Chod: The Journey into Cutting the Self

Abstract

This thesis investigates the religious experience of chod, a tantric Tibetan Buddhist practice, based on extensive ethnographic research in the Boudhanath area of Kathmandu, Nepal. Chod aims to help practitioners detach from the self through visualizations, sonic practices, and philosophical foundations. Through the medium of ethnographic documentary, the thesis explores the ways chod shapes perception and its impact on practitioners and the environment, aiming to provide an experiential journey that goes beyond mere representation. The chapters delve into the ritual practice of chod from the perspectives of practitioners at different expertise levels, as well as those involved in crafting ritual objects and monastic teachers. The thesis examines the historical development of chod, particularly its transition from a secretive practice to a public one, with a focus on the changes it has brought to the Boudhanath area. It analyses the production and visualization of chod-related images, alongside an exploration of the ritual and karmic economy. The significance of sonic practices is emphasized, arguing that the chants of chod possess explicit aesthetic value. The thesis employs concepts like sonic atmospheres and transduction to study the emotional layers evoked by the chod chants, highlighting their role in facilitating practitioners' detachment from emotions and the illusory self. Lastly, the thesis investigates the interplay between the invisible and the visible, exploring how film can transcend conceptual frameworks and enable viewers to experience chod in a realm beyond representation.

Date of Award	1 Aug 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Rupert Cox (Supervisor) & Lorenzo Ferrarini (Supervisor)