Dharma Bums-great song to VY
The Dharma Bums were a US garage band which consisted of 4 members: Jim, John, Jeremy and Eric. They formed in 1987 in Oregon and came up with several albums… each of them getting better every time! They would perform everywhere, and sing about subjects covering rape, environmental issues, adolescence, suicide… and even Dharma.
Phil Void was the songwriter who started the group, and he himself is a long-time student of Tibetan Buddhism. He was very involved with fundraising efforts to rebuild Tibetan monasteries in India. Gradually, his songs started 
mostly revolving around Tibetan culture and religion… he would write songs about specific Dharmic subjects such as Guru Rinpoche, Vajra Dakini, samsara etc… how interesting!!
They traveled all over the world to perform, and even had Nirvana following them on tour to be their opening act!! This is until Nirvana themselves started gaining fame themselves of course hehe
I have added one of the songs which I love the most from their album… it’s called Vajra Dakini. Take a listen… it’s very cool, new-age and different. Enjoy the song… it is to Vajra Yogini…
Tsem Rinpoche
Lyrics:
Vajra Dakini
Crystal Diamond Vajra Dakini,
To and fro you gently sway,
You ride the wind from Kanchenchunga
Diamond Dakini, show me the way!
Nirmanakaya Yeshe Tsogyal
Riding ‘cross the Lhasa plains.
You come to me and let me know how,
Diamond Dakini, show me the way.
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/VajraDakini.mp4
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nice version. Don’t forget to Phil da Void
Sounds like Howie on tubs. Reminds of
loads of poor paying gigs, too many oeople sitting in. , Phil mire thsn a ciuple sheets to wind. Some great times. Some not so much.
Great songs. Good voice.
Tony Mindcontrole / A Swollen Monkey
The Dharma Bums were a U.S. garage band, formed in 1987 in Portland, Oregon, United States. The band had performed everywhere, and sing varies of subjects travelling around the world. The best is even Dharma songs as well revolving around Tibetan culture and religion. One of the band members is a long-time student of Tibetan Buddhism. Listening to the powerful Crystal Diamond Vajra Dakini, is a blessing.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Listening the songs by Dharma Band …..great song to VY. Wow it tells us all with that lyrics……. Diamond Dakini, show me the way. May more people be connected to this powerful Crystal Diamond Vajra Dakini, as mentioned in the lyrics.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing. It’s a beautiful meaningful songs.
Thank you for sharing this Rinpoche! This song is really cool and nice, very different rhythm! It feels like inviting the deities come to us so openly, we are in high mood, excited. I think this song can attract many people come to learn more Dharma too. It feels young!
A sacred image of the rare form of Vajrayogini known as Ucheyma, the Buddha that shows us the path to eradicate the ego. For this and many other high-resolution images of the enlightened beings to download for free visit: https://bit.ly/2oxb4qU
Ucheyma (Severed Headed Vajrayogini) (Main figure)
(Top to bottom): H.H. the 7th Panchen Lama, Ucheyma (Severed Headed Vajrayogini), Vajra Varnani (green assistant), Vajra Vairocani (yellow assistant), Dorje Shugden and Citipati.
The central deity is known as Chinnamasta or Dorje Neljorma Ucheyma. Both Chinnamasta (Sanskrit) and Ucheyma (Tibetan) literally mean, ‘She Whose Head is Severed’. The meaning behind her form is to show practitioners that they need to completely remove the grasping and self-identification with the “I” or the ego. Generally, the identity of the self is strongly associated with our face more than any other part of our body. We usually recognise a person when we look at a person’s face. Hence, our self-identification or ego is strongly associated with our face. To show us that this self-identification needs to be overcome on the spiritual path to enlightenment, Vajrayogini uses her ritual chopper to decapitate herself. This is symbolic of her practice eradicating the ego.
The Severed Headed Vajrayogini, as she is also known, removes all afflictive mental constructs by removing the root cause – the identification of the self, the ego. We are either attached to or averse to people and circumstances because we have an ego to please, gratify and protect. But in the grander scheme of things, this self-identification with the ‘I’ is illusory and does not really exist. Therefore, Vajrayogini reveals this ultimate truth through the dramatic decapitation of her head and at the same time is still able to live and function. She is able to live due to her direct perception of emptiness and egolessness.
Contrary to what some people might think, the eradication of the self does not destroy individualism, our personality or make us into a mindless person. In fact, the eradication of the ego makes us become a vibrant and compassionate person, someone that has greater awareness of the suffering of others. In other words, we become much warmer, kinder, forgiving, tolerant, conscientious, generous, contemplative and we are become a joy to be with. The cutting of the ego or the ‘I’ brings us towards awakening our true self, the Buddha nature within.
The Severed Headed Vajrayogini has two dakini attendants. From the trunk of her neck, there are three severed blood vessels spurting three jets of blood that flow into the mouths of her own decapitated head that she carries in her left hand and into the mouths of her two attendants. Tsem Rinpoche explained that the three jets of blood represent that her practice purifies the three psychic poisons of ignorance, hatred and desire. In turn, this leads to the attainment of the three bodies of a Buddha – the emanation body, the enjoyment body and the truth body. In other words, the severance of the ego via her tantric path leads to the purification of all delusions and ultimately, the attainment of Buddhahood itself.
The 7th Panchen Lama, Palden Tenpai Nyima is featured floating above because of his compilation of sadhanas from the ancient Sadhanamala texts. This includes a particular sadhana or collection of prayers, visualisation and mantra focused on Ucheyma. Incidentally, Dorje Shugden in many of his previous lives was a lineage master of the Vajrayogini tantras as well. These previous lives include the likes of the Mahasiddha Naropa and Tsarchen Losel Gyatso. The Lord and Lady of the Charnel Ground, known as Citipati, are one of the main protectors of the Vajrayogini Tantra.
Last of all, the ascetic meditator engaging in his devotional practices towards Ucheyma in the cemetery represents the ideal environment for tantric practice because such environments invoke deep renunciation towards worldly affairs and attachments. All Buddhist traditions advocate meditating on the bones of the deceased because it reminds us of our mortality and hence, we develop revulsion towards the transient nature of worldly or ordinary existence.
More free downloads: https://bit.ly/2oxb4qU
Read more about Vajrayogini: https://bit.ly/2iVLCuG
Ucheyma (Severed Headed Vajrayogini) (Main figure)
(Top to bottom): Maitri Kacho (Flying Vajrayogini), Maitri Kacho (One-Leg Up Vajrayogini), Naro Kacho, Sukhasiddhi, Ucheyma (Severed Headed Vajrayogini), Vajra Varnani (green assistant), Vajra Vairocani (yellow assistant), Citipati, Vajravarahi and Dorje Shugden.
The central deity is known as Severed Headed Vajrayogini, Chinnamasta or Dorje Neljorma Ucheyma. Both Chinnamasta (Sanskrit) and Ucheyma (Tibetan) literally mean, ‘She Whose Head is Severed’. The meaning behind her form is to show practitioners that they need to completely remove the grasping and self-identification with the “I” or the ego. Generally, the identity of the self is strongly associated with our face more than any other part of our body. We usually recognise a person when we look at a person’s face. Hence, our self-identification or ego is strongly associated with our face. To show us that this self-identification needs to be overcome on the spiritual path to enlightenment, Vajrayogini uses her ritual chopper to decapitate herself. This is symbolic of her practice eradicating the ego.
The Severed Headed Vajrayogini removes all afflictive mental constructs by removing the root cause – the identification of the self, the ego. We are either attached to or averse to people and circumstances because we have an ego to please, gratify and protect. But in the grander scheme of things, this self-identification with the ‘I’ is illusory and does not really exist. Therefore, Vajrayogini reveals this ultimate truth through the dramatic decapitation of her head and at the same time is still able to live and function. She is able to live due to her direct perception of emptiness and egolessness.
Contrary to what some people might think, the eradication of the self does not destroy individualism, our personality or make us into a mindless person. In fact, the eradication of the ego makes us become a vibrant and compassionate person, someone that has greater awareness of the suffering of others. In other words, we become much warmer, kinder, forgiving, tolerant, conscientious, generous, contemplative and we are become a joy to be with. The cutting of the ego or the ‘I’ brings us towards awakening our true self, the Buddha nature within.
The Severed Headed Vajrayogini has two dakini attendants. From the trunk of her neck, there are three severed blood vessels spurting three jets of blood that flow into the mouths of her own decapitated head that she carries in her left hand and into the mouths of her two attendants. Tsem Rinpoche explained that the three jets of blood represent that her practice purifies the three psychic poisons of ignorance, hatred and desire. In turn, this leads to the attainment of the three bodies of a Buddha – the emanation body, the enjoyment body and the truth body. In other words, the severance of the ego via her tantric path leads to the purification of all delusions and ultimately, the attainment of Buddhahood itself.
Severed Headed Vajrayogini is surrounded by some of her other forms, including Naro Kacho, two forms of Maitri Kacho, Sukhasiddhi and Vajravarahi. These forms of Vajrayogini are more commonly practised compared to Severed Headed Vajrayogini and are prevalent in most Tibetan Buddhist lineages. Though they may look different, all forms are indivisible from her true nature and all her practices can lead practitioners to enlightenment. Naro Kacho arose from a vision beheld by the Mahasiddha Naropa, Maitri Kacho from a vision beheld by Maitripa, and Indra Kacho from a vision beheld by Indrabodhi. The Lord and Lady of the Charnel Ground, known as Citipati, are one of the main protectors of the Vajrayogini Tantra.
Last of all, Dorje Shugden is a protector with special affinity with Vajrayogini practitioners because he arose from an incarnation lineage that includes Naropa and Tsarchen Losel Gyatso who practised and proliferated her Tantra.
More free downloads: https://bit.ly/2oxb4qU
Read more about Vajrayogini: https://bit.ly/2iVLCuG
Vajrayogini (Main figure)
(Top to bottom): Naropa, Vajradharma, Hero Vajradharma, Naro Kacho, Maitri Kacho (Flying Vajrayogini), Dorje Shugden and Vajravarahi.
Vajrayogini is a female tantric Buddha and she has many forms that are derived from various lineages. She mainly embodies the fully enlightened female (shakti) aspect of a Buddha. She belongs to the Mother Tantra classification, which refers to her practice concentrating on the wisdom aspect of the path to Buddhahood. She is also the principal dakini, the compassionate female guides and nurturers of tantric meditation who lead practitioners to enlightenment. In the thangka, the main figure in the middle is Naro Kechari as she arose from the pure vision of the Mahasiddha Naropa.
In Anuttara (Highest) Yoga Tantra, principal dakinis normally appear in union with a male consort and this can be seen in the cases of deities such as Guhyasamaja, Hevajra, and Kalachakra. In the case of Vajrayogini, she is the principal female Buddha of the Chakrasamvara Tantra and therefore, she is normally in union with Heruka Chakrasamvara. Furthermore, Vajrayogini is also considered a Vajradakini, who are yidams or meditational deities in their own right. Their practices have evolved from the main practices of their consorts, simplifying the otherwise complicated original practice by reducing it to a single-deity meditation without sacrificing the main benefits and features of the original. Hence, Vajradakini practices such as Vajrayogini and Nairatmya are derived from the original Chakrasamvara Tantra and Hevajra Tantra respectively.
In essence, Vajrayogini is known as “Sarvabuddha-dakini” or the Dakini Who is the Essence of all Buddhas. Her mantra is known as the King of All Mantras as it has the most powerful ability to bless us with spiritual attainments even without any visualisation or meditation. There are 11 Yogas in the generation stage of her practice and a few which have the power of transforming ordinary actions like sleeping, waking and ordinary daily tasks into a collection of merits. Ultimately, her Tantra offers salvation for ordinary practitioners at death with her special promise of guiding practitioners towards Kechara, or the Paradise of the Dakinis, in which we can continue deep practices to become a Buddha without fear, obstacles and interruptions.
Within Vajrayogini practice, soliciting the blessings of the lama and the lineage master are of paramount importance in order for our practice to bear results. Hence, the lama is visualised as the red Vajradharma with arms crossed at the heart, holding the vajra and bell. The lineage masters are visualised as Hero Vajradharma, holding a damaru and skullcup while cradling a khatvanga. Aside from the main Naro Kechari form, Vajrayogini also appears in the form of Maitri Kechari, who is known as Flying Vajrayogini, and arose from the vision of Maitripa. Another common form is known as Indra Kechari, or Vajravarahi, who arose from the vision of Indrabodhi.
Last of all, Dorje Shugden is a Dharma protector with a special affinity with Vajrayogini practitioners. This is because he himself arose from an incarnation lineage that includes the likes of Naropa, the progenitor of Naro Kechari practice, and Tsarchen Losel Gyatso who had practised and proliferated her Tantra and is listed as one the lineage masters invoked upon every day by Vajrayogini practitioners.
More free downloads: https://bit.ly/2oxb4qU
Read more about Vajrayogini: https://bit.ly/2iVLCuG
Original illustration and text posted by Eric D Hatchell as a reply to H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s facebook post on Vajrayogini here: http://bit.ly/VYogini0001
The Dākiṇī with the Essence of all Buddhas, Vajrayoginī
Her practice includes methods to end the otherwise repetitive states of Bardo and rebirth, by transforming the process into a journey, which may lead to full enlightenment. In preparation for which, Vajrayoginī further offers the omnipresent ability to reconstruct the nature of the most, mundane everyday experiences, such that they may reveal higher destinations, via the spiritual paths she may choose to reveal. [1] Vajrayoginī being defined as, “The Dākiṇī who is the Essence of all Buddhas”, [2] is amplified by scholar Miranda Shaw when she implied that this deity is no less than, the supreme nature of the very Tantric pantheon. No male Buddha, including her divine consort, Heruka-Cakrasaṃvara, further advances her in metaphysical implications. [3]
Vajrayoginī’s sādhanā originates from India circa 10/12th C, [4] when summoned as Heruka-Cakrasaṃvara’s Yab-Yum consort [5], with later forms including Vajrayoginī as “Solitary Hero”, she may be visualized with the deep red complexion of a 16-year-old female, whose stance is nude amidst a blazing fire of pristine awareness and most exalted wisdom. Her head is adorned with a crown of five skulls and upon her forehead, the third eye of wisdom is set vertically (represented here by an auspicious jewel). She drapes a necklace of fifty dried human skulls and is depicted with her traditional vajra-handled knife in her right hand; with a blood filled kapala in her left, she drinks with upturned head while looking above, toward the pure realm of Khechara. This seemingly gruesome gesture is actually symbolic of her clear light in great joy, known as “mahasukha” (the great bliss), [6] [7] thus the blood she drinks may be offered to us all as if a fine wine.
Resting on the left shoulder is a Katvanga staff as she stands tall with her two feet, trampling the bodies of red Kalaratri and black Bhairava (with heads bending backward), representing the embodiment of illusion and ego-awareness. The composition, all of which rests above a sun disc and multicolored lotus pedestal, she is rendered here after a thankga of Naropa Tradition (passed down from a special teaching of the Indian Mahasiddha Naropa). Vajrayoginī herself may be classified as the personification of “Wisdom” or “Mother” and her practice originates with the Chakrasamvara Cycle of Tantras, which is one of the five principal tantric practices of the Sakya School, although found in one form or another, she is included in all schools of Tibetan Buddhism. [8]
Vajrayoginī also appears in versions from the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, with one popular system having the practitioner visualize themselves as Vajrayoginī, as such, their guru taking the form of Milarepa. [9] Thus depicted above the central deity here we see Milarepa on our right, with his great Guru Marpa left (whose guru was Naropa himself, and other great Indian masters). [10]
Vajrayoginī is a simplified, single most form of the female Buddha, who is otherwise a collection of alternate forms. From her sādhanās she is visualized in English terms as “Vajra Sow”, “Wrathful Lady”, “Fierce Black One”, and other such similar manifestations of female energy found in numerous iconographic renderings and traditions. Each feature of Vajrayoginī’s visualization conveys important spiritual concept. For example, her three eyes indicate her ability to see all (past, present and future); her red-colored body symbolizes the blazing of her ”inner fire”, and the curved knife she wields, demonstrates the power to sever the delusions and obstacles of her followers and of all living beings. [11]
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Wordmarque Design and Photography
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References:
[1] Gyatso, Kelsang. Guide to Dakini Land: The Highest Yoga Tantra Practice of Buddha Vajrayogini. London: Tharpa, 1996, p.xii.
[2] “The Berzin Archives.” Bonding Practices for Mother Tantra. Accessed February 18, 2016. http://www.berzinarchives.com/…/bonding_prac_mother_tantra_….
[3] Shaw, Miranda Eberle. Buddhist Goddesses of India. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2006, p. 8.
[4] English, Elizabeth. Vajrayoginī: Her Visualizations, Rituals & Forms: A Study of the Cult of Vajrayoginī in India. Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2002.
[5] “Vajrasattva (Buddhist Deity) – White (with Consort).” Vajrasattva (Buddhist Deity). Accessed February 18, 2016. http://www.himalayanart.org/items/77598.
[6] Gyatso, Kelsang. Guide to Dakini Land: The Highest Yoga Tantra Practice of Buddha Vajrayogini. London: Tharpa, 1996 p. 123-127.
[7] Glenn H. Mullin
[8] “Item: Vajrayogini (Buddhist Deity) – (Naropa Tradition).” Vajrayogini (Buddhist Deity). Accessed February 18, 2016. http://www.himalayanart.org/items/290.
[9] English, Elizabeth. Vajrayoginī: Her Visualizations, Rituals & Forms: A Study of the Cult of Vajrayoginī in India. Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2002, p. xxiii.
[10] Drinking the Mountain Stream: Songs of Tibet’s Beloved Saint, Milarepa … by Mi-la-ras-pa, Rinpoche Lama Kunga, Brian Cutillo, p.305.
[11] Gyatso, Kelsang. Guide to Dakini Land: The Highest Yoga Tantra Practice of Buddha Vajrayogini. London: Tharpa, 1996, p.123-127.
Vajrayogini definite deserves a song and It is nice to see bands from the 70’s and 80’s made a song about Dharma. During that time, everybody that time is spiritual and hence it was an era of acceptance and many focus on finding themselves and it’s more about the meaning of life and not just following our desires. Nowadays, the new songs are about materialistic things and sex. I wish so much for that spiritual era to come back again and everyone body will be spiritual once again.
The current form of Naro Kacho Vajra Yogini appeared to the Indian Mahasiddha Naropa after he meditated intensely on her practice inside a cave. He beheld her glorious form in a vision. This unique form became known as Naropa’s Vajra Yogini or Naro Kacho, as it had never existed before. Later, in Tibet, His Holiness Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche also had visions of Vajra Yogini. His vision differed slightly from the vision of her that Naropa beheld. In the original Naro Kacho form, Vajra Yogini looks towards her pure land named Kechara. However in Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche’s vision, she looked straight at him, symbolic of the deity empowering him to bestow her practice to many people in order to benefit them. The practice of Vajra Yogini belongs to the Highest Yoga Tantra classification that leads to tremendous inner transformation and can even grant enlightenment within just one lifetime.
Video of Tsem Rinpoche’s shrine taken July 16, 2018. Very beautiful, well done and meticulous.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPAfpMoN2bA
Video of Tsem Rinpoche’s shrine taken July 16, 2018.
Very beautiful, well done and meticulous.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1531752637.mp4
You guys Rock!
How cool ? Diamond Dakini…
Vajra Yogini has many different forms and in each of these forms, the positioning of her sacred body, the various implements she holds and the expressions on her face have profound meaning into various aspects of enlightenment. The implements she holds, the expressions on her face, and her body symbolise specific aspects of enlightenment that suit people during a particular time and place according to their karma. So, therefore, Vajra Yogini’s pose, forms and emanations change over time in order to suit different karmically-connected practitioners. It will keep changing because enlightenment is fluid, compassionate and skilful. To gaze upon Vajra Yogini is to look at a complete ‘roadmap’ to enlightenment as every aspect of her body is a manifestation of enlightenment. Therefore to have her form, picture, painting or statue is very blessed. We should make offerings to her daily diligently.
After the great Mahasiddha Naropa had served his guru the Mahasiddha Tilopa for 12 years, Tilopa conferred the Vajra Varahi (another form of Vajra Yogini) initiation with full instructions unto Naropa. Then, Naropa diligently meditated on Vajra Varahi and had a vision of her, and when she appeared to him directly, she appeared in the form of Vajra Yogini. Normally, when he engaged in the Vajra Yogini (Vajravarahi) practice, she was in the form of facing him directly, holding a skull cup and a curved flaying knife in front of her heart. One leg was up and one leg was down as in a dancing pose. That was the form of Vajra Yogini that he had meditated on to gain the highest attainments.
After he had meditated on Vajra Varahi and gained visions of her, she appeared to him in a different form, with her face looking up at Kechara Paradise instead of facing him directly. Her left hand holding the skullcup was thrust in the air and her right hand holding the curved flaying knife, also known as a cemetery knife was facing down at sentient beings or samsara to help beings cut their bonds to suffering. Her left leg was bent, and her right extended while standing in a pose of looking towards Kechara Paradise like she is about to take off there. This form signifies she will take you there and out of suffering. That form of Vajra Yogini became special and that was called Naro Kacho or the Vajra Yogini of Naropa. This Naropa’s Vajra Yogini was initiated to the Nepalese Pamtingpa brothers and they meditated diligently and this tradition of Naropa’s Vajra Yogini just became prevalent and took off from there. Naropa started initiating his other disciples as well into this special form of Vajra Yogini and she became known as Naropa’s Vajra Yogini till this day and it is considered a highly blessed lineage. That is the lineage we have now and most prevalent.
She is looking up because this Naropa’s Vajra Yogini is indicating she will lead her practitioners to her Kechara Paradise within one lifetime if you are diligent in her practice. Realizing enlightenment is harder for people in today’s world and needs more time during Kaliyuga degenerate period, she leads you to her paradise where you can practice undisturbed to Buddha-hood.
In this brilliant artwork, what you see is the Mahasiddha Naropa having a direct vision of Vajra Yogini. It’s the first time she has appeared to Naropa in this form. This form is associated with Naropa. Prior to Naropa, this form of Vajra Yogini did not exist. She in this vision is initiating him into this form (Naro Kacho) of herself indicating this form will be most efficacious now according to our karmic period. In the background, you will see a cave with a light in it because when Naropa used to meditate in that cave, it is said that from his body would emit a light and people could see it from afar. You can also see animals surrounding Vajra Yogini, they can feel her compassion and her great blessings and they are at peace around her.
Vajra Yogini brings peace, love, compassion, wisdom and freedom to everyone who practices her incredibly powerful tantra. Therefore, this artwork is a very beautiful representation of the time when Naropa had a vision of Vajra Yogini in this form for the first time and it is now known as Naropa’s Vajra Yogini. This artwork was offered to me as a gift from a very talented artist. I deeply appreciate this piece of visual spirituality very much.
Tsem Rinpoche
To download for your shrine, please click here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=62528
Short and meaningful song ………..to listen by Dharma Band. The Dharma Bums were founded by songwriter Phil Void in the early 1970s in India and Nepal. Since then these group has performed and travelled all over the world. I love this Lyrics:….(Diamond Dakini, show me the way..) Thank you Rinpoche for sharing
This is cool. The song is simple, catchy yet meaningful lyrics especially “Diamond Dakini, show me the way!”
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this wonderful post. May the powerful music leaves positive imprints to everyone in order to have strong karmic connection with the enlightened being, Vajrayogini.
From Tsem Rinpoche: Every person who has Maha-anuttaratantra empowerments (Eg. Heruka, Guhyasamaja, Yamantaka, Vajra Yogini, Chittamani-Tara, Kalacakra, Hevajra, Gyalwa Gyatso Chenresig, etc) should keep a copy of this on their shrine or prayer book. These are all the ritual items tantric practitioner must keep by commitment. If it is in picture form, it is alright also.
The song written and sang by Dharma Bums is different, new age and fun. I guess this is their mission in this life promoting dharma thru songs and entertainment. This song to VY is very cool and nice, i hope in future there will be more great pop dharma songs.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing another fun and leisurely way to enjoy Dharma. Dharma is truly about everyday life. Thank you Rinpoche for always showing us how to assimilate Dharma into our routine actions.
Such a cool song! Nice composition by Dharma bums.
Cool! It is always very interesting to find alternative music on Dharma, specifically Buddhas that I am aware of. Of course there are many music out there to tonnes of special Buddhas. But songs to Lord Tsongkapa and Lord Vajrayogini are simply the best.
Thank u
Dharma Bums nice song thank you guys. This reminds me of the music behind the movie ‘Queen of the Damned’ , it is like the Dharma Bums are calling for Vajrayogini to awaken like parallel to what Lestat did to awaken Akasha. Vajrayogini practice gives birth to a buddha and awakens us.
As Buddhism moves towards being more and more mainstream we would expect more and more music and art relevant to Buddhist beliefs and culture.
This song is so wonderful. It is interesting to see a group that sings Buddhist related songs. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing.It is an eye opener to know that the certain forms of new age western music in cooperate Tibetan Buddhism influence in their lyrics.Hope to hear more of these in the future.
This is indeed very new age, different and cool. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing. How wonderful Phil Void who is very involved in Tibetan Buddhism himself can sing his heart out for Dharma.
Thank you for sharing this, Rinpoche. I wish there was more music like it, especially in a way which drives home “my music has a punch and also has dharma lyrics.” It makes me think that not all “religious” music has to be traditional, and that popular music doesn’t “lose” anything by having spiritual lyrics. It makes me wonder why there was apparently more dharma music in the late ’80s than now in the information era, haha.
I love this! I have never heard of them before and that’s why I find them really cool! It is really rare to hear really cool Dharma songs and I love the fact that they are really some sort of rock band from the 80s. That’s why I think they are really cool. I just wonder what happened to them though. But I am sure they must be really old by now. I think their lyrics is really cool and their music is fantastic.
I think they were born towards the end of the flower power movement of the 80s. In the 80s, people were still very much into the spiritual trip and the Lamas from Tibet were starting to stream through. Even the Dalai Lama was relatively unknown. I think that there is some sort of romantic fascination with Tibet and Buddhism that was an all time high. I guess the Dharma Bums is the result of this fascination at this time.
New age singer and singing style…!! Something new in the market, in future hope more and more producer and singer to produce more of Buddhas song & music. 🙂
Thank You Rinpoche for sharing this.
Regards: Erickksiow
Kind of ironic that Dharma Bum didn’t make it but Nirvana became the symbol of alternative music that shaped the songs of the 90s. Nirvana’s songs fueled one with anger and depression whereas Dharma Bum’s songs are about dharma.
The lyrics of the song Vajra Dakini can be found in the following doclink: http://www.dharmabums.org/bumsbook.pdf
Vajra Dakini
Lyrics
Crystal Diamond Vajra Dakini,
To and fro you gently sway,
You ride the wind from Kanchenchunga
Diamond Dakini, show me the sway!
Nirmanakaya Yeshe Tsogyal
Riding ‘cross the Lhasa plains.
You come to me and let me know how,
Diamond Dakini, show me the way.
Love the music, love the song 😀
INTERESTING FACT for those dieheart Nirvana fans out there !!
“Some biographers, such as Melissa Rossi, author of Courtney Love: Queen of Noise (ISBN 0-671-00038-1), and Poppy Z Brite, author of Courtney Love: The Real Story, write that Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain first met each other at a Dharma Bums concert in Portland—where Nirvana served as the opening act. Many in the local Portland scene had expected the Dharma Bums to be a big breakthrough “alternative” act of the Northwest music scene, but Nirvana, a frequent opening act for the Dharma Bums, was to become the symbol of the genre instead.” [Extracted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma_Bums_(band)%5D
I got a chance to tour with Phil Void and the Dharma Bums! We played this song all over the place. As a result of the tour, I was able to see H. H. the Dalai Lama and I actually met H. E. Samdhong Rinpoche! It’s one of my favorites of Phil’s music. There are many Dharma Bums groups out there…the first part of your essay references another ‘Dharma Bums’ group from Portland, Oregon. This is a different band…just so you know. Phil Void’s Dharma Bums are from Woodstock, New York.
Nice….like it. Thanks Rinpoche for sharing:-)))))
Dear Rinpoche, this really rocks and make my morning! Thank you very much for sharing this. What a wonderful way to start the day, “Diamond Dakini show us the way please”. That i may practice more as days pass and use Dharma in my work and daily life.
I love it! 🙂
Its cool!! Thanks Rinpoche!! Im enjoying it 🙂
Thank you rinpoche
Dharma Bums rock. Good dancing music. I like dancing. Big thanks for sharing (so much) Rinpoche. So kind to all of us who follow your blog.
“Diamond Dakini…show me the way!” Thanks Rinpoche for this post..you really rock and show us the way!
I ve been a Nirvana’s fan since my school days, this is the first time I listen to Dharma Bums..I am now visualizing the how the music video will be like…Anime Version with Mother VY pouring down blesssing as she flies towards Kechara, every sentient beings reaching out to touch and grab whole of her blessings finally transform their mind and walk the rite path..Great music by Dharma Bum! BTW where to find their album?
Another cool Dharma song is Bodhisatva Vows by Beastie Boys and Shamabala by 3 Dogs Nite..
Big storm came to Prague, so listen to your music and thunder…Rinpoche
:-)))Nice thank you Ven Rinpoche la
”Nirmanakaya Yeshe Tsogyel ridiing across the Lhasa plain” they sing….neat…as Yeshe Tsogyel is here depicted as an emanation of Vajra Yogini. As you know, Nirmanakaya is the tulku or emanation body of an enlightened being…in this case Vajra Yogini. I really got addicted to this song years ago in Gaden when some visitor gave me the cassette tape…I was like wow!! Tsem Rinpoche