| The next dance depicts the Four Protecting Kings, defending the Buddhist faith against attack by demons. Shining paper masks hide the faces of the dancers, each a different colour and each displaying a constant ' smile. The dancers' skips are rhythmically accompanied by the beating of cymbals. Without breaking step, the dancers charge haltingly at children in the audience. The youngsters recoil in horror, much to the amusement of everyone else in the crowd. |
|
Dance depicting
the Four Protecting Kings
| Tension builds up for the most memorable and terrifying dance, that of Padmasambhava, considered in Tibet to be a second Buddha. His entrance is preceded by furious drumming and shrieking of horns. At last Padmasambhava emerges slowly, wielding in his right hand a vajra or Thunderbolt of the Gods, and in his left, a sacred dagger to fight off the demons. The dance symbolises the defeat by Padmasambhava of the evil spirits of Bon religion and the conversion of the people to Buddhism. The more subdued Dance of the Celestial Drums that follows celebrates this victory. |
| Please select next page 1- 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 |