Qiangmu Dance of Jiangluo Deqing Chöling Monastery in Shigatse

Jiangluo Deqing Chöling Monastery is located in Nianmu Town of Samzhubze District in Shigatse(日喀则市桑珠孜年木乡). The Qiangmu Dance of Jiangluo Deqing Chöling Monastery (江洛德庆曲林寺尼姑羌姆) is a unique religious dance performed by nuns in Jiangluo Deqing Chöling Monastery (江洛德庆曲林寺) in Nyemo Township (年木乡), Shigatse (日喀则市), Tibet. It was included in the Fourth Batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage Expansion Projects in 2020 (Project No. III-22). This dance is an important part of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, and it incorporates elements such as blessing rituals and evil spirit exorcism. The performance consists of 6 groups of dancers, with a total of 24 participants, and follows a strict set of guidelines known as “Qiangmu Yi”, which regulates the dance, music, and visual art standards.

The costumes used in the performance merge Bön (苯教) and Buddhist (佛教) artistic elements, while special religious instruments are used as accompaniment. As of 2023, the project is protected by the Cultural and Tourism Bureau of Sangzhuzhi District (桑珠孜区文旅局), and Tseyang (次央), the fifth-generation inheritor, has trained 30 apprentices to ensure the continued tradition.

Origin and Development

The Qiangmu Dance of Jiangluo is a branch of the Vajrayana (金刚法舞) tradition, which is part of Tibetan Buddhism (藏传佛教) and shares its heritage with other forms like Drigung Gyal Qiangmu (直孔嘎尔羌姆). This dance is performed exclusively by nuns in the Jiangluo Deqing Chöling Monastery, and its religious practices can be traced back to the monastery’s founding. With its intense spiritual significance, it is considered a vital aspect of the Shigatse region’s religious identity.

The dance has been passed down within the nunneries, and as of 2023, the project is entering its standardized protection phase, following successful evaluation by the project protection unit.

Performance Features

The Qiangmu Dance follows a strict ceremonial protocol, with only one performance allowed each year. The rituals include special segments such as the “Yuan Guang Divination” (圆光占卜). The performance is divided into 6 groups, with each group consisting of 4 to 16 dancers, and the dancers must complete 32 basic movement combinations. The dance adheres to precise ritual measurements as outlined in sacred texts.

The artistic standards of the performance are defined by three key elements:

1. Dance Movements

The dance movements need to exhibit a dynamic aesthetic, characterized by “tiger leaps” and “lion squats”, emphasizing strength and grace.

2. Chanting

The chanting during the performance must maintain perfect pitch and devotional intensity, ensuring a harmonious spiritual atmosphere.

3. Mask Design

The mask designs must follow the guidelines of the “Image Measurement Sutra” (造像度量经), ensuring ritual accuracy and symbolic consistency.

Musical Instruments

The accompanying instruments consist of a mix of Bön and Buddhist sacred instruments, including:

  • Hand drums and leg bone horns (from Bön)

  • Copper horns and gonglin (from Buddhism)

  • Silk ceremonial robes and painted wooden masks

These instruments help create the deep, resonant soundscape that complements the dance’s spiritual tone.

Inheritance and Protection

The Qiangmu Dance follows a master-apprentice (师徒制) transmission system, with Tseyang (次央) at its core. He began his training at the age of 10 in the monastery, mastering Tantric Buddhist practices (密宗道术) and historical texts. The preservation methods include:

  • Oral transmission of dance movements

  • Training in chanting Tantric mantras (密咒吟唱)

  • Skills in using sacred instruments

Protection Measures

Recent efforts to protect and preserve the dance include:

  • In 2023, the dance’s digital archiving was completed to ensure it is documented for future generations.

  • The annual performance system has been reinstated, and there is now a training evaluation mechanism for inheritors.

  • Cross-monastery exchanges are being carried out to share skills and techniques.

Cultural Value

As a living representation of Tibetan Buddhist art, the Qiangmu Dance combines religious ritual and dance art, reflecting the fusion of Bön and Buddhism. The dance preserves Tibetan culture and showcases the Tibetan worldview and ethical concepts. It is a vital cultural link that maintains community identity.

The musical system used in the performance includes 12 traditional melodies, with a three-part musical structure: Introduction, Main Theme, and Coda. The music alternates between Yu (羽) and Shang (商) modes, creating a unique auditory signature that distinguishes the dance from other cultural performances.

This dance plays a significant role in maintaining not just religious traditions but also the cultural identity of the local communities, further solidifying its place as an essential part of Tibet’s rich heritage.