Introduction. It is said that Guru Rinpoche invited all the elements of the universe together in order to subdue the demons in Lhasa which manifested into the first 'Cham (ritual dance) in Tibet. Guru Rinpoche first performed a dance of subjugation in order to consecrate the grounds of Samye, the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet. By rising into the sky he performed a threatening dance which tamed the local demons and his shadow that fell upon the ground marked the boundaries of Samye Monastery. Those masters, such as Guru Rinpoche, who practice the pujas with a deep knowledge and understanding realize visions of Dakinis dancing in space. After he observes all their movements then he dances accordingly and now such dances are maintained through tradition. 'Chams originated because Guru Rinpoche's deep understanding and awareness of the deities allowed him to perceive and observe the gods directly. Then, being able to maintain a particular deity, he was then able to transform himself into that deity thus making the deity observable to all. The ultimate goal of 'chams is to become the deity and share it with the audience. Ven. Tenga Rinpoche has explained that many eons ago a demon called Rudra was conquered by Hya Griva or Tadrin, the Protector with a Horse Head, and by Vajra Yogini or Dorje Pamo who by "singing six songs, fulfilling six purposes and by making six steps he saved the beings of the six worlds". It is believed that this is how dance first entered the world, and it is this same dance which Guru Rinpoche performed in order to subdue the demons of Tibet. The 'chams are said to transport the participants and observers to the realm of the gods as the courtyard of the monastery becomes the mandala and all the dancers are transformed into the deities of that particular mandala. The mandala manifests itself on many different levels throughout the preparations, rituals, and performances of 'Chams. It exists in the physical world as a painting or sand construction. On a meditational level it is envisioned in and throughout the body, speech, and mind of the dancers and musicians. It is acknowledged on a mental level of the dancers and the audience as the home of the deities that have appeared. 'Chams are offerings to please the deities they invoke. The dancers offer their body through dance, their voice through the chanting of mantras, and their mind through meditation in order to invite the deity to enter the dance area and bless all who participate and attend. 'Chams are deeply rooted in the practice of the Vajrayana. Because of it's connections to nerves, and wind the inner experience is heightened through dance and a transformation occurs. H.E. Samgye Nyempa Rinpoche has explained, "The power of the inner body is transferred to the outside through dance and meditation." The principle objectives of these sacred performances is said to be the expulsion of evil forces and negative energy. Additionally the chams are believed to procure blessings or empowerment for all participants and generate deeper faith among the ley people in the Dharma and monastic community. 'Chams is designed to benefit both dancer and audience. The dancer receives the blessings from the deity's body and the audience is blessed by the rare opportunity to observe and identify the deity. The benefit for the onlookers lies specifically in the unique opportunity to perceive the deity and thereby purify their negative karma. By watching the dances it purifies one's negative emotions and helps to eliminate any obstacles along the path of Dharma practice. < back