South Asian migrations in global history: labour, laws and wayward lives

Abstract

connection to other institutions and Tibetan holidays. It also reveals how the monastery accrued various rites from ritual masters over the centuries and in response to important events. Chapter 5 delves into the structure and history of Nechung Monastery. The architecture of the site is examined, highlighting the symbolic significance of different areas, such as the courtyard murals, assembly hall, and central chapel. Despite a lack of clear historical records, the monastery is known for its prophetic pronouncements. The chapter concludes by discussing the split liturgical activities of Nechung, with both the historic Lhasa site and the new site in India representing this division. Chapter 6 explores the monasteries and chapels associated with Nechung, which create a larger ritual network reinforcing the dominance of the Dalai Lamas’ state cult. These institutions, including Meru Nyingpa, Gadong Monastery, Tsel Yangön, and Karmasha Chapel, have varying degrees of connection to Nechung, but all display an increase in ritual ties to the Five King Spirits and the cult of Nechung. This connection began in the seventeenth century and grew under the administration of later Dalai Lamas. The last chapter of the book examines the history of the Nechung Oracle, a clairvoyant advisor who has been a significant part of the Dalai Lama’s government since the seventeenth century. Although the oracle’s origins are uncertain, he has consistently been involved with the Dalai Lamas since the second incarnation. The Fifth Dalai Lama elevated the Nechung Oracle’s status in his writings, and he continues to be revered by Tibetans worldwide. Despite his crucial role, the Nechung Oracle remains subordinate to the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama and the Nechung Oracle share similar responsibilities towards Tibet, but they differ in their approaches. The Dalai Lama’s task is peaceful, while the Nechung Oracle’s is wrathful. The Dalai Lama and the Nechung Oracle have a close relationship, but the Nechung Oracle always shows respect for the Dalai Lama. The sentiment of shared responsibility between the two figures was expressed by the Nechung Oracle in the sixteenth century and echoed by the current Dalai Lama in his writings.