The best way to learn is to attend a course led by an authorized teacher.
When it is not possible to join a course in the near future, one can try to learn the basic steps and movements following other practitioners – without disturbing too much their practice – or studying the dance with videos and books. In this case, however, one should make the commitment to participate in a course with an authorized teacher as soon as possible, in order to check and correct oneself.
It is not advisable to rely solely on learning materials or skip the course to save money. From observation, it is not easy to notice or change mistakes, because habits form very quickly.
In accordance with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s advice, in order to keep the Dance of the Vajra pure to its origin it is important that every practitioner learns the dance correctly from the beginning, and always checks it with a teacher.
When it is not possible to join a course in the near future, one can try to learn the basic steps and movements following other practitioners – without disturbing too much their practice – or studying the dance with videos and books. In this case, however, one should make the commitment to participate in a course with an authorized teacher as soon as possible, in order to check and correct oneself.
It is not advisable to rely solely on learning materials or skip the course to save money. From observation, it is not easy to notice or change mistakes, because habits form very quickly.
In accordance with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s advice, in order to keep the Dance of the Vajra pure to its origin it is important that every practitioner learns the dance correctly from the beginning, and always checks it with a teacher.
No, the Vajra Dance is suitable for whoever is interested in harmonizing energy. You only need the wish to learn.
Since one of the main points of the Vajra Dance is harmonizing energy, it should be done in a relaxed way. Everybody can learn it step by step.
See the page TEACHERS
See the page COURSES
You can refer to the CALENDAR and search a course using different parameters (place, time, kind of dance, kind of course: basic, deepening, teacher training, teacher meeting, practice retreat).
Everybody can start to learn the Dance of the Vajra That Benefits Beings.
All Vajra Dances taught by Chögyal Namkai Norbu are inseparably linked to the transmission of the Dzogchen Teaching. In order to receive all the benefits of the dances, one should have received this transmission during retreats with Rinpoche. Everyone, however, can learn and practice the Dance of the Vajra that Benefits Beings. If further interested one can proceed to learn the Dance of the Three Vajras and then the Vajra Dance of the Dimension of Space (12 As).
The Dance of the Song of the Vajra is linked profoundly to the three series of the Dzogchen teachings (Semde, Longde and Upadesha). Therefore it is reserved to who has been introduced to the primordial state by a recognized teacher of the Dzogchen lineage, and practices the Dzogchen teachings. Furthermore, one must have received a particular transmission, called lung, by Chögyal Namkai Norbu, which means listening to the sound of the Song of the Vajra.
The Dance of the Song of the Vajra is linked profoundly to the three series of the Dzogchen teachings (Semde, Longde and Upadesha). Therefore it is reserved to who has been introduced to the primordial state by a recognized teacher of the Dzogchen lineage, and practices the Dzogchen teachings. Furthermore, one must have received a particular transmission, called lung, by Chögyal Namkai Norbu, which means listening to the sound of the Song of the Vajra.
Dzogchen is not a tradition, religion or philosophy, but refers to a state of knowledge inherent in every sentient being. Since the Dzogchen teachings and methods are not based on beliefs or dogmas, there is no problem to practice Dzogchen integrating it with other religious paths or philosophies.
Comfortable clothing and soft shoes or socks.
Usually Vajra Dance courses are organized by the gakyils of the International Dzogchen Community. If you are a gakyil member and want to organize a course, please refer to our general guidelines (LINK with document). For questions contact [email protected].
Courses can be organized also by members of the International Dzogchen Community, Buddhist organizations, institutions as schools, universities etc., or owners of a private mandala. In this case you should contact the gakyil of the next gar or ling (i.e. the big or small centers of the International Dzogchen Community) and organize the course in collaboration with them. Click here to contact the next gar or ling.
Alternatively you can get in touch with the local teacher, who will help you in collaboration with the local gakyil, or you can write to [email protected].
Courses can be organized also by members of the International Dzogchen Community, Buddhist organizations, institutions as schools, universities etc., or owners of a private mandala. In this case you should contact the gakyil of the next gar or ling (i.e. the big or small centers of the International Dzogchen Community) and organize the course in collaboration with them. Click here to contact the next gar or ling.
Alternatively you can get in touch with the local teacher, who will help you in collaboration with the local gakyil, or you can write to [email protected].
See the teacher’s list and contact the teacher living next to you, who always collaborates with the local gakyil.
If you wish to organize a basic course, but for some reason your local teacher is not available, you can invite another teacher. It can be interesting for a group of practitioners to discover the characteristics and qualities of another teacher, and it can be inspiring when two teachers hold a course together. In any case, the courses should always be organized in collaboration with the local teacher and the local gakyil.
For deepening courses it is recommended to invite teachers with more teaching experience and [AnythingPopup id=”1″] to hold these courses.
For deepening courses it is recommended to invite teachers with more teaching experience and [AnythingPopup id=”1″] to hold these courses.
The suggested number of participants is 10 for the male and 10 for the female part of the dance. This means two groups of each gender: the teacher, who shows the movements on the mandala, can be followed by 5 practitioners at a time; then she/he can teach the next group of 5 practitioners.
When you have more than one mandala, the group can be bigger. Just be aware that if it is too large, particularly in beginner’s courses, each participant’s practice and learning time is very limited.
When you have more than one mandala, the group can be bigger. Just be aware that if it is too large, particularly in beginner’s courses, each participant’s practice and learning time is very limited.
For the courses of the Dance of the Vajra that Benefits Beings and the Dance of the Three Vajras plan 2-3 days (for example a weekend), or the equivalent number of sessions: one day means two sessions of 2-3 hours each.
For a course of the Dance of the Song of the Vajra plan 6-7 days for each of the two parts (1st and 2nd part), or 6-7 weekends for the whole dance (or the equivalent number of sessions).
For a course of the Vajra Dance of the Dimension of Space (12 As) plan 1-2 sessions.
For teacher trainings plan a minimum of 6 days for the 1st level and a minimum of 8 days for the 2nd level.
For a course of the Dance of the Song of the Vajra plan 6-7 days for each of the two parts (1st and 2nd part), or 6-7 weekends for the whole dance (or the equivalent number of sessions).
For a course of the Vajra Dance of the Dimension of Space (12 As) plan 1-2 sessions.
For teacher trainings plan a minimum of 6 days for the 1st level and a minimum of 8 days for the 2nd level.
It is beneficial to add one or more ‘only-practice-sessions’, or full practice days, right after the course or in the following days or weekends, in order to allow the group to practice intensively together with a fresh memory.
These practice days do not require the presence of a teacher.
- a mandala (and, if it is a transportable one, adhesive tape to keep it in place)
- a blue candle (or a – possibly blue – candleholder with a tea light) for indoor mandalas, or a crystal ball for outdoor mandalas or windy places, to place in the center of the mandala
- a cd/mp3 player and the music for the Vajra Dance
- cushion/chair/small table for the teacher and cushions or chairs for all participants
- water/tea/snack etc. for the teacher, and possibly also for the students
- optional a small ‘altar’ for incense and images supporting the practice
If circumstances allow it, at the end of the course there will be a Ganapuja. In this case consider adding some time for it at the last teaching session.
Courses of the Dance of the Vajra that Benefits Beings can be announced nearly everywhere (Buddhist centers, universities, schools, bookstores, dance institutions etc.). They should also be publicized on the platforms of the International Dzogchen Community (Norbunet, social networks, calendar of this website).
Courses of the Dance of the Three Vajras can be announced in Buddhist centers and on the platforms of the International Dzogchen Community.
Courses of the Dance of the Song of the Vajra and the Vajra Dance of the Dimension of Space (12 As) can be announced on the platforms of the International Dzogchen Community and in affiliated Buddhist centers (Karmaling, Tara Mandala).
Courses of the Dance of the Three Vajras can be announced in Buddhist centers and on the platforms of the International Dzogchen Community.
Courses of the Dance of the Song of the Vajra and the Vajra Dance of the Dimension of Space (12 As) can be announced on the platforms of the International Dzogchen Community and in affiliated Buddhist centers (Karmaling, Tara Mandala).
For now every gakyil prepares its own announcements. As soon as we have texts and templates we will publish the links here.
If you belong to the International Dzogchen Community you can purchase a portable mandala or you can make a portable or fix mandala by yourself.
If you are not part of the International Dzogchen Community, but you need a mandala to organize a course or to practice the Dance of the Vajra that Benefits Beings, you can rent one. In this case please contact [email protected].
If you are not part of the International Dzogchen Community, but you need a mandala to organize a course or to practice the Dance of the Vajra that Benefits Beings, you can rent one. In this case please contact [email protected].
The mandala of the Dance of the Vajra is the spiritual property of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, therefore it is necessary to ask his permission to get one. Please send a short request to Rinpoche specifying the location where the mandala will be used.
If the mandala will not be the property of a gar or ling (i.e. the big or small centers of the International Dzogchen Community), but of a private owner, he/she must also specify his/her name, the membership number of the International Dzogchen Community, and the location where the mandala will be used.
Once Rinpoche gave his permission, you can receive information on how to order or paint/print a mandala writing to [email protected].
Once your mandala is ready, you must send all relevant information to the World Mandala Archive using this form.
- get the permission from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu (see previous question)
- write to [email protected] to get the instructions for making a mandala
- select the size that works for your situation
- draw and color the mandala
- protect the surface with a transparent film
- send all relevant information for the World Mandala Archive using this form.
The Earth Mandala can have a small, medium or large center and two different sizes for the 7th and the 8th ring (with the white and red triangles). These parameters can be combined in different ways resulting in mandalas of four diameters:
- Small center + small triangles = diameter 7,48
- Small center+ big triangles = diameter 7,92
- Medium center + small triangles = diameter 7,92
- Medium center + big triangles = diameter 8,36
- Large center + small triangles = diameter 8,36
- Large center + big triangles = diameter 8,80
The biggest mandala is the best choice, but if it doesn’t fit in your location, you can choose a smaller size. In any case the center should be as large as possible. If none of the indicated sizes fits in your space, the measures can be modified a bit: the center and the outer triangles can be reduced by 2-3 centimeters, the outer blue circle can be reduced to a minimum of 2-3 centimeters. In this way the mandala can be reduced to a minimum of 7,40 m.
Stationary mandalas can be drawn on the floor (wood, stone, concrete).
Portable mandalas can be drawn or printed on tyvek, pvc or other materials. The surface must be slippy to allow the feet to turn easily.
Tyvek mandalas are very light and therefore a good solution, when you need them for weekly practices in places like gyms, which you rent for some hours.
Mandalas in pvc are heavier to carry, but more resistant to abrasion, and can be used also outdoors.
Portable mandalas can be drawn or printed on tyvek, pvc or other materials. The surface must be slippy to allow the feet to turn easily.
Tyvek mandalas are very light and therefore a good solution, when you need them for weekly practices in places like gyms, which you rent for some hours.
Mandalas in pvc are heavier to carry, but more resistant to abrasion, and can be used also outdoors.
A database of all stationary and portable mandalas on Earth.
Its purpose is to keep track of all existing mandalas, which are the spiritual property of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu.
The World Mandala Archive is also connected to the Global Mandala Map, which highlights Vajra Dance practices done contemporarily by practitioners all over the World.
Its purpose is to keep track of all existing mandalas, which are the spiritual property of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu.
The World Mandala Archive is also connected to the Global Mandala Map, which highlights Vajra Dance practices done contemporarily by practitioners all over the World.
The best way not to forget what you learned in a Vajra Dance course is to repeat the steps many times. If you don’t have the chance to practice on a ‘real’ mandala nearby, you can paint or print a piece of a mandala to train single sequences of steps. You can also make a string mandala, which can be easily used outdoors (for indications on how to make one, please write to [email protected]). Or you can just visualize the mandala and practice the steps at home.
It is not necessary that these training mandalas be of the correct measures: you can adapt them to your space. Obviously dancing on these training mandalas doesn’t have the same function and benefit as dancing on a real mandala.
It is not necessary that these training mandalas be of the correct measures: you can adapt them to your space. Obviously dancing on these training mandalas doesn’t have the same function and benefit as dancing on a real mandala.
You can buy it during retreats with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, in the bookstores of the gars and lings (i.e. the big or small centers of the International Dzogchen Community), or you can order it online.
The Dance of the Vajra that Benefits Beings can be shown everywhere.
The Dance of the Three Vajras and the Vajra Dance of the Dimension of Space (12 As) can be shown in events related to Buddhism (ceremonies, celebrations, special days).
The Dance of the Song of the Vajra cannot take part in public events or festivals. It can be demonstrated or offered to Dharma teachers and students in centers of the International Dzogchen Community or of affiliated Buddhist traditions, or at invitation of recognized Dharma teachers.
The Dance of the Three Vajras and the Vajra Dance of the Dimension of Space (12 As) can be shown in events related to Buddhism (ceremonies, celebrations, special days).
The Dance of the Song of the Vajra cannot take part in public events or festivals. It can be demonstrated or offered to Dharma teachers and students in centers of the International Dzogchen Community or of affiliated Buddhist traditions, or at invitation of recognized Dharma teachers.
It is possible to wear the costumes for public presentations with a spiritual audience, or when the Dance of the Vajra is part of Dharma-related ceremonies or high profile events. In this case all dancers should wear a costume.
In other situations, especially in open spaces where people happen by chance, it is preferable to present the dance in normal clothes coordinating a bit the outfit. Men could wear, for example, long blue pants and white shirts with long sleeves, women a long shirt, dress or tunic and long pants or leggings.
In other situations, especially in open spaces where people happen by chance, it is preferable to present the dance in normal clothes coordinating a bit the outfit. Men could wear, for example, long blue pants and white shirts with long sleeves, women a long shirt, dress or tunic and long pants or leggings.
The Vajra Dance costume can be used as an ornament and support of the practice. It can be worn by members of the International Dzogchen Community or of affiliated Buddhist traditions or centers, who are practicing the Dance of the Vajra and have received the transmission of the Dzogchen teachings and of the lung of the Song of the Vajra by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu.
Devoted practitioners of the Dance of the Vajra should try to get a costume. The costumes are used on special occasions and for collective practices, which are globally coordinated for the benefit of all sentient beings, for peace on Earth, and for the evolution of humanity.
Devoted practitioners of the Dance of the Vajra should try to get a costume. The costumes are used on special occasions and for collective practices, which are globally coordinated for the benefit of all sentient beings, for peace on Earth, and for the evolution of humanity.
The Dance of the Vajra is associated to the International Dance Council CID-UNESCO, the official umbrella organization for all forms of dance in the World. It is recognized by UNESCO, national and local governments, international organizations and institutions. It is a non-governmental organization founded in 1973 within the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where it is based. Its members are the most prominent dance federations, associations, schools, companies and individuals in 155 countries.