The idea of Impermancence: The use of human bone in Tibetan ritual. Lecture by Dr. Jeff Dailey

On October  19  2024  at 2: 30 PM, Dr. Jeff S. Dailey will return to the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art to lecture on Musical Instruments of Himalayan Culture.  Dr. Dailey has previously lectured at the museum on Tibetan music, but this talk will expand that focus to include the fascinating instruments of Nepal and Bhutan, many of which are on display in the museum.  

Traditionally, practitioners of both Buddhism and Bon in Tibet use a variety of implements in their rituals.  Among these are special devices used by those who practice Tantra, a means of speeding up the attainment of Nirvana.  Tantric practicioners often spend time in charnel grounds, among dead bodies, and use objects made out of human bone, which is the most durable part of impermanent bodies.  

This lecture will talk about the implements commonly made of human bone--the gya ling (trumpet), damaru (drum), rus gyan…