"GYU is about all movement that one does very precisely, like Vajra Dance, Om A Hum Dance is really manifestation of GYU.
GYU is not only a way of moving, if it is also harmonious and precise …is more beautiful." — from the explanation of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu.
In this commentary Rinpoche refers to another practice connected to movement, called Vajra Dance. Vajra Dance is performed on a Mandala, the steps and movements are done precisely and harmoniously. They symbolise the interconnection and correspondence of our inner state and our life, the world and the dimension we are living in.
So, we apply the similar approach to movement in Khaita: in each dance we perform specific sequences of movements and steps, with attention to quality, harmoniously (remembering the first, DEM principle) and being aware about their symbolic meaning:
Our life is full of movement. With the GYU principle we train to be harmonious in circumstances — being in the right place, at the right time, doing the right things, but in a relaxed manner, not forcing, without stress.
To try the GYU principle on practice let's dance Luzhig Long (གླུ་ཞིག་ལོངས།, Sing a Song) from the Mekhor collection (Metreng 1, Group 5, Song 07):
For further reflections on topic more from the point of Dzogchen practice we recommend you:
an introductory part of the book "The Dance of the Vajra",
a video of the talk given by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in Kunsangar North in 2014 (available by link)
We also invite you to join the upcoming Exploring Khaita workshop (details below). We will explore the meanings of songs and how they connect with melody and movement, focusing on the important theme of harmony between humans and nature.
We continue to discover the principles of Khaita in our next issue. Do not hesitate to share with us your reflections and experiences on GYU!
Exploring Khaita online Workshop #2
Preserving environment in Khaita songs and dances
Join us on the 6th of April, at 6 pm CET!
Adriana Dal Borgo & Kateřina Drajsajtlová will tell us about:
interdependence of individual and environment in Tibetan culture, medicine and astrology,
living in harmony with nature and environmental protection in Khaita songs,
songs and dances: singing and dancing together with emphasis on connection of intention, melody and movement.
The workshop will be in English, with translation. If you need translation to a specific language, please let us know during registration.
We would like to remind you also about weekly classes— one hour weekly practices, where we are training new choreographies, going deeper into details, sharing experiences and creating a circle of joy spending time together.
The classes are every Tuesday at 7 pm CET, continuing from the 8th of April. Language — simple English.
The classes are open for all, regardless of whether you have danced Khaita Joyful Dances before or not.
