Presenting Khaita to Ringu Tulku Rinpoche and the Sangha
at Bodhicharya Kent's 10 Year Anniversary Celebration in the UK
On the 5th of June, we had the honour of presenting Khaita to Ringu Tulku Rinpoche and the Sangha at Bodhicharya Kent’s 10 Year Anniversary Celebration in the UK Bodhicharya UK. Khaita was a part of the event’s opening and a surprise for Ringu Tulku Rinpoche, prepared by his students who were aware of his keen interest in Tibetan songs and dances, particularly in Khaita. In addition to the dance performance, we also watched a short documentary about the history of Khaita and presented a special edition of “Message from Tibet” – the first collection of 108 Tibetan songs by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu – to Ringu Tulku Rinpoche.
Petra Zezulkova, one of our dancers and coordinator of the event:
“I was deeply touched by Ringu Tulku Rinpoche’s opening speech. He emphasized the importance of songs and dances in preserving culture, particularly in keeping the language alive. It reminded me of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s words that without the language, there won’t be texts or teaching.
Ringu Tulku Rinpoche continued by recounting his childhood memories and how he fondly remembered the joy of gathering with family and friends, always singing and dancing. Ringu Tulku Rinpoche was pleased and happy that we came to perform, mentioning that he always wanted to see a live performance ever since discovering Khaita online. He conveyed his deep respect and gratitude for Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s dedication to Tibetan songs and dances.
Personally, the entire speech deeply moved me.
I believe that because the event was filmed for the archive, it presents a beautiful opportunity for future generations to witness Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s Khaita project as a bridge of communication and a step towards further collaboration between two sanghas.”
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Bodhicharya team, Cesare Saguato and Vanessa Matthews, for inviting us and being such gracious hosts, as well as to Julieann Natwal for the wonderful photos. We would also like to thank The London Institute of Tibetan Studies: Shang Shung UK and Lekdanling – Tibetan Cultural Centre for their organizational support, especially Julia Lawless and Jamyang Oliphant.
The event was filmed by The Meridian Trust – A Tibetan Buddhist Film Resource. Ringu Tulku Rinpoche speaks about Tibetan songs early in the recording (min 3:10 – 13:00): https://meridian-trust.org/video/342-eight-verses-1of2_pm002561a/
Lena Dumcheva for The Mirror, Turning the Wheel of Khaita Joyful Dances
