Performance of an introductory song from the epic of King Gaser Gyalpo of Lithang by Mr. Karma Wangdi.

Performance of a song about royalty in Kongü from the epic of King Gaser Gyalpo of Lithang by Mr. Karma Wangdi.

Mr. Karma Wangdi describes the Bon ritual ceremonies used to appease Garpo, also known as Nepo. These involve raising and/or sacrificing a pig, depending on the patient.

Before the Arpo rituals, Mr. Karma Wangdi performs a song about royalty in Kongü stating that his body and possessions (sword, helmet, belt, boots, body armor, bow, and arrow) belong to King Gaser Gyalpo.

Mr. Karma Wangdi describes the Bon ritual ceremonies used to appease Mamo, the holder of all sickness. Three flags representing the father, mother, and son of Mamo are used to request forgiveness for any wrongdoing.

Mr. Karma Wangdi describes the Bon ritual ceremonies used to appease the male spirit Phoshing and the female spirit Moshing. A smoke offering is made by mixing flour with dry meat, wine, and water.

Mr. Tshering describes how to cure a serious patient using various rituals including preparing an elaborate feast, offering jewelry, and dressing as ransom to get back the soul of the patient.

Mr. Tshering introduces himself and explains how long he has been performing rituals, the cause of various diseases, and remedies for stomach aches. He also talks about his marriage life and resettlement.

Mr. Karma Wangdi demonstrates astrology prediction and a ritual to heal from poisoning.

Mr. Karma Wangdi describes the Bon ritual ceremonies used to appease Abi Phôding. If someone suddenly has a hearing problem, they could have been cursed by Abi Phôding. To appease her, they put a ladle, an eggshell, and wine at the tri-junction, call her name three times, and ask her to give her ear.

Mr. Karma Wangdi describes the Bon ritual ceremonies used to appease Tshong Tshongma. This is a very important deity in eastern Bhutan, especially to the people in its vicinity. People bow three times and give offerings. When someone is seriously ill near Tshong Tshongma, they would sacrifice an ox as an offering.

'Arpo' is a generic term for the naked dance ritual practiced in Chema village, Trashiyangtse, Bhutan. Mr. Karma Wangdi is well-known for his efforts to sustain these rituals in Chema village. In this recording, he is asking the divine being to fulfill his wishes: "May I have the best of everything?"

'Arpo' is a generic term for the naked dance ritual practiced in Chema village, Trashiyangtse, Bhutan. Mr. Karma Wangdi is well-known for his efforts to sustain these rituals in Chema village. In this recording, he performs the first stanza of naked dance which describes the origin of Arpo.

'Arpo' is a generic term for the naked dance ritual practiced in Chema village, Trashiyangtse, Bhutan. Mr. Karma Wangdi is well-known for his efforts to sustain these rituals in Chema village. In this recording, the dancers praise the assembly of the monk at the monastery for their service and the serpent world for granting jewels.

'Arpo' is a generic term for the naked dance ritual practiced in Chema village, Trashiyangtse, Bhutan. Mr. Karma Wangdi is well-known for his efforts to sustain these rituals in Chema village. In this recording, he is invoking the deities and asking them to be his guidance.

Mr. Tshering describes how to appease spirits and ghosts with wine, water, and smoke. He uses the count of the rosary to determine remedies for sickness. During the process, he recites the Buddha mantra.

After a casual conversation, Mr. Karma Wangdi demonstrates the Bon ritual ceremonies used to appease Nêpo, a local ghost or spirit who steals the life force of humans. He appeases Nêpo, asking him to divert life's obstacles.

'Arpo' is a generic term for the naked dance ritual practiced in Chema village, Trashiyangtse, Bhutan. Mr. Karma Wangdi is well-known for his efforts to sustain these rituals in Chema village. In this recording, he is concluding the dance with praise to the father, mother, son, and daughter, as well as the feast, the auspicious day, and to the people gathered for the dance ritual.

'Arpo' is a generic term for the naked dance ritual practiced in Chema village, Trashiyangtse, Bhutan. Mr. Karma Wangdi is well-known for his efforts to sustain these rituals in Chema village. In this recording, he is sings about the mythical king Ling, known as Gäser Gyelpo. Ling is travelling eastward to Hör, a mythical demonic kingdom.

'Arpo' is a generic term for the naked dance ritual practiced in Chema village, Trashiyangtse, Bhutan. Mr. Karma Wangdi is well-known for his efforts to sustain these rituals in Chema village. In this recording, he is asking the divine being again to fulfill his wishes: "May I have the best of everything?" The stanza is repeated before and after the sword dance.

'Arpo' is a generic term for the naked dance ritual practiced in Chema village, Trashiyangtse, Bhutan. Mr. Karma Wangdi is well-known for his efforts to sustain these rituals in Chema village. In this recording, he describes the warriors, male and female, who accompanied king Gäser Gyelpo. This recording was done in the early hours of the day during a light rainfall.

'Arpo' is a generic term for the naked dance ritual practiced in Chema village, Trashiyangtse, Bhutan. Mr. Karma Wangdi is well-known for his efforts to sustain these rituals in Chema village. In this recording, he is introducing the mythical king Khesar Gyelpo to the demonic king of Hör. He also asking the guardian king of Tshona to join.

'Arpo' is a generic term for the naked dance ritual practiced in Chema village, Trashiyangtse, Bhutan. Mr. Karma Wangdi is well-known for his efforts to sustain these rituals in Chema village. In this recording, he describes how the mythical king of Ling, originally from Lhasa, got married to Shäcang Dema of the Ling.

Mr. Karma Wangdi demonstrates the Bon ritual ceremonies used to appease Nêpo, a local ghost or spirit who steals the life force of humans. The name Nêpo is Dakpa for 'guest'. He can be appeased by raising prayer flags using mugwort and offering wine. Also present were Gajay and Wangdi's grandchildren.