Junior Torma Makers Extend Their Skills –Kagyumonlam.org
January 30, 2020
Monlam Pavillion, Bodhgaya
January 4 – 30, 2020
Each year, Kagyupa International Monlam Trust supports the work of the torma makers who gather to create the butter sculptures for the Kagyu Monlam Chenmo and any rituals which will take place. The team in 2020 comprises 14 nuns and 53 monks, a mix of highly skilled and experienced senior torma makers and less-experienced junior ones.
Until now, the most complex butter sculptures, especially Buddha images, have been made only by senior torma makers, while the junior ones concentrated on the easier, more straightforward butter sculpture work such as leaves, decorations, the eight auspicious symbols and the 6 –syllable mantra [Om Mani Padme Hum]. This year, under the direction of Chöpon Ösel, in order to extend the range of skills of the junior torma makers, it was decided that all the Buddha butter sculptures would be made by junior torma makers, assisted and overseen by senior ones. The lead teachers were Chöpon Sonam Rinchen and Chöpon Karma Samten,though all the senior torma makers were involved in tutoring and encouraging the juniors.
It has been a great success. (Continue reading here)
