TitleShazam, Tamzhing Phala Choethpa: 3rd Day [Close shot]
Additional title: Dance of the Four Stags
NamesCore of Culture (Organization) (Producer)Core of Culture (Organization) (Donor)
CollectionBhutan Dance Project, Core of Culture
Dates / OriginDate Created: 2005
Library locationsJerome Robbins Dance DivisionShelf locator: *MGZIDF 710B
TopicsDance -- BhutanFolk dancing -- BhutanDance -- Religious aspects -- BuddhismRites & ceremonies -- BhutanMasks -- BhutanFestivals -- BhutanDzongs -- Bhutan -- Bumthang (District)Bumthang (Bhutan : District)Deer dance -- Bhutan
GenresFilmed danceFilmed performances
NotesBiographical/historical: Shazam: The Dance of the Four Stags is a re-enactment of an auspicious incident in the life of Guru Rinpoche, the great 8th Century sage who is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan as he journeyed through the country to and from Tibet. Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) is also known as the great subjugator of those local deities and spirits who resisted the spread of Buddhism, and, having subdued them to his will, he forced them to take an oath that henceforth they would become protectors of the Dharma, thus turning his one-time opponents into staunch allies of the faith. The Dance of the Four Stags refers to one such contest in which Guru Rinpoche subdued the King of the Wind, the ruler of the Earth-Spirits (sadag) who dominated the North-western direction and who had been causing much trouble and strife amongst the people of those times. Having subdued and conquered this powerful spirit Guru Rinpoche took possession of his mount, a great Stag, and rode around the land bestowing blessings upon the people and restoring a period of peace and prosperity for all. The dance of the Four Stags was revealed by the first incarnation of Nam Nying (Namkhai Nyingpo) who created the Stag masks as a way to commemorate this event. As well as being a subjugation dance having the effect of warding off evil influences in the place where it is performed, the dance is also seen as having the beneficial effect of restoring peace and harmony in the lives of those who witness its performance.Biographical/historical: Tamzhing Phala Choethpa means the Tamzhing Festival of the Boar or Pig. Five kms drive from the Jakar town lies the Tamshing Lungrub Chholing which means the Temple of the Good message. In 1501 Pema Lingpa established it and now is the most important Nyingma goemba in the Kingdom. It is believed that Pema Lingpa had built the goemba with the assistance from Khandroma (female celestial deities/angels). Inside there are original images painted by Pema Lingpa. On the east side of the inner court lies a small lhakhang called as Dunkur Lhakhang. The lhakhang has an unusual design with the main chapel in the center of the assemble hall, almost like a separate building. In the front lies three thrones for the three incarnations (body, mind & speech) of Terton Pema Lingpa.Content: Tamzhing Phala Choethpa Festival (Sept. 14, 2005: Day Three): Shazam - Deer-Headed Zam Dance (2 person) ; Shazam: Dance of the Four Stags ; Zhauli Cham (Nyulemai Cham): The Dance of the Evil Spirit ; Peling Jug Ging: Dance of the Ging with Batons (Laymen) ; Peling Dri Ging: Dance of the Ging with Swords (Laymen) ; Peling Nga Ging: Dance of the Ging with Drums (Monks) ; Tshang Mai Ging Cham (Peling Ter Cham):The Tamzhing Treasure Dance.Venue: Videotaped in performance at the Tamzhing Lhakhang/Monastery (dance apron of main courtyard, corner looking across arena diagonal at the dancers' entrance), in Bumthang, on Sept. 14, 2005.Acquisition: Gift; Core of Culture. NN-PDBiographical/historical: Tamzhing Phala Choethpa is held for three days each year from the 10-12th day of 8th Bhutanese month. A Chamjug or rehearsal day is held on the 9th day of the Lunar Month.
Physical DescriptionBorn digitalExtent: 1 video file (ca. 8 min.) : sound, color
DescriptionA subjugation dance attributed to the first Namkhai Nyingpo. It commemorates the story from the life of Guru Rinpoche who subjugated the God of Wind - who had been creating much unhappiness and dissatisfaction amongst men. Having conquered the spirit, the Guru then rode his mount of a White Stag and gave blessings to people throughout the country, thus restoring peace and harmony to all. The dance thus subdues evil and creates benefits for all who witness it. This is a Shazam dance performed by the laymen of Tamzhing - with four dancers - and immediately follows the Shazam performed by two monk dancers. It commemorates a different event. During the time of Guru Rinpoche there was warring between the evil spirits (demi-gods of East and West) which he subdued - by turning them into dharmapala - protectors of the Dharma. After this Guru Rinpoche is remembered riding on a stag. According to Tenzing-la (the Tamzhing lay Champoen) it is associated with Pema Lingpa and the consecration of the temple. It is intended to expel the evil spirits.
Type of ResourceMoving image
IdentifiersNYPL catalog ID (B-number): b19782641Universal Unique Identifier (UUID): 75903b10-8292-0130-9301-3c075448cc4b
Copyright NoticeCore of Culture
Rights StatementThis item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
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