Gonpo Dorje (Milarepa) Cham
Milarepa, also known as Milaraspa, is Tibetan Buddhism's most famous poet-monk. He wrote over one thousand songs and achieved enlightenment in one lifetime. The Milarepa cham celebrates a famous story about how Milarepa tamed two hunters and their dog, stopped them from killing a deer, and convinced them that killing was wrong.
Milarepa, also known as Milaraspa, is Tibetan Buddhism's most famous poet-monk. He wrote over one thousand songs and achieved enlightenment in one lifetime. The Milarepa cham celebrates a famous story about how Milarepa tamed two hunters and their dog, stopped them from killing a deer, and convinced them that killing was wrong.
The video below was taken during the early stages of the dance. Junior Hunter and son, on the left, engage in an exchange of compliments with Senior Hunter and son across the courtyard on the right of the screen. The sons act as both understudies to their fathers as well as comic relief for the onlookers. The dialogue is lilting and noteworthy.
The video below shows the two hunters (Elder Hunter and Younger Hunter) sitting in the middle of the courtyard dance area discussing the hunt and taking a rest. During this sequence, the hunters each in turn will throw candies into the air for the waiting children.
