Resource Type

Language

Description and demonstration of astrological prediction

Mr. Karma Wangdi demonstrates astrology prediction on Gajay using rice, water, incense, and a rosary. When he dips rice into the water, if there is any spirit harming the patient, then the rice will be scattered at the edges of the bowl. If cursed, the rice will stand upward. He concludes that no spirits are harming Gajay; however, he recommends Gajay to offer appeasement wine to the local deity.
Date: June 18, 2022
Creator: Tshewang, Tashi
System: The UNT Digital Library

Description of Lamring Mü ritual

Mr. Karma Wangdi describes the Lamring Mü ritual which is used to chase away spirits before taking a sick person to the hospital. First, some simple ritual ceremonies are performed at home to clear the spirits. This is because if the doctor or nurse injects the sick person, the spirit within the sick person’s body could instantly die. Mr. Wangdi is the last known Bonpo (practitioner of Bon rituals) in Chema village in the Trashi Yangste District of Bhutan. He also belongs to the first generation of Dakpa speakers who started speaking Tshangla in their childhood.
Date: June 18, 2022
Creator: Tshewang, Tashi
System: The UNT Digital Library

Demonstration of Nêpo appeasement rituals

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.
Date: June 19, 2022
Creator: Tshewang, Tashi
System: The UNT Digital Library

Performance of the Arpo dance ritual, part 7

'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 seventh stage of the dance ritual, each dancer is introduced to the audience as the son of a warrior, Gämo, Lhamo (protector deity of Tibet and Bhutan), Sangda Rabgay of Lingkhar, and their journey toward the eastern direction towards Hör.
Date: June 19, 2022
Creator: Tshewang, Tashi
System: The UNT Digital Library

Performance of the Arpo dance ritual, part 2

'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 explains to the audience the lyrics: "if you don’t know who I am, join the monkhood, ask the serpent king, ask the thunder and lightening." He describes that, with each stanza, the dancers will wave their sword to show the might of the mythical king of Tibet.
Date: unknown
Creator: unknown
System: The UNT Digital Library

Description of stomach pain causes and remedies

Mr. Tshering describes how to cure stomach pain caused by malicious spirits. He uses astrological methods to determine if the patient needs modern medical services or needs to appease the spirits to address the pain. Mr. Tshering is originally from Rolam village, and stayed in Thragom village after his second marriage. This recording was made in the evening after the day's work.
Date: July 14, 2022
Creator: Tshewang, Tashi
System: The UNT Digital Library

Description of fever and body ache causes and remedies

Mr. Tshering describes how he performs divination using the rosary to locate where a person has lost their soul, and who has taken the soul. The count of every rosary indicates different directions, people, things, and events that may cause heavy fever and body ache. Mr. Tshering is originally from Rolam village, and stayed in Thragom village after his second marriage.
Date: July 14, 2022
Creator: Tshewang, Tashi
System: The UNT Digital Library

Description and demonstration of Mamo appeasement rituals

Bonism is a traditional form of worship involving rituals related to healing and the earth. Some Bon rituals are performed only by certain individuals (Bonpos). In this recording, Bonpo Karma Wangdi demonstrates a ritual appeasement of Mamo (also known as Lamringbu). His wife and extended family are present because they have not seen this ritual performed for the last 15 years. Mr. Wangdi is the last known Bonpo in Chema village in the Trashi Yangste District of Bhutan. He also belongs to the first generation of Dakpa speakers who started speaking Tshangla in their childhood.
Date: June 18, 2022
Creator: Tshewang, Tashi
System: The UNT Digital Library

Description of Tshong Tshongma appeasement rituals

Mr. Karma Wangdi describes the Bon ritual ceremonies used to appease Tshong Tshongma, the most sacred mountain in Eastern Bhutan. It is accessible only for four months per year due to local customs and myths. At over 4000m, Tshong Tshongma is a very important deity, especially to the people in its vicinity. They appease Tshong Tshongma before making offerings to the other local deities by raising three flags, burning three units of incense, and offering wine. When someone is seriously ill near Tshong Tshongma, they may offer an ox.
Date: June 19, 2022
Creator: Tshewang, Tashi
System: The UNT Digital Library