Description
A dadar is a ritual arrow with silk streamers of the five colors of each of the five elements, along with other items attached at the top according to the specific ritual that is being performed. The dadar is made of a 3-jointed bamboo. The 3 joints represent the soul (la), the psyche (yi) and the mind (sem). When these three are connected, there is life. Therefore, the dadar symbolizes and supports the longevity and is used ritually to summon all the qualities of the five elements throughout time and space to return to the practitioner in order to restore and support longevity.
Features unique to the Bön dadar: – the bamboo stick has three joints – the top is ornamented with a feather – the top is adorned with beads representing five elements and five wisdoms – the Tibetan syllables “Ni” and “A” (intended for the long life and soul retrieval). The dadar is a part of the longevity practice and ritual of Lama Tséwang Rikdzin translated in the book Indestructible: The Longevity Practice of Tséwang Rikdzin.
