a certain magical touch embrace the land and that marks the start of a very special day for the people of Thimphu. At least, that is how I imagine it to be.
Every year around early November, the Thimphu streets will be in full preparation for the long awaited event of the year, the Thimphu tshechu. Tshechus are Bhutanese festivals that are held annually. Each district has their own tshechu and they are all determined according to astronomical calendars. Although each district hosts individual tshechu, all tshechu are held to commemorate the deeds of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), a historical figure which had shaped the history of Bhutan. The story of Padmasambhava has long embedded in Bhutanese culture. Bhutanese spoke of Padmasambhava, whom which was almighty and God-like. He was known to be the second Buddha and was a great influence spreading Buddhism to Bhutan.
In glorious sunlight, the streets of Thimphu will be lined with traders that sell hot momos for breakfast, fabulous long hand woven textiles, and also handheld prayer wheels. Thangka paintings will line the walls of the majestic Tashichho Dzong while restless monks will be preparing their costumes and atsaras, the festival jesters will be entertaining the crowd. Of course, people from all over Bhutan, including those from northern and western regions also join in the festivities. Dressed in their respective dresses, ghos for men; kiras for women; conical hats for the Layap women and Brokpas in their yak skin coats, they all come together to a city temporarily emerged in exhilarating vibes.
From the thangkas that hung the walls of dzongs to the torma (carved offerings that is made out of butter or barley flour) that line the altars. Every little detail is well thought out by the monks who manage to put it all together. To the monastic community of the Thimphu district, putting together the tshechu is a form of collection of spiritual merits. Tshechus are important to them because it is considered as one of the path of enlightenment in Buddhism beliefs.
When most people talk about tshechus, it involves the famous dances, known as chams to the locals. Chams are dances which are performed by monks from the district’s monasteries. It plays a big part in tshechus and it is believed to be a form of meditative yoga practiced in Tantric Buddhism. It is a ritual that is taboo to females and it is believed to have Tibetan origin. The purpose of chams is not only allowing monks to gain enlightenment merit but also serves as Buddhist teachings for the locals. These dances are passed down from one master to another since it was founded by the founder of tshechus, Pema Lingpa. According to legend, Pema Lingpa was the reincarnation of Padmasambhava and was able to share a deep spiritual connection with him. He had visions of the deeds that were done by Padmasambhava and deities. From there, he choreographed the ritual to imitate the movement of how it appeared in his vision. Every move is precise and holds meanings to the story. Using masks, props and different costumes, it further enhances the representation of the rituals.
After the time of Pema Lingpa, it was said that chams are formed when yogis were enlightened with visions of dancing deities or devils punishing humans of their wrong doings. As the dance moves are formed specifically to tell the story, monks spend months learning and perfecting the dance just for the festivals. Chams are often accompanied by Tibetan music which is played with musical instruments such as bells, cymbals, small horns, and drums. Perhaps the most well known cham in tshechus is the Shana cham, black hat dance. It is usually danced on the second day of Thimphu tshechu and only the highest ranking monks are allowed to perform the sacred dance.
Fully dressed in long robes and the famous black hats, the dancers take centre stage of the Tashichho Dzong. They got into a circular formation in the amphitheatrical setting and at the sound of the first drum, they twirl, their colourful robes fanning out to reveal its full exuberance. These elaborated costumes worn by the monks are covered fully with brocade. Each costume differs from one another in terms of pattern and they often come in a mix of bright colours such as green, white, blue, red, orange and yellow. Hence, as the dancers whirl around in circles, the colourful fabrics seem to glide through the air creating umbrellas of rainbows. Perhaps the most celebrated feature of the Shana cham is the black hat that stands tall on top of the dancer’s head as they twirled. The hats were outstandingly constructed using different material such as velvet, brocade, and peacock feathers. It has a skull at the top of the hat and the brocade hangs down from the back of the hat to the dancer’s legs. The hats have ornaments such as snakes, sun and moon attached to the body of the hat and some parts of the hat are even gilded with gold.
As horns blew and drums hammered, building to a crescendo, the monks seems to be possessed by spirits and with every spin, they seem to be engulfed by the joy of telling the long forgotten Buddhist fable. In the Shana cham, the monks play the role of yogis who possess the power to create and perish life. They protect the good and destroy evil. With graceful hand gesture, they start the dance with creating a mandala. Mandalas are commonly used in Hindu and Buddhist practices. It is a symbol that is believed to be spiritual teachings that aid meditation. After creating a representation of the mandala, dancers proceed to “killing” demons. The action performed meant to give the meaning of overtaking the world to protect it against evil. After performing that, they perform the thunderbolt step, which is an action of continuous pounding of the earth with their feet. That movement symbolises the yogis frightening the conquered demons in order to protect the earth.
After performing the Shana cham, the monks retreat backstage and reappear with a set of Tibetan drums, known as the gna in hand. The drums are attached to handles while the drumsticks are long and oddly shaped to have a bend. These drums hold extreme significance in Tibetan culture as it is believed that by striking the drums, you are either summoning deities as protectors or talking directly to the demons. The dancers gather at centre stage again and begin the Sha Nga cham. With explosive beats on the drums of Buddhism, the Sha Nga cham is performed by the black hat dancers honouring the victory of the yogis over the demons. The whole dance involves the dancers twirling on the spot and continuously striking the drum. This will go about for several minutes and then after one last strike to the nga, that marks the end of the whole ritual dance of the Shana and Sha Nga chams.
After the performances are done, the monks would return back to the monasteries to prepare for the next day of the Thimphu tshechu while people resume their daily routine. Children would run off to look at atsaras while their parents finish off their chatter. Some traders would try to get last minute sales before packing up while some of the elderly would visit chortens and offer the Gods with prayers. Surely, with so much spirit of the festival still lingering in the air of Thimphu city, there would be a smile on everyone’s face as they bid farewell to the festivities of that day and look forward to another year of good prosperity. After all, the festival is all about remembrance of the blessing of togetherness in the family and community but most of all, faith for the vibrant people of Bhutan.
Yes people, I do not just have to draw, design, make products, present, and whatever it is that I have to do... But I also have to do this... O_O RESEARCH and STUDY. Yay!! How fun is my life... But it was worth it in the end though because this was such a great topic to be working on. :D Bhutan!!
I need to go there one day... but for now,this is all I have for today!! I will post more stuff up!! :D Weee!!
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