Virtual Talk on Apsaras in China (Dunhuang) and Nepal

Rabin Man Shakya

Apsara is a Sanskrit word which means beautiful celestial nymph.  Although the concept of Apsara is found both in Hinduism and Buddhism, there is fundamental difference between Apsaras in Hinduism and Buddhism. In Hinduism, there are numerous legends where Apsaras were used to seduce Gods, Sadhus, Asuras and men, whereas Apsaras usually play a supporting and helping role in Buddhism.

A virtual talk on Apsaras in China (Dunhuang) and Nepal was organized on Saturday, April 24, 2021 by Dance Mandal Hong Kong Sangha. The talk on Apsaras in China (Dunhuang) was presented by Dr Tina Ho of Hong Kong Sangha while the presentation on Apsaras in Nepal was made by Prajwal Vajracharya of Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara. The talk program in the zoom was participated by 25 people from the USA, Canada and Hong Kong.

Dr Tina Ho's presentation on Apsaras dealt with Apsaras in Chinese Buddhism and murals in ancient Chinese caves.

Dr Tina Ho said:"Apsaras - most of them - are female. They are called Gandharva in male form. Apsaras are goddesses of music in Buddhism, also known as goddesses of incense and goddesses of fragrance."

Mythological angels and nymphs dancing and playing celestial music is a common tableau from the Dunhuang fresco. "The Apsara in the murals (early third century) was also called flying fairy", Dr Ho added.

In Chinese Buddhism, according to Dr Ho, three duties of Apsaras are: (1) worship service (2) to disperse flower and incense and (3) dancing and playing music. Dr Ho's presentation also included  pictures of flying goddesses of Dunhuang using pipe music and showing 'Silk road flower rain.' She also demonstrated paintings of Apsaras by different Chinese artists including by herself.

The second part of the talk was delivered by Prajwal Vajracharya, a noted Charya nritya guru. Prajwal's talk presented a detailed and comprehensive description of Apsaras in the Newah Buddhism. He said that Apsaras are mentioned in Lalitvistar, Avadanas and Mahavadanas.

Prajwal also added that the types of Apsaras are not just the flying celestial nymphs in the sky, some are manifested in animals as well as in other sentient beings.

Prajwal's presentation also included Nepalese goddess offerings and dance as well as the portrayal of goddesses right over the crocodiles' mouth in the sculptures and Toranas of the temples in the Kathmandu valley.

Prajwal also told the zoom audience a folklore of Bhasmasura and apsara named Mohini.  He said:"Bhasmasura was an Asura who performed great Tapasya for getting a blessing from Shiva. Lord Shiva was pleased with his Tapasya and asked him what he wanted. The Asura requested that he be granted the power to burn up and immediately turn into ashes anyone whose head he touched  with his hand. He started to become a big menace for the people. He even wanted to kill Lord Shiva by touching his head. Shiva had to hide himself underneath the ground. That is  why people still worship him as a Lukma Dyo (Hiding God) in Nepal. As a result, Lord Vishnu had to become an Apsara named Mohini to eliminate the Asura. Mohini was so beautiful that Bhasmasura instantly fell in love with her. But the Apsara told him to dance with her. During the dance, when Mohini placed her hand on her head, Bhasmasura did the same. He immediately burnt up and turned into ashes."