Drikung Kagyu Buddhist Music

Drikung Kagyu (直孔噶举派), also known as Drigung Kagyu (Wylie: ‘bri-gung bka’-brgyud), is one of the eight “minor” lineages of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. This “minor” designation refers to the lineages founded by the disciples of Gampopa (1079-1153), with the major lineages stemming from Gampopa’s direct disciples. One of these disciples, Jigten Sumgön (1143-1217), is the founder of the Drikung Kagyu tradition.

Overview

Drikung Kagyu Buddhist Music (直孔噶举派音乐), known as “Qurui” (曲瑞) in Tibetan, meaning “offering music,” is the traditional music of Mözhuguo County (墨竹工卡县) in the Tibet Autonomous Region. It was listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008 and is managed by the Drikung Thil Monastery Management Committee (直孔替寺管理委员会) in Lhasa (拉萨). In 2023, the project passed the evaluation for the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Project Protection Unit.

Musical Features

The music of the Drikung Kagyu school is a complete system of liturgical music used in Buddhist rituals. Originally, there were over 80 large compositions, of which more than 20 are still playable today. These pieces are performed using a variety of traditional Tibetan instruments, including drums, cymbals, tubas, Tibetan-style hornpipes (甲林), along with more than ten other instruments, such as Naus (铙), gong (铜锣), and surna (苏尔纳).

The core arrangement of the orchestra typically includes one cymbal, six drums, a pair or several pairs of tubas, and hornpipes. This ensemble plays a vital role in the Buddhist ceremonial practices of the Drikung Kagyu tradition.

Origin of the Music

The music was established after the founding of Drikung Kagyu by Jigten Sumgön in 1179. It developed further within the Drikung Monastery (直孔寺), particularly in the Protective Hall (护法殿), where the monastery’s musical traditions were formalized. The music is passed down through the “Rui Ci” (瑞次) musical scores and the oral teachings of older monks, a tradition that has had a profound influence on the music of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.

Cultural Characteristics

The Instruments and Their Role

Drikung Kagyu Buddhist Music features an extensive range of traditional instruments, including:

• Drums (柄鼓): Essential for rhythm and often used in ceremonial processes.

• Cymbals (钹): Used to emphasize transitions and changes in musical phrasing.

• Tubas (大号): Large horns central to the orchestra, adding volume and depth to the performance.

• Tibetan-style Hornpipes (藏式唢呐甲林): A distinct feature of Tibetan Buddhist music, providing melodic lines.

• Naus (铙) and Gongs (铜锣): Percussion instruments that provide spiritual and ceremonial depth.

The music’s repertoire is designed to accompany various Buddhist rituals, including prayers, offerings, and other sacred ceremonies. The musical system has its roots deeply embedded in Tibetan Buddhist liturgical practices, with each piece serving specific purposes within the spiritual context.

Performance Style

The performance of Drikung Kagyu Buddhist Music follows a structured format of offerings and prayers, creating an atmosphere conducive to meditation and reflection. The music is traditionally played during religious ceremonies within the Drikung Monastery and other Tibetan Buddhist institutions. The musicians are often skilled monks or lay practitioners who pass their knowledge through oral traditions.

Social Impact

Drikung Kagyu Buddhist Music plays a key role in preserving the cultural and spiritual identity of Tibetan Buddhists. It remains an essential part of the Tibetan Buddhist monastic life and has contributed significantly to the rich cultural heritage of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Through its distinct sound and unique instruments, this music helps maintain the continuity of Tibetan religious rituals and provides insight into Tibetan cultural expressions.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism

As one of the most important forms of Tibetan Buddhist music, Drikung Kagyu music maintains the integrity of Tibetan sacred music traditions. The practice not only serves as a spiritual offering but also as an important cultural artifact, helping to keep Tibetan Buddhism alive in modern times. Its ongoing transmission ensures that future generations can experience the soundscapes of Tibet’s monastic life.

Protection and Preservation Efforts

In October 2023, the Drikung Thil Monastery Management Committee (直孔替寺管理委员会) was officially recognized as the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Project Protection Unit for the Drikung Kagyu Buddhist Music project, ensuring its continued preservation. The initiative aims to protect this unique music form by:

• Documenting and recording musical compositions for future generations.

• Training new generations of performers in traditional musical techniques.

• Promoting cultural exchange to share this unique Tibetan Buddhist art form with a global audience.

Cultural and Historical Value

The music of the Drikung Kagyu school is more than just a form of musical expression; it is a vital cultural and spiritual resource that reflects the rich history of Tibetan Buddhism and its role in shaping the identity of the Tibetan people. The ongoing efforts to preserve this music are crucial in maintaining the integrity of Tibet’s religious and cultural heritage.