For hundreds of years, Dalai Lamas have consulted the Nechung Oracle, the State Oracle, during Losar, the lunar new year celebration. This consultation is one of the most important events of Losar. (In fact, the current Dalai Lama has a special connection with this Nechung Oracle since it was the oracle who told him when to leave Tibet.) For this ceremony ony, His Holiness sat on his throne wearing the ceremonial yellow hat. Cabinet members sat on carpets to his right. Monks from the Namgyal Monastery chanted prayers to the sounds of drums, horns and cymbals at the back and side of the room.  Scent and smoke of incense filled the room.  Suddenly, the medium entered the temple with his attendants who led him to a stool. It took over twenty minutes for the medium to fully enter into a trance. At that point a tall, ornate headdress was placed on his head. With a hissing sound, the oracle leapt to his feet holding swords in both hands and walked with a fierce and commanding energy towards the Dalai Lama. When he reached His Holiness, he took a deep bow and made ritual offerings. His Holiness and the Nechung Oracle then bent their heads together and whispered. No doubt the conversation was confidential.

With a loud, heavy step, the Nechung Oracle returned to his seat. One by one, Cabinet members approached him. Before responding to each, he jolted up and down, all the time hissing. At times, the Nechung Oracle seemed to scold. Other times, he seemed to issue commandments. A scribe furiously recorded his responses. As soon as the Nechung Oracle finished, the medium collapsed as the spirit departed. The headdress, which weighed around thirty pounds, was quickly removed, and the medium’s rigid body was carried out to the adjacent room to recover.

Khandro-La, the State medium of the Tenma Oracle who guards the twelve deities of Tibetan Buddhism, entered into a trance quickly. Once the Tenma Oracle connected with her body, the medium’s face puffed up, her eyes bulged and her tongue seemed to fill her whole mouth, giving her a wild look. She bowed, made a ritual offering then spoke with the Dalai Lama. As if instructed by the oracle, she stood and stomped her feet while the Dalai Lama held her hand, as if to steady her. Officials lined up to ask their questions. She too seemed to either scold or instruct. She too collapsed into a rigid form and was carried out to the adjacent room.

After recovery and a change of clothing, the mediums re-enter the shrine room. Tea was served!