It is said that this dance was performed for the first time in Samye Monastery in Tibet, in the eighth century, by Guru Rinpoche himself. The Tsholing, terrifying deities who are seen as protectors of the religion, purify the ground of evil influences.
The Ging, who make up Guru Rinpoche’s retinue, then chase away the Tsholing in order to take possession of the area and proclaim victory for the religion by beating drums. With their drumstick, they hit people on the head to drive out impurities, and the public whistles to keep demons far away.
The Dance of the Ging and the Tsholing (Ging dang Tsholing)
It is said that this dance was performed for the first time in Samye Monastery in Tibet, in the eighth century, by Guru Rinpoche himself. The Tsholing, terrifying deities who are seen as protectors of the religion, purify the ground of evil influences.
The Ging, who make up Guru Rinpoche’s retinue, then chase away the Tsholing in order to take possession of the area and proclaim victory for the religion by beating drums. With their drumstick, they hit people on the head to drive out impurities, and the public whistles to keep demons far away.