Nechung - The State Oracle of Tibet

The next day in the Nechung Monestary in Dharamsala, India I was invited to watch as the Kuten went into trance. The ceremony began with chanted invocations and prayers, accompanied by the urgings of horns, cymbals and drums. After a short while, the Kuten entered his trance. At this point, a huge helmet weighing nearly 70 pounds was placed on his head and tied so tight his face turned a deep red. In his trance state he stood up and began to move very regally around the platform then sat down and started talking in a strange voice. The monks gathered around and began to transcribe the words coming from the kuten. It was an experience I'll never forget.

A few months later I heard an interview with the Dalai Lama in which he was asked if he followed the advice of the Nechung Oracle. He said, "Although it may seem strange, looking back over the years it is remarkable how accurate Nechung has been. I well remember a particular incident that occurred when I was about fourteen. Nechung was asked a question about China. Rather than answer it directly, the Kuten turned towards the East and began bending forward violently. It was frightening to watch, knowing that this movement combined with the weight of the massive helmet he wore on his head would be enough to snap his neck. He did it at least fifteen times, leaving no one in any doubt about where the danger lay."