The Achi Association

by the Board

2007

Content

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• Participants
• Patrons

The Achi Association aims to substantially contribute to the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Himalayas by supporting and co-ordinating the preservation of its architectural and artistic heritage. It undertakes structural restorations of architecture as well as the conservation and restoration of wall paintings. Active conservation work will be undertaken according to professional guidelines and carried out to the highest current technical standards.

The association concentrates its efforts on the cultural heritage of the Drikung Kagyü order of Tibetan Buddhism. Not only does this order have a long history with establishments all over the Himalayas but its head makes active efforts to preserve its material heritage along with its religious and philosophical traditions. Furthermore, the long-standing relationship between the association and the order facilitates effective organisation and long-term planning and furthers the collaboration of local people and institutions.

The Achi Association is of a cultural and not religious nature. Nevertheless, it deeply respects the religious character of the objects and their cultural importance. Thus, the Association actively seeks the co-operation and support of local people and institutions at the place where conservation work is to be undertaken.

While all religious, art-historical, and philosophical aspects connected with the Drikung Kagyü order and its history are possible objects of the Achi Association, priority will be given to monuments and artefacts in immediate danger that are still owned by the Drikung Kagyü order. Although the association considers the Drikung Kagyü heritage as a whole as the possible object of its activities, currently its work is restricted to the region of Ladakh in Northwest India.

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The Name Achi

The association takes its name from the Dakini Achi (‘A-phyi), who is considered to be the protectress of the Drikung Kagyü order. Historically Achi is said to have manifested herself on various occasions, once, for instance, as a spiritual consort of Padmasambhava. About two centuries later she assumed physical form (interestingly this time as the daughter of aged parents) as the actual consort of a Yogi, whose son was to be the grandfather of the founder of the Drikung Lineage.

Achi is represented in several forms, of which the one showing her in three-eyed but two-armed form, peaceful but with hints of her latent vexed and wrathful potentiality, mounted on a “water-coloured” (blue = transparent) horse riding on clouds, is to be seen in practically every Drikung monastery or temple, often over the entrance porch.

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Participants

Board