Interview with Chatral Rinpoche’s daughter, Semo Saraswati

Interview with Chatral Rinpoche’s daughter, Semo Saraswati

Dorje: Are you on this photo? Semo la: No, I’m not there. Q: I thought the one in the middle is you. A: No, that is my sister, Tara Devi. Q: Could you tell us, who the people are on this picture? A: Meme Ngawang, Kathok Situ, Prince of Sikkim known as Denjong Gyalse,...
Gore Ngawang on nomadic life in Helambu

Gore Ngawang on nomadic life in Helambu

Mingur: Tashi delek, Brother! Nawang: Tashi delek! Q: Let’s get started. A: Yes, sure, please! Q: Your good name please? A: My name is Ngawang Dorje Lama, but people know me as Gore Nawang. Q: Why do people call you Gore Nawang? A: I used to live in a...
Chenga Lama on the Kangso ritual

Chenga Lama on the Kangso ritual

Mingur: Tashi delek! Chenga Lama: Tashi delek la. Q: Shall we start? A: Yes, sure, please. Q: Before we start, could you please tell me a few words about yourself? What is your name? Where were you born? A: I was born in Sermathang. Our ancestors came from Shar Gonpa...
Bonpo Pasang

Bonpo Pasang

Dorje: What is your name, Meme (Grandpa)? Bonpo Pasang: My name is Pasang. Q: How old are you? A: Four times twenty and four. Q: Four times twenty and four?! A: Yes, 84. Q: Is your family from Milimchim or you moved here? A: I am from over there, Bolgang. Originally,...
Karma Sherpa, the mask maker

Karma Sherpa, the mask maker

Mingyur: I think you are making masks for many years. Can you tell me how old were you, when you started learning about mask making? Karma Sherpa, mask maker: I started it, when I was around seventeen-eighteen years old. Q: Has someone taught you making masks? Who was...