With Prima Mai and Vajra Dance Teachers
All Vajra Dances practiced in the International Dzogchen Community belong to the Longchen Ösel Khandro Nyinthig—in short, the Longsal cycle of teachings—which is a mind treasure (terma) of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu.
This Vajra Dance of Space of the Song of the Vajra (Khalongdorjeikar of the Song of the Vajra) takes place on a mandala called a Khalong.
- Kha translates from Tibetan as “space.”
- Long translates as “dimension,” such as the universe.
- Dorjei is the Tibetan term for the Sanskrit Vajra, a symbol representing our real, indestructible potential (like a thunderbolt), standing for the limitless manifestation of our true nature, which is inseparably inherent in all sentient beings.
- Kar translates as “dance.”
Thus, the Vajra Dance of Space is practiced on a mandala, or Khalong, which symbolizes the unlimited universal dimension of space. In this space, all potential manifestations are equally rooted as pure, unconditioned enlightened energy, clarity, and sensation.
The Vajra Dances are contemplative movements that integrate the magical displays of our eight consciousnesses, five senses, conceptual thoughts, memories, and emotions into Dzogchen—a state of self-liberation in instant presence beyond dualistic vision. These symbolic dances create a continuous energy flow of sound through clockwise and counterclockwise movements. Ideally, an equal number of female and male practitioners mirror and complement each other, moving harmoniously together within this resonant, concentrated field of the mandala.
Prerequisites & Preparation:
This course is open to practitioners who have received Dzogchen teachings and the transmission (Lung) of the Song of the Vajra from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu or Yeshi Silvano Namkhai.
- Required: You must know the Song of the Vajra by heart. It is highly recommended that you are already familiar with the Vajra Dances practiced on the Earth Mandala.
- Course Level: Because this is an advanced, deepening course, participants must have previously attended a Khalong course or study group to learn the pathway on the Khalong mandala.
The Song of the Vajra consists of 8 groups, each containing 4 lines. The Khalong mandala is divided into 4 sectors. Participants should familiarize themselves with which sector of the Khalong hosts each of the 8 groups of the Song. You can study this independently using the commentary notes or the book available for download from Shang Shung Publications, enjoying your own creative process of discovery.
If you are unfamiliar with the pathway, there will be a preparation course with Luda from November 24th to 27th at Dzamling Gar.
Please bring soft-soled shoes or clean socks for exclusive use on the mandala.
Schedule:
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
3:30 to 5:30 PM
Born in Germany and settled in Italy, Prima Mai met Rinpoche in 1988 and since 1990 she learned directly from Him with being invited to accompany on His travels to assist and develop the Vajra Dances in the various places of the Dzogchen Community worldwide.
In 1993 she was officially authorized as one of the two international Vajra Dance teachers to train and create more Vajra Dance Instructors.
She has dedicated her life to Rinpoche’s vision, developing the Vajra Dances in its various aspects.