The Kagyu Monlam, a glorious seven day event in the heart of where the Dharma first began to turn, under the pleasant shade of the Bodhi Tree, this immense yearly gathering of our Dharma family is set to begin in just two days’ time. Preceding the official event is always a special treat for those who make the trek a little earlier: A whirlwind of sound and color, robes and headdresses with more detail and intrigue than can be imagined, the throng of drums echo in the heavy air from early morning till deep into the night, smoke and fire tinge the senses.
The Lama Dance is rarely performed publicly, making this such a special occasion, an all day affair of amazing technique and deep-seated tradition; it is quite simply spectacular. The overall look could almost be described as scary, intense and surreal, flowing crimson, blue, green and gold brocade matched against glaring animal masks ricocheting off the haze and gloom of the already setting late afternoon sun. The movements - slow but deliberate, almost painfully slow, motions subtle and powerful at the same time, like a beautifully elegant yet mournfully dark ballet. I find it incredibly beautiful. As the multitude of different scenes being acted out carry so much tradition and meaning, these forms we see are not those of anger, aggression or fright, but of purification, beauty, art and knowledge. The main role being performed by none other than Jamgyon Kontrul Rinpoche himself, as he slashes and rips away at a figurine to illustrate the destruction of ego.
It feels so good to be back home again, amidst the heat and suspense, the colors and sounds, and what else to bring me right back up to speed than the Lama Dance performed by the very best in the world. After almost a month away, I am simply delighted to be back in the heart of it all again. I have missed this place with a passion, my heart finally feeling relief from its longing desire to walk once again throughout the shadows and softly falling light that is Bodh Gaya. Back for another Monlam, back for more inspiration under the great tree of Enlightenment, back to India, where even the sound of the streets and the way the colors bounce against the sky do something to the deepest part of me like nowhere else can do.
Posted for: The Kagyu Monlam
