Dordzhi-Tseren Bagshi, Gal Tyalgn

Abstract

In this video lama Dordzhi-Tseren performs a ritual of gal tyalgn (fire ritual) for a man and his family on the outskirts of Elista. Before the ritual, the lama explains the purpose of the ritual as follows: ‘The ritual is performed so that there is a harmony (between you and) nature, your ancestors, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. We make offerings and bow to them. This ritual involves a fire. These food offerings are made specially for this occasion. In the past when candies were not available, offerings included meat, that is certain parts of mutton. Today, a sheep figure made from dough will represent the sacrificial sheep. Before the ritual you need to think that your divine protectors are with you here and now. These protectors are your ancestors, clan protectors and the masters of this land. You need to think today that all your ancestors and relatives are with you. An offering will also be made to the teachers who passed Buddha’s teachings down to us through the god of fire. Buddha’s teachings diminish people’s sufferings so that they live in harmony with nature and their ancestors. You also need to imagine that the offerings also include a mountain of sweets, a valley of flowers and various incense’. After the explanation, the lama reads prayers. The man for whose family the ritual is being performed, puts food on the fire in the following order: biscuits, butter and vodka. Afterwards, he lights a candle made from dough. The final part of the ritual consists of calling happiness, longevity, blessings from gods and protectors to the family of the man. The members of his family, including his wife, child, mother and sisters, make wishes. The lama gives consecrated candies and fruit to the women. The man holds the figure of a sheep (made from dough) and sheep’s fat in his hands. All say loudly ‘Khuree!’ The man puts what he is holding on the fire. The lama reads prayers continuously. At the end of the ritual, the lama consecrates ‘wind horse’ flags (ki morn). All members of the family receive blessing from the lama. The man goes around the fire three times while throwing white and yellow coins into it. The women follow him.