Author: Jack Eidt

Tibet, sacred dance
Rituals and Traditions

Tibetan Skeleton Dance: Cemetery Protectors of Truth

In the sacred Tibetan Skeleton dance two Dharmapalas (Protectors of Truth) appear, played by Monks, deities whose role is to protect the cemetery grounds. Their presence also reminds the audience of the ephemeral nature of this world and of their own mortality. The cult of ?the Se?cond Buddha?, Padmasambhava, initiated the practice through the rich mythological literature.