Demon-Seer of Tibet

The domra is absolutely unique to the practice of Chöd—and once you understand its tantric significance, you may decide it is also absolutely essential! Both head and facial ornament, it was brought to Tibet by the great master of Shijé, Padampa Sangye. The origin of its odd name (Tibetan dom = bear) may stem from its truly “bear-like” appearance.

Construction

Its construction is straight-forward: There is a  short visor (not unlike one a poker player or sunbather might wear) jutting out 4 to 6 inches from the forehead. This is made of black felt with a black or red underside, from hang vertical black strings. About 6 inches in length, these are traditionally made of yak hair, though nowadays cotton, silk or polycotton strings have taken their place.

This allows the practitioner to see clearly through this screen, but his/her eyes are obstructed to the outside viewer.

The domra is in standard use by certain lineages of Chöd practitioners, and seldom if ever used by others. It remains popular among Nyingtig practitioners, as well as followers of the lineage of Padampa Sangye—such as the renowned Lama Wangdu Rinpoche. And it is more likely to be seen on solo practitioners and wandering yogis than in group practice that occurs in the larger monastic assemblies.

Symbology

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.”

Tantric Function

The purpose of this unusual apparatus is unusual: 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 tomra, to allow all lower guests to partake of the red feast.

It can also be worn during any peaceful torma 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, once again, one wishes to shield the bardo beings from the yogin’s powerful gaze.

However the deeper energetic and shamanic purpose of Vajrayana Implements is not generally discussed in traditional texts. Such information stays within the line of oral transmission, or is left for the discovery of the practitioner during meditative states. Thus the domra is far more than an outer shield; It is also a magnifier of inner vision. Using the domra, one becomes attuned to the presence of the “outer demons,” and as the ongoing Chöd ritual and meditation deepen, to one’s inner demons as well. Possibly this is due to the insulation from the outer world that one feels when using such a “mask.” But clearly more is at work here. In fact the domra is a remarkable piece of sacred science that provides direct seeing into deeper realms and dimensions, the kind of vision that greatly helps the compassionate work of the Chöpa.