CHAM
Ancient Ritual of the Remote Himalaya
Cham is a mystical 1,300-year-old Vajrayana dance ritual, which protects the earth from evil, and is on the verge of extinction.
“From the dance peace and happiness overcome the evils of the human world.
Epidemics are overcome, war and famine are averted; all these evils are put to an end. “
Tsering Drujen, Abbot - Matho Monastery.
Following a month of meditation, prayer, and visualization, the cham ritual culminates in two days of almost non-stop dance, during which gods visit the earth.
“The dances are very much in the mind. To the dancers who are disciplined, to them
gods and dharmapalas really come, and the dancer becomes like them.”
Lobzang Dorje, Dance Master - Likir Monastery
Cham was once widespread throughout the Himalaya. Now Ladakh is one of the few places cham remains. And Ladakh, only recently exposed to the modern world, is changing fast. Numerous variations of cham have already been lost, and cham itself may soon become extinct.
“When it disappears, it will disappear completely. There are not enough new monks so the dance is beginning to disappear.
Without new monks entering the monasteries, then surely the dance will disappear.”
Nawang Tsering, Dance Master - Matho Monastery
CHAM SLIDESHOW
Short Promo for Abandoned Granary's current film (in production)
Dances To Vanquish Demons
"Most important to the dance is love and compassion. Love and compassion for whom?
Love and compassion for all living beings."
Konchok Namgyal, Abbot - Phyang Monastery
Love and compassion for all living beings."
Konchok Namgyal, Abbot - Phyang Monastery