The first lesson

In Lamayuru, preparations are currently underway for a major Buddhist festival, which will begin on June 24th with the unveiling of a large thangka (a scroll painting of tantric Buddhism) and lama dances. I am incredibly fortunate to be allowed to go behind the scenes of these preparations and even lend a hand.

Lama Rigdzin, Master of Sculpture

With it comes the first lesson in statue making. For those who don't know, I am here to learn how the Indian masters create statues from clay. One master of sculpture is Lama Rigdzin, who is responsible for creating masks, statues, and tormas at this local monastery. On this day, his task is to painstakingly create an image of His Holiness Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang. Only to destroy this image of the 37th throne holder of the Drikung Kagyud Lineage a day later in a 20-minute ceremony.

First, Rangdröl creates the basic framework from a wooden cross and wires for the shoulders and arms. Then the whole thing is wrapped with khatas (silk scarves). After that, the resulting body receives the typical monk's robe. Only then does Lama Rigdzin begin his work. He first shapes the face out of tsampa, a barley dough.

Enchanting Mini Monks

He is closely observed by the many little monks who receive their education here at the monastery. And just like children, they play joyfully with the dough scraps that Lama Rigdzin no longer needs. I think to myself: Children must simply look so cute because they actually annoy quite often, are loud, and break everything. But no one can hold anything against these enchanting mini monks.

Not even Lama Rigdzin. Because more than once, a smile flickers across his otherwise still and concentrated face when one of the little ones has done something mischievous again. The master is not bothered. With his skillful fingers, he has created a face out of barley dough, which is now ready for the next step. Now new materials are used. A white clay-like mixture is made from clarified butter and wax, with added pigments giving it the desired color.

Yippee, My Opinion Matters

Using this colored dough, Lama Rigdzin now models a fine layer over the face, shaping the mouth, eyebrows, eyes, and nostrils. I grab a bit of the mixture and try my hand at making a hand. To my surprise, I find that Lama Rigdzin actually uses this hand later, even though he will reshape it a little. But I am truly delighted when he asks for my opinion at the end, whether the eyes he has shaped are good enough, and follows my suggestion for improvement.

In the end, several monks help adorn the figure with umbrellas and various offerings before the finished piece is brought into the gompa (meditation room). As quickly as this figure will be destroyed, this day has also passed. Another day full of experiences and insights that allows me to go to bed happy and content. It doesn't matter that it is 5 degrees cold at night when your heart is warm.

More to come soon...