Come Join the Dance

by Margaret Jasinski

 

 

 

Anyone approaching the Universal Mandala Hall would be moved by what is before them. Sitting atop the summit of Khandroling it is an impressive open air steel and wooden edifice. It would be interesting for an onlooker to learn that the Mandala Hall originated with a dream some twenty years ago, yet the Mandala Hall is more than a dream – it is the living manifestation of terma. The golden Longsal symbol crowning the roof is symbolic of Rinpoche’s teachings, which are in themselves jewels of manifestation. Years of planning and work, both paid and volunteer hours, coordinated with contributions from many donors around the world to coordinate in support of Rinpoche’s vision.

On Friday July 11^th, members of the local communities outlying Khandroling were invited to a public inauguration of the Mandala Hall.  It was a day of pristine summer sunshine as the crowd of well-wishers congregated.  Will Shea, the master of ceremonies, used knowledge and wit as the afternoon progressed.  The first speaker was Rinpoche who was introduced by Dr. Jim Valby. Rinpoche spoke briefly about the significance of the Mandala Hall, not only as a place for Dzogchen practice but also as a place for the global Community. Presentations on The Three Aspects of Tsegyalgar were given by John LaFrance who spoke of the Dzogchen Community in America, by Dr. Gerry Steinberg who spoke about the Shang Shung Institute, and Andrea Nasca who spoke about A.S.I. A. – the Association for International Solidarity in Asia.  These three presentations provided both a sense of scope and depth of Tsegyalgar highlighting Rinpoche’s vision of preserving Tibetan culture for the benefit of all peoples.  Dzogchen is not only a spiritual practice; it is as Rinpoche so often emphasizes, daily life in action. The presentations clearly showed that the Tsegyalgar activities are dynamic and far-reaching in ways that touch past, present, and future, both locally and around the globe.

 

After the speakers, Adriana Dal Borgo and Company demonstrated the Khaita Joyful Dances after which Prima Mai led the Dance of the Six Spaces. In closing, town officials Andrea Llamas, Buckland Town Administrator and Rick Bean, Conway Selectman were presented with gifts from the community.  The day ended with refreshments and a lively round of Tibetan singing.

The very next day, Saturday July 12^th marked the ceremonial inauguration of the Mandala Hall.  Ritual smoke of cedar branches and the wafting of welcoming banners mixed with excitement and happiness as community members from near and far assembled for this very special occasion.  Ganapuja was offered, culminating in the Dance of the Song of the Vajra:  this was Rinpoche’s vision from twenty years ago made manifest on the universal mandala.  The interplay of movement, color, location and elements is a profundity beyond words.  Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo heartfully acknowledged the tireless contributions of our esteemed master and asked for his continued health to continue his invaluable support.  She then introduced representatives of gars and lings from many nations who presented Rinpoche with khataks and offerings.  As a special treat, the Derghe Dancers from New York City, a troop of Tibetan dancers performed two traditional songs and dances, and then Tsering Lodoe sang with the accompaniment of the ritual drum. The sound of Tibetan voices and the beauty of the traditional costumes added a dimension to the joyful day, which concluded with an enthused session of Tibetan modern dancing on the universal mandala.  Who is not to say these movements did not resonate around the globe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other joyful activities sprinkled throughout the Celebration Weekend, which was also entitled Come Join the Dance, included a free public concert on Friday evening featuring local performers like June Millington, Evelyn Harris and Tracy Grammer, with a rollicking grand finale jazz dance set provided by Community member Harvey Kaiser and his eloquent band. The Dance Competitors of Tsegyalgar and Namgyalgar also tested out their work at the Friday evening’s regalia. Saturday evening was a highlight with our special guests who provided An Evening of Tibetan Dance and Song with special guests: Tibetan Singer: Tsering Lodoe, Derghe Dancers, (derghe gro chen), and Khaita Joyful Dances. On Sunday afternoon the festivities wound up with the official Dance Contest, judged by six judges from other countries and Gars, and after careful deliberation a very difficult choice had to be made and Tsegyalgar won. The final evening performance was entitled A Presentation of Sacred Dance and Music featuring Dzogchen Community Vajra Dance, Gurdjieff Movements and de Hartmann music solo piano, performed by Elan Sicroff.