Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Jhator

 Interesting little tidbit I read tonight, Jhator, a Tibetan ritual first recorded in the Tibetan Book of The Dead. Literally translated means, "Giving alms to the birds". I knew Tibetans gave their body to nature after death as a final act of altruism but I had no idea of the actual process. I once read that this burial process just happened to be the most practical way of disposing of the body in an area covered with rock and permafrost. Makes sense right? Pretty rough to dig a hole and if you wondered about cremation, the tree line in these glacial landscapes is more than just a few miles away. Animal dung is often used for fuel so I doubt you'd give up a nice crunchy piece of heat producing poo for cremation services! The interesting  part of the Jhator (sky burial) process is what happens before and after the body is left to the vultures. The body is dissected or cut in specific areas as instructed by The Tibetan Book of the Dead and completed by Monks or people called Rogyapas (body breakers) trained in this ritual. Once the body is picked clean by the birds, (the Eurasian Griffon Vulture was specifically identified in everything I read) the bones are pulverized into dust and yak butter tea is added to entice the birds back for seconds. At this point several bird species show up to feast. I'd love to learn more about this, if any of you have more resource info leave a comment or email me.

Eine melodie im wind: charcoal on 40 weight paper 2009
...................................................................................................................................................JP

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