Lama Mima- Inheritor of Qiangmu Dance of Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, Tibet

Lama Mima (喇嘛·米玛), born in 1933 in Shigatse (日喀则), Tibet, is a prominent Tibetan (藏族) artist and the representative inheritor of the Qiangmu Dance (羌姆) from Tashilhunpo Monastery (扎什伦布寺). Lama Mima is recognized for his deep commitment to preserving and passing on the Qiangmu Dance tradition, an integral part of Tibetan religious life.

Contributions to the Preservation of Qiangmu Dance

Lama Mima has been dedicated to preserving the Qiangmu Dance (羌姆) for decades. His tireless work in teaching and performing has ensured the continuity of this sacred Tibetan dance. He has worked alongside Lama Ciren (喇嘛·次仁) to train over 80 disciples, significantly contributing to the revival and transmission of this traditional art form. His efforts were pivotal in safeguarding the Semenqim (色姆钦姆) style of Qiangmu Dance, which is celebrated for its intricate melodies, rhythmic patterns, and expressive movements.

Lama Mima and his students have helped ensure that Qiangmu Dance remains a vital and living tradition, carrying the profound spiritual and cultural values of Tibetan Buddhism to future generations.

Personal Journey and Artistic Development

Lama Mima’s journey with Qiangmu Dance (羌姆) began in 1953, when he started learning the dance and performing in the annual celebrations at Tashilhunpo Monastery (扎什伦布寺). His dedication and passion for the art led him to master the entire Semenqim (色姆钦姆) repertoire, including its melodies, drum patterns, and dance movements. Lama Mima eventually became the head of the “Zigong Kang” (孜公康) at Tashilhunpo Monastery, where he was responsible for overseeing performances and teaching the next generation of Qiangmu dancers.

His profound understanding of the Semenqim Qiangmu style, combined with his deep connection to the monastic traditions at Tashilhunpo Monastery, has allowed him to play a leading role in preserving this art form.

Project Information

The Qiangmu Dance of Tashilhunpo Monastery (扎什伦布寺羌姆) was included in the second batch of national-level intangible cultural heritage projects in 2008. With the project number Ⅲ-22, it was officially recognized for its significant cultural and spiritual value, especially as a form of Tibetan Buddhist ritual dance. This dance has long been regarded as an essential religious and artistic expression within Tibetan Buddhism, and it continues to hold deep significance in both the religious and cultural life of Tibet.

Legacy and Recognition

Lama Mima’s outstanding contributions to the Qiangmu Dance (羌姆) tradition were acknowledged when he was named a representative inheritor of the second batch of national-level intangible cultural heritage projects in Tibet. Along with Lama Ciren (喇嘛·次仁), he has been instrumental in ensuring that Qiangmu Dance remains an active and evolving practice within Tashilhunpo Monastery (扎什伦布寺), bridging the gap between generations of Tibetans and preserving the dance for years to come.

Through his dedication to teaching, performing, and preserving this traditional dance, Lama Mima has secured his place as a central figure in the preservation of Tibetan performing arts, leaving a lasting impact on future generations of dancers and scholars.