Dhondup- Inheritor of Drikung Kagyu Buddhist Music in Maizhokunggar County, Lhasa, Tibet

Dhondup (顿珠), born on April 13, 1968, in Mozhugongka County (墨竹工卡县), Tibet, is a prominent figure in the preservation and transmission of Drikung Kagyu Buddhist music (直孔噶举派音乐), a tradition of Tibetan religious music. He is recognized as a representative inheritor of this important musical heritage and was named as such in 2008 when the music was included in the second batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage (国家级非物质文化遗产). Dhondup’s efforts have ensured the continuity of this sacred music, which plays a vital role in Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies.

Background and Early Training

Dhondup’s musical journey began in 1981 when he entered the Drikung Tsi Monastery (直孔替寺) in Mozhugongka County to study Buddhist music. By 1990, he was appointed as the lead chanting teacher (领诵师) at the monastery. Throughout his training, Dhondup immersed himself in the study of various religious music traditions and mastered the playing of numerous instruments associated with Drikung Kagyu Buddhist music, as well as the art of conducting and performing sacred melodies during religious ceremonies. His commitment to learning and performing Buddhist music led him to become a highly respected figure in the community.

Musical Legacy and Contributions

From 1997 to 2004, Dhondup served as the mentor for the Garlqiangmu performance troupe (嘎尔羌目表演队) at Drikung Tsi Monastery. His role involved teaching young monks about the art of performing religious music and ensuring that the sacred music of the monastery was passed on to future generations. In 2008, Dhondup was appointed as the Khenpo (堪布), a high-ranking lama, responsible for overseeing all Buddhist affairs and activities at the monastery. As a Khenpo, he continued to expand his influence, contributing to the monastery’s religious and musical activities while nurturing younger talent.

Dhondup has also trained other young Gurla (古尔鲁) inheritors, such as Palo Tenzin Dorje (帕洛·丹增多吉), ensuring that the tradition of Drikung Kagyu music continues to thrive in the community.

Drikung Kagyu Buddhist Music: A Sacred Tradition

Drikung Kagyu Buddhist music, known in Tibetan as “Churui” (曲瑞), meaning “sacred music for offerings,” originally consisted of over 80 large musical pieces, although currently, more than 20 compositions remain in active performance. This music serves an essential role in Buddhist rituals and is performed using a variety of traditional Tibetan instruments, including the handle drum (柄鼓), cymbals (钹), trumpet (大号), and Tibetan-style suona horn (藏式唢呐甲林), along with other instruments like gongs (铜锣), surnas (苏尔纳), and bells (铙).

The musical ensemble typically includes one cymbal, six handle drums, and several trumpets and suona horns. This core arrangement forms the central structure of the band, with other instruments complementing the sound. The music of Drikung Kagyu has influenced the performance styles of Buddhist monasteries throughout Tibet and remains integral to Tibetan Buddhist rituals today.

The origins of Drikung Kagyu music trace back to 1179, when it was founded by Jebpa Gytang Gongbu (觉巴·吉天贡布) after the establishment of the Drikung Kagyu Sect (直孔噶举派). The music developed within the monastery’s Dharmapala Hall (护法殿) and became an essential part of the monastery’s religious life. The compositions have been passed down through oral tradition and musical notation, known as “Rui Ci” (瑞次), a unique notation system developed to preserve these sacred songs.

Preservation Efforts and Recognition

In 2008, Drikung Kagyu Buddhist music was added to the second batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage in China, a major milestone in recognizing and protecting this important Tibetan cultural treasure. In 2023, the project underwent a formal assessment for its preservation and was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Project.

Dhondup’s contributions to the transmission and preservation of this music have been invaluable. His deep knowledge and hands-on experience have ensured that Drikung Kagyu music continues to be taught, performed, and celebrated in Tibetan Buddhist communities, thus preserving the rich cultural traditions of Tibet for future generations.