A Tibetan Music blog by Alain Dana Jabbour
Introduction: In its earliest forms, Tibetan Music took its roots in Buddhism and religious practices. While not that much is known on the specific time period and early development of Tibetan music, we can qualify that genre as a type of Himalayan music, to the likes of Nepalese or Bhutanese music. The earliest records available testify of that type of music going back to the 12th century, yet it could go back even further. Indeed, the music in Tibet was heavily influenced by its neighboring countries. India, China, Mongolia were all catalysts and inspirations for a region that has been in close relationship with its surroundings. India, however, has been at the core of the intellectual formation of the Tibetan elite. It is also for this reason that many instruments, types of music and songs have made it across the country, into the Tibetan heartland. Music spread throughout the Tibetan region thanks to Lama Mani. Much to the liking of the well known troubadours, Tibetan musicians would travel the country, expounding the Buddhist teachings in the form of music and song. With the help of a visual support called thangka, these singers would spread knowledge of Buddhism throughout the villages they went through.