Compare and Contrast: Islam in Indonesia and Buddhism in Tibet

In chapter two, "Hearing Islam In The Atmosphere" of the book Women, the Recited Quar'an, and Islamic Music in Indonesia by Anne Rasmussen she shared her understanding of the spiritual leaders, teachers and mentors involved in the instruction of Quar'an recitation in Indonesia.

Kiai and Nyai are the terms used to identify spiritual leaders who through there wisdom and example act as mentors in Quar'an recitation. These definitions loosely correspond to lama (tibetan term for teacher of the dharma) or guru (sanskrit term of the same meaning).

Here is a list of similarities between Kiai/Nyai and Lamas

• usually among social and economic leaders in community
• frequently considered part of elite lineages of religious leaders
• generally highly respected for religious knowledge, guidance and administration of schooling
• often model educators, preachers or even civic business/political leaders ex: Dalai Lama
• they are considered the anchors of religious learning
• "you need to be with them. You simply have to live with him...to be with him and learn from the small things that he does" This kind of attitude is strong towards both Kiai/Nyai and Lamas

Here is a list of differences between Kiai/Nyai and Lamas

• there is no separate term for a female lama kiai (male) nyai (female)
• there are male female duos of lamas but often the male partner is more esteemed because Tibet tends to be more patriarchal and usually lamas are more individual and not as reliant on a male/female team
• it is encouraged to revere the lama as the buddha himself, in contrast it does not appear that Kiai/Nyai are considered to be revered as highly as Muhammad 
• Lamas do not have to be expert reciters of mantra melodies, instead there is a heavier emphasis on meditation skill, philosophical knowledge and command of ritual

My root lama Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche was particularly well known for his voice. He led pujas (meditation and ritual practices), trained his students in these practices and gave many teaching on Buddhist philosophy. His wife khandro is also an esteemed teacher and meditator who also worked as his translator.

As far as I know, the culture of reciting mantra in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition is not as emphasized as Quar'an recitation in Indonesia. Generally the recitation of mantra is done as part of meditation practice. Mantra recitation is an integral part of the practice of puja (meditation in a group setting with particular texts and rituals). In this way mantra recitation isn't quite viewed as a performance. However, there are occasions where the recitation of mantra has been performed. A unique example is that Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche opened for the Beastie Boys at a music festival in brazil. He was very excited for the performance because he felt that it was a great way to connect with many people and often joked that when he reincarnated he wants to come back as a rockstar.

 In the video above Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche sits in meditation posture and before he sings he prays aloud the aspiration that his "music" will bring the audience joy and then he gives a very short teaching on love and compassion before he even sings a note. He may be "performing" but if you watch closing in his left hand you can see that he is simultaneously reciting mantra and counting these recitations with his mala (prayer beads).

Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche also recorded many CDs of him reciting mantra they can be found on spotify if you are curious.

In addition, to the spiritual leader concepts, there are many terms from the chapter that are analogous to Tibetan Buddhist terms. Interestingly, the ways in which buddhism adapted to the culture of Tibet is mirrored by how Islam adapted to the culture of Indonesia. These are broad strokes and may be generalizations but in my reading there were many descriptions that resonated with my knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism, which I thought would be valuable to share.

pondok pesantran meaning"for both religious training and to learn the discipline of living communally and following a rigorous schedule" is similar to living in a buddhist monastery.

dakwa is similar to the concept of dharma

Wali Songo is similar to Guru Rinpoche and other historical buddhist figures or "saints" in Tibet.