The Cham (in Tibetan), also known as the Vajra Dance, is one of the most striking expressions of Tibetan religious life. Performed during major festivals, this sacred drama unfolds in five acts, blending dance, music, and ritual to drive away evil and invoke blessing.
As the performance begins, the air trembles with the beat of drums, the clash of cymbals, and the long, low cry of horns. Monks enter the courtyard wearing enormous, fearsome masks—demons, deer, bulls, wrathful deities—all larger than a human head by two or three times. Their robes and ritual instruments swirl with every step, alternating between fierce and graceful movements.
In the third and fourth acts, six masked dancers with animal faces whirl wildly, and then a figure made of dough—representing evil and the impurities within the human heart—is placed in the center of the arena. A deep drone from the long horn echoes like a rumble from the earth’s core. Then the main character appears: the Great Vajra King, brandishing his ritual scepter, stamping the ground with power. The crowd falls silent. Some tremble or weep, offering white khata scarves—their sign of reverence and devotion. At the climax, the music suddenly stops. The dancers freeze. Then, with a swift motion, the Vajra King raises his weapon high and smashes the dough effigy to pieces, scattering it in every direction—a symbolic victory over evil and the destructive passions of greed, anger, and ignorance.
Through this dance, Tibetans express their yearning for cleansing, victory, and protection from unseen forces. May the day come when gospel drama, dance, and performance can speak to that same longing—bringing true comfort and freedom through the story of Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in the rugged and unpredictable highlands, people often feel small and vulnerable. Even the resilient and courageous Tibetan people long for protection and blessing. You, Lord, were Abraham’s shield in the desert, Israel’s protector in the wilderness, and Daniel’s deliverer in the lions’ den. May Your powerful Word bring comfort and true peace to the hearts of the Tibetan people. Raise up artists—dancers, dramatists, and storytellers—who can weave together tradition and creativity to share the good news in ways that touch Tibetan hearts. May they proclaim Jesus Christ, the One who conquered death and triumphed over the powers of darkness. And one day, may the Tibetan people lift their pure white khata scarves—not to idols, but to the Lord who loves them deeply. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.
