THE VAJRA DANCE OF SPACE OF THE UNBORN 12 A
On 15 January, Tashigar Norte organized a course with Prima Mai on the Vajra Dance of the Khalong Dorje Kar of the Unborn 12 A. This was the first event offered by Tashigar Norte in 2026, and it was an especially auspicious beginning for us all. There were participants from all over the world, with many connections to the Zoom session.
​
Prima offered profound background information on this dance in particular, on the meaning of the Vajra Dance, and on the remarkable benefits of intentional slow movement. She shared insights received from Rinpoche and patiently demonstrated in detail how to perform the movements of this dance, giving precise and extremely helpful guidance to those who had questions about the practice. We learned about balance, foot placement, arm and hand positions, how to direct the gaze, and how to turn with grace. After becoming familiar with the movements, we practiced several thuns together, accompanied by music.
​
The final part of the course included several video clips of Rinpoche giving direct and pithy commentaries on Dzogchen, followed by the dedication of merit. Prima also expressed her wish that one day we may dance together again at Tashigar Norte, and we all share that hope. You can listen to the recording by registering on this page.​
​
This Vajra Dance is a symbolic dance of total integration beyond beginning or end. It is a dance of recognition of our pure nature and true potential. It can be practiced anywhere and does not require the support of a mandala. Throught movement of the body, chanting the A with the voice, and resting the mind in the state of contemplation, the three main aspects of our existence are harmonized, allowing a state of serenity and deep relaxation to arise.
​
The Dance of the Vajra arose from the profound meditation of the Dzogchen master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. From 1989 onwards, the Master received the terma “The Vajra Dance Liberating the Six Classes of Beings into the Six Pure Dimensions”.
​
“Vajra” is a Sanskrit word meaning "diamond". In the Dzogchen teaching, the vajra symbolizes our essential nature, which is pure, clear and immutable like a diamond. Through the practice of the Dance of the Vajra, one can discover this true nature by remaining in the state of contemplation, and learn to maintain and stabilize this recognition not only in seated meditation, but also while in movement. In this way it can become an integral part of daily life.
​​
Since 1991, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu taught four different Vajra Dances. While all four dances harmonize the three main aspects of our being – body, energy (or voice) and mind – each dance has its own specific characteristics.
​​
The Vajra Dances are inseparably linked to the transmission of the Dzogchen Teaching. ​Requirements: having received teachings from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu or Namkhai Yeshi.
​​​
This course runs on your free generous donation basis.
Prima Mai
Prima Mai was born in Germany in 1962 and studied Communication Design in Hamburg. She left there in 1987 to live and work in Spain as a contemporary artist. It was in that period that she chose her artist name. She met Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in 1989 and moved to Italy in 1990.
Prima learned the Vajra Dance directly from Rinpoche and accompanied him for several years in his travels to assist in making the Vajra Dance known during Rinpoche’s seminars and retreats.
Prima Mai is one of the two main international Vajra Dance teachers appointed by Rinpoche with the authorization to train and create more Vajra Dance Instructors. Since 1992 she has been giving courses worldwide and preparing related materials for publications and the general development of the Vajra Dance. Prima has dedicated her life to Rinpoche’s vision, developing the Vajra Dances in its various aspects.
She speaks German, English, Spanish, and Italian as well as a little French. Her other general interests are alternative healing, new science and technology, music, and art. Prima has lived with her companion in Camogli, Italy, since 2001.