SOAS Research Online

Abstract

Part I includes a translation of the XIII century text The Treatise on Music by Sakya Pandita, and incorporates all relevant material from its commentary by the XVI century Sakyapa scholar Kunga Sonam together with explanations based on the oral transmission. The text itself, in its three chapters deals with the principles of Tibetan religious music and chant, the way of composing poetry and prescriptions for the performance of music. An introduction puts the work in its cultural context and discusses the relationship between religious music and rituals. In Part II, a version of a bskang-gso ceremony is presented complete with words, musical score and a tape recording of its performance. The piece is described and discussed with regard to liturgical form and musical elements as understood by knowledgeable Tibetans. An attempt is made to relate actual performances with the concepts expounded in the Treatise on Music, and to inquire into their relevance to present day practices. In Part III, a fully edited version of a block-print edition of the Tibetan text and its commentary is included.