A genre of Tibetan religious poetry, in which verses are composed that request a spiritual master to remain in the world, and not pass away. Such verses are frequently incorporated into ritual practice, chanted with a characteristic melody at the end of rituals or discourses. zhabs brtan appears to be a rather late Tibetan innovation; though it has precursors, it did not appear as a genre until the 18th century.

Etymology

Basic Syllabic Etymology:

Literally "firm feet," this has the sense of requesting a religious master keep his feet firm on the ground, to stay put.

Further Details

A class of rituals performed by monks. These include long-life prayers, but the term is used more broadly to refer to rituals with practical aims, such as healing, bringing good fortune, and so on. zhabs brtan are either performed by a large group of monks assembled at a monastery, or can be smaller affairs performed at a sponsor’s home. zhabs brtan are paid for with donations, so their ritual performance often constitutes an important source of income for the monastery and for individual monks.

Further Details