Mystical Arts of Tibet: Sacred Music Sacred Dance November 14, 2009

In recent years The Mystical Arts of Tibet tours, featuring the famed multiphonic singers of Drepung Loseling monastery, have taken the world by storm. Tibetan temple music is particularly renowned in the West for its two forms of multiphonic singing known as jok-kay (low tone) and bar-da (high tone). It has also been referred to as "throat singing."

In both forms, each of the main chantmasters simultaneously intones three notes, thus each individually creating a complete chord. The Tibetans are the only known people who cultivate this most extraordinary vocal ability.

This tradition is also known as "overtone singing" because it is accomplished by means of learning to control the muscles of the vocal cavity and then re-shaping it while singing, thus intensifying the natural overtones of the voice. In essence, the body is transformed into an effective overtone amplifier.

The monks also perform a number sacred dances, including the Snow Lion Dance, the Dance of the Skeleton Lords, and the Dance of the Celestial Travelers.

Endorsed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a means of promoting world peace and healing through sacred performing art, they have performed in many of America's greatest theaters and music halls.

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