The costumes, the intricate and infinitely ornate robes, the music, even the screeching PA system; drums reverberating through the open courtyard, cymbals crashing through the wafty air like razors through butter.
Where else could one see such things? These colors, shapes, textures and sounds do not exist anywhere else. The movement, the tension, the brilliant subtle way the misty light folds into the caressing motion of moving cloth carrying crimson and golden overtones into the shadows. Without masks we can clearly see their faces, stern and discriminating in their concentration. With laser focus, bated breath, each movement carries such weight and purpose. For the first time in over twenty years the Guru Rinpoche dance will be performed tomorrow; here in Gaya marking not only a historic and most exciting turn of events for the incredible monks of Rumtek Monastery who will perform it, but a first (and a delight) for many of us to see it in person. It’s really quite beautiful, and this is just the rehearsal - the full procession begins bright and early tomorrow. And so we prepare for the dance, masks will be adorned, the stage is now set. Soon enough it will begin, but for now we wait until the misty morning comes.
Kagyu Monlam Chenmo
