The klu 'bum Ritual
Yeshe Sal Ling
11-13 May 2024
Dates, times and tegistration
Begin Saturday 11 May 2024, 9:00am (CEST = UTC+2 = Vienna time). Approximate times are 9:00-11:30 and 15:00-17:00 every day, May 11-13. (In any case, the Zoom link will be open during those times, and updates regarding the times will be entered in the chat on Zoom. We may also send you updates via e-mail.)
Registration for participation in person in Yeshe Sal Ling by email to contact @ yeshesalling.org
What are klu?
There is no real English translation of the Tibetan word klu.
There is a relationship with the Indian naga and some translators
use this Sanskrit word in western languages. As this relationship is not 1:1,
however, this is not recommended and here we will just use klu.
The k is silent and thus the word is pronounced lu.
In one of the Tibetan classifications of sentient beings,
these are divided into lha or gods, who live in the upper realms,
the mi or humans, who live in the middle realm of the surface of the
earth, and the klu, who live in the lower realm.
This lower realm is often thought to be represented by the ground
and more specifically by any kinds of water bodies.
The klu have a society that is sometimes described
like a human society. They are, however, invisible to us, in general.
Under certain occasions, they may manifest in the form of animals,
especially as those who live underground or in water, such as marmots,
fish, frogs, and reptiles, or as half animal half human.
If the natural environment is disturbed, for example by
polluting it, by cutting down trees, breaking rocks, damming or
diverting water, and so on, the klu are being harmed
and they may inflict problems on us in return.
Most prominent among these problems are diseases, especially skin
diseases, and disasters related to weather and climate, such as
hail storms and droughts.
On the other hand, if the klu are happy, they
can support humans and support prosperity in all its aspects.
They are also said to be treasure guardians and thus
able to bestow riches.
What is the nature and purpose of the ritual?
There are various kinds of rituals to propitiate the klu.
Their essence is to make offerings to them of objects they like,
to provide supports in the form of a special little house, to offer
medicines that heal their illnesses, pains and grievances, including
those which human actions have inflicted on them, and to apologise
for such actions. We then imagine that their problems are solved,
they become happy, follow the teachings of Bon and support us.
By helping to cure the illnesses of the klu, also our own
illnesses are cured, or at least, a prerequisite for successful
treatment is established.
Concerning the offerings to be made, and their material
supports, the klu are said to be fond of the three white
substances (milk, butter, yoghurt) and the three sweets (sugar,
honey, molasses). There are also a number of klu medicines
that heal specific kinds of diseases. They are listed in practice
texts, such as the `Milk-Ocean Offering to the kLu' which
has been taught by Geshe Samten Tsukphü in 2022. (A preliminary
translation has been prepared). On the other hand, they are scared
and offended by garlic, onion, etc., as well as by meat, blood, etc.
As already said, there are many kinds of rituals related to
the klu. Their common root is a text with the short title
klu 'bum (where 'bum means `hundred thousand') belonging
to the 'bum section of the Bonpo canon. It is part of bka'
and thus has originally been taught by Tönpa Shenrab. The text was
found as a treasure (gter ma) in Samye (bsam yas), and
has three sections, a black, a variegated, and a white one.
While it is possible to do the ritual at any time of the year,
it is custumary to do it in the spring time, in order to support a
good development of the crops and herds.
According to the Tibetan astrology there are specific days
when the klu are more receptive to our propitation
activities.
In addition to its specific purposes as explained above,
the Lubum ritual in Yeshe Sal Ling this year also serves to
commemorate Waltraud Benzing, who died a little over a year ago.
In her last years, living in Romania, Waltraud had commissioned a
klu 'bum ritual every year. In this way, we will
remember her, and, when we dedicate the merits to all beings, we
will think particularly of her.
Practical information
The ritual will be carried out by Lama Sangye Monlam in
Yeshe Sal Ling, in Sankt Radegund near Graz, Austria. This is an
auspicious place, not only because it has been blessed by Yongdzin
Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche at the inauguration, by the Lamas who have
given teachings, and the continued practice and presence of
Lama Sangye Monlam, but also because a manifold of natural springs
exist in and around the village.
The dates for the ritual will be Saturday, May 11, to Monday, May 13,
2024. It is possible to attend in person, the whole time or part of the time,
or via Zoom. (Registration is required both for in-person and on-line
attendance).
There is no set fee, but donations to the Lama and to Yeshe Sal Ling
are very welcome. Co-sponsoring the ritual is a traditional form of
practising generosity and accumulating merits. As it is a form of
active participation, one will also obtain the benefits.
Begin May 11, 2024, 09:00 (UTC+2, Vienna time). Regarding the times, Lama Sangye wishes to be free to improvise. We expect that the core times will be 9:00-11:30 and 15:00-17:00 every day, May 11-13. In any
case, the Zoom link will be open during those times, and updates regarding the times will be entered in the chat on Zoom. We may also send you updates via e-mail.
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