Separatist Regimes, form the Dung-dkar Monastery in the rTsa-mdav County
Apsaras (flying figures) in this picture are very elegant. Some are playing cymbals up in the sky, some are shaking skull-drums. Cymbals can send out clear sounds with strong rhythms, and serve as percussion musical instruments not only used in common occassions, but also in Buddhist ritual ceremonies. Skull-drum is a special percussion musical instrument used in Buddhism. After being shaken, it can send off rapid beats or light and heavy beats to accompany the chants. In Tibet, one can see wandering monks standing on roadsides, begging alms. They are chanting scriptures while shaking skull-drums. Passer-bys, who are attracted, would stop to listen.