When you look up the origin and meaning of the dance of one thousand hands, you’ll be treated to an interesting and delightful collection of articles brimming with historical facts and cultural must-knows.
To have a better understanding of the inspiration behind the captivating dance, one must remember two important words: Guanyin and bodhisattva.
A bodhisattva refers to an individual who has not only resolved to become a Buddha but has received confirmation from a living Buddha that this is indeed one’s fate. Guanyin is a bodhisattva associated with compassion.
Often referred to as the most “widely beloved Buddhist Divinity”, Guanyin is also known as the “Goddess of Mercy“, as nicknamed by Jesuit missionaries in China. She is depicted in many different forms, one of which is having a thousand hands.
“Guanyin made an oath to worry about all living things until they are free from problems and suffering. At this point, the goddess tried to help ordinary people and noticed how her hands began to be torn apart. Amitabha helped her and gave her thousands of hands. Since then, Guanyin has been helping everyone who asks for it.”
The thousand hands dance is indeed a beautiful representation of Guanyin. Amazing sights and a shift in perspective are just some of what one can expect when culture meets creativity.
To give you a perfect example of just how enticing the dance can be, here are the Tarian Seribu Tangan.
As translated from the video’s caption, the Bodhisattva dance was performed by a group of disabled people.
The team wore the traditional Dance of One Thousand Hands costume: tall, shiny hats, a gold, two-piece ensemble accented with tassles, beadwork, and embroidery, and of course, the gold finger accessories that elevate the dance’s magnetism.
The graceful hand movements executed at different speeds look even more fascinating because of the gold hand and finger accessories.
From just a few arms swaying gracefully sideways to a gradual increase of hands and fingers moving, the dancers moved perfectly in time with the calming music: a string and flute rich track that will make you feel like you were being transported to a tranquil, faraway place.
As more hands join in, the mesmerizing dance begins to create a kaleidoscopic effect – an aesthetically pleasing sight highlighted by the simple, gold stage set-up and the intricately crafted costumes of the dancers.
The dancers have a way of keeping the audience anticipating more from the meticulous choreography.
It is breathtaking as it is soothing – a combination that not just any dance can create.
Dancing truly is an art. Just when you think you’ve seen all dance types performed on stages and music videos all over the world, talented groups such as this will make you realize just how much there is to still see.
Dancing isn’t just about the music, the costumes, and the choreography.
Impressive as most dances are, one must learn that the art represents so much more: culture, history, and dedication. Watch and be mesmerized by their beautiful dance below.
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