Andrew Palmer, Group Editor

The Delightful Tashi Lhunpo Monks

Photos of Tashi Lhunpo Monks 
Photo: Charlotte Graham
Photos of Tashi Lhunpo Monks Photo: Charlotte Graham
For the past twenty years a delegation of monks from one of the four major monasteries of the Gelugpa (or Yellow Hat) tradition, Tashi Lhunpo, in the south of India travels to the UK. The first Dalai Lama founded the monastery in 1447, and the group is renowned for its scholarship in Mahayana Buddhist philosophy and the tantric tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

This year marks the centenary since Tibetan Monks first performed in the UK demonstrating their culture. And, according to Jane Rasch, founder of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery UK Trust, a charity which supports Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in exile “It’s a wonderful celebration of Tibetan culture that will give audiences a taste of the monks daily lives involving prayers and dances. Everything they perform is a snapshot of day-to-day, year-to-year life in the monastery.”

Anyone who has witnessed their show before will be familiar with its spectacular dances and wonderful costumes, which include masks worn by the monks as they chant. The show provides an engaging depiction of the monastery's operations, emphasizing the importance of learning its philosophy. However, Jane emphasises that those who are new should simply immerse themselves in the experience without any prior knowledge needed.

In the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in exile, debates take place every evening outside the Temple, when even the youngest monks take part. Sitting on the ground facing his opponents, one monk defends the proposition, and while standing, the others offer arguments against him, drawing on their deep knowledge of the scriptures. The discussion brings them closer to an understanding of the philosophical meaning of Buddhist concepts.

The art of debate carries its own symbolic meaning through specific gestures; for example, raising the right hand symbolises the lifting of all sentient beings from hell into heaven, while pressing down with the left hand reduces negative elements. In spite of appearances, the monks feel little emotion. The scripture describes the debater as having a face like a lion and a mind like a snow mountain.

“It’s generally colourful and quite busy. They use all the monastic musical instruments, including the magnificent longhorns, which are played in pairs.

Photos of Tashi Lhunpo Monks 
Photo: Charlotte Graham
Photos of Tashi Lhunpo Monks Photo: Charlotte Graham
A wonderful introduction to culture

“This year we're marking 100 years since the first Tibetan monks came to give western audiences a taste of their culture. In 1924, seven monks from central Tibet came over and promoted their work, staying from December 1924 until October 1925 performing at screenings of Captain John Noel’s seminal back and white film ‘The Epic of Everest’ which documented the attempt to climb Mount Everest in 1924 and we are marking that centenary as if we were following in their footsteps.”

The Tashi Lhunpo Monks spent 10 days in Ireland before travelling over the Irish Sea to the UK, where they will remain until the end of November, clocking up 33 performances.

Four members of the group are new and have never visited the UK before; due to the UK government’s visa regulations, the monks taking part in the tour must change each year.

Jane tells me that they cope much easier with our odd culture in comparison to theirs, enjoying a little more freedom than they would have in the monastery.

“They tend to watch television and play cricket. Naturally, having grown up in India, they have a deep passion for cricket and will eagerly welcome the chance to watch a few matches.

The show provides a variety of engaging experiences. It's not a particularly meditative show, as it involves a lot of costume changes and movement, but rather a genuine representation of the monks' beliefs and actions within the monastery.

“What we try to do is make it not just a performance of spectacular dances and sounds but to give it meaning—something a little bit deeper than just a show.”

The 12-foot longhorns, which are quite spectacular and loud, are traditionally played from the roof of the monastery for several hours, alerting the villagers nearby that the monks are preparing for a special ceremony.”

“People are often fascinated by how we get the long horns into the minibus.” There’s also an element of humour to complement the deep thoughts about what the prayers actually mean.

Other instruments, such as oboes used in processions and drums, symbolise early Buddhist practices inherited from their ancestors. Luxurious costumes and damaru drums, a relic of monastic rituals in the mountains of Tibet, embody centuries of tradition. These days the drums are made from wood or metal, however traditionally the drums are often made of two human skulls joined at the apex to symbolise the impermanence of existence.

Whether in a smaller more intimate venue or a larger one it's a terrific spectacle and one not to be missed.

Photos of Tashi Lhunpo Monks 
Photo: Charlotte Graham
Photos of Tashi Lhunpo Monks Photo: Charlotte Graham
Tour Dates

10 October Settle Victoria Hall. www.settlevictoriahall.org.uk


16-17 October Musicport Festival Community Concerts. www.musicportfestival.com


25-27 October Musicport Festival. www.musicportfestival.com

28-31 October Harewood House, Leeds - Mandala and workshops. www.harewood.org

1-3 November Harewood House, Leeds - Mandala and workshops. www.harewood.org

8 November Five Villages Hall, Cheshire Rural Touring Arts. www.thefivevillageshall.org.uk

9 November Neston Town Hall, Cheshire Rural Touring Arts. www.neston.org.uk/events

13 November Alnwick Playhouse, Northumberland. www.alnwickplayhouse.co.uk