The Domra

The domra is a unique type of head or facial ornament, brought to Tibet by the great master of Shijé, Padampa Sangye. The origin of its name remains vague, and no informant has yet been able to verify the roots of the term. The tomra consists of a short visor, not unlike one a poker player or sunbather might wear, jutting out 4 to 6 inches from the forehead. It is made of black felt with a black or red underside, from which are vertical black ropes or strings hang freely. About 6 inches in length, these are traditionally made of yak hair, though nowadays cotton, silk or polycotton strings are more likely. This arrangement allows the practitioner to see clearly through this screen, but his/her eyes are obstructed to the outside viewer.

Meaning

The purpose of this unusual apparatus is simple: to shield the timid and frightened spirits from the brilliance of the practitioner’s powerful gaze. The energy streaming from the eyes of an individual who has some Chöd experience or realization can indeed be overwhelming and overpowering for lower spirits, even though they are themselves noxious and frightening harm-doers. It is thus out of compassion that one wears the domra, to allow all lower guests to partake of the red feast.

Background

The domra is in standard use by certain lineages of Chöd practitioners, while others disregard it completely. It appears to be most popular among followers of the lineage of Padampa Sangye, such as Lama Wangdu Rinpoche, as well as Nyingtik practitioners, and is much more likely to be seen on solo practitioners and wandering yogis than in group practice that occurs in the larger monastic assemblies. It can also be worn during any peaceful domra offering (such as a kartor), where one does not wish to appear threatening to local spirits. Additionally it is sometimes used during certain phases of sur (smoke offerings for the dead), where again, one wishes to shield certain lower classes of invited guests form the yogin’s powerful gaze.

Symbolism

A definitive Tibetan compendium on various dharma objects “The Implements and Dharma Materials of the Insurpassible Vajrayana” (Nyagur Nyingma College, 2003). briefly describes the background meaning and symbolism of a wide variety of dharma clothes, musical instruments and ritual objects. It has this to say about the symbolism of the “Chöd Yogi’s Hat”:
“The absence of the lateral folds is a sign that there is no attachment to samsara. The upper part being unblemished by any ornament means one is free from the husk of self-grasping, and will see one’s original face as the fundamental nature itself. The forehead ornamentation of hair arranged in strings is a symbol that one gathers the yoginis and is never separate from them. Thus unruly hordes of the eight classes of demons are not able to trample us.”