By Bodhibhadra
Druk Amitabha Mountain (DGK) Nunnery of the world famous Kung-fu nuns open to public after six years
The Dragon Yogis, the Drukpas of the Himalayas in both Nepal and Bhutan, trace their origins to the great Nalanda master, Naropa. Naropa’s six bone ornaments are still worn by the current head of the Order, the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa, Jigme Pema Wangchen. The incumbent Gyalwang Drukpa is credited for his humanitarian and environmental activities, as well as his cause of female empowerment and providing equal space to the women in spiritual practice. He established the nunneries in Ladakh and Nepal and the order of the Kung-fu Nuns was created.
During the great earthquake in Nepal in April 2015, the Druk Gawa Khilwa (DGK) nunnery (established in 2009) was badly affected. The great Naro Hall (built as a dedication to Naropa), wherein the Kung-fu nuns trained and practised their techniques and fitness, was destroyed.
Refusing to be evacuated from the nunnery, the nuns decided to help the earthquake victims in the surrounding neighbourhood. Since then, the great Naro Hall has been rebuilt and the DGK nunnery was opened to the public after six long years during the Tenth Annual Drukpa Council.
The Annual Drukpa Council
This ecumenical event was launched in 2009 to preserve and celebrate the 1000-year-old Drukpa lineage. During each council, leading Drukpa masters, monks, nuns, and practitioners from around the world come together to practice, learn, and share the Dharma.
The ADC is a platform to deliberate on challenges arising during contemporary times, and strengthening the tenets of the Dharma. It also provides an opportunity for all participants to forge mutual understanding, share their distinct cultural traditions from across the Himalayas, and participate in events like group chanting, smoke pujas, and torma offerings.
The ADC is significant for its bilateral importance, in particular, nurturing Nepal-Bhutan relations. The Drukpa schools, while different in the two countries, use the ADC as a platform for dialogue and unity. Driving home this point was the inaugural day, which was attended by Mr. Narayan Prasad Dahal, chairperson of the National Assembly of Nepal, and Mr. Tshering, minister of Home Affairs from the Royal Government of Bhutan.
This year’s ADC X began on 28 December and continued into the eve of the New Year of 2025. It felt mystical for me to be part of this grand, majestic gathering at the Druk Amitabha mountain. More than 50 Drukpa Lineage masters and teachers from across the Himalayas and over 3000 members of the Drukpa tradition’s sangha gathered for this much-awaited council. Notable, over 100 Bhutanese monks, devotees, and volunteers journeyed to Nepal, with 40 Bhutanese volunteers playing a pivotal role in organizing the festivities. The US ambassador to Nepal, Mr. Dean R. Thompson, attended the event with his wife.
A packed schedule
On the first day, Drukpa monastics performed a grand smoke puja in the main temple prior to the grand opening. It was followed by the official flag-raising ceremony and inauguration of the rebuilt Naro Hall, with prayers from the nuns and a performance of the Drukpa tradition’s anthem. The Kung-fu Nuns performed drums (nga cham) as part of the occasion. It was followed by a welcome dance by the nuns and a dragon dance by monks from Vietnam. HH the 9th Gyalwa Dokhampa gave a talk on the art of generosity and announced the launch of “The Restful Mind” app, showcasing the project and its benefits for users. A Mahakala puja took place in the evening, helping to clear obstacles and to benefit all the sentient beings.
On the second day, Kyabje Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche gave a profound teaching on “Dharma in Daily Life.” It was followed by a talk on “Four Reliances and the Four Teachings of Kadampa,” by Khenchen Tandin Sithub, the representative of Bhutan’s 70th Je Khenpo, HH Trulku Jigme Choedra. The Je Khenpo is the spiritual head of the Himalayan constitutional monarchy.
On the third day, Ladakh’s Kyabje Chokyong Palga Rinpoche delivered his teaching on “Leading Body, Speech and Mind Towards the Spiritual Path.” The young Kyabje Sengdrak Rinpoche gave a speech on “Words from Heart.”
Finally, on the eve of the New Year, the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa made a rare appearance before the public at DGK Nunnery, and addressed the council about welcoming the New Year. The ADC X culminated with three circumambulations of Swayambhu Stupa at the foothill of Druk Amitabha mountain, and an offering of 100,000 butter lamps led by the 12th Gyalwang Drupa.
Political and civic figures included Yab Dasho Dhondup Gyaltshen and Yum Sonam Chuki, the father and mother of HM the Queen of Bhutan (Druk Gyaltsuen), Tshering Angchuk (the deputy CEC of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council), Khenpo Thubten Jigdol (president of Nepal Buddhist Association), and representatives from 65 Drukpa monasteries in Nepal, teachers and monastics from Ladakh and Darjeeling; and followers from Vietnam, Malaysia, France, the US, China, Hong Kong, and more.
Mr. Niraj Kumar, a senior Indian government official, offered an interesting session on the Kalachakra Tantra in one of the sessions, exploring this core tantric text was composed by Naropa and carried by great Drukpa masters like Orgyenpa to the Mongol courts. He advised the Drukpa order to reclaim this great tantra and protect its secret teachings from corruption.
Finally, we cannot leave out the renowned DGK Kung-fu Nuns, who showed their impeccable martial arts to the beat of drums in the newly rebuilt Naro Hall. These nuns have earned international accolades such as the UNESCO Martial Arts Education Prize (2021), the Atlantic Council’s Unsung Heroes Award (2020), and the Asia Society Game Changers Award (2019). The Je Khenpo praised the spiritual unity and legacy of the Drukpa lineage by composing a song. Students from Druk Padma Karpo School in Ladakh, popularly known for the Bollywood movie starring Amir Khan, 3 Idiots, made cultural performances as well.
Reflecting on this magnificent conclave, I feel that the whole-hearted participation of followers from diverse backgrounds and the promotion of harmony among religious institutions and monasteries worldwide did justice to the banner of the ADC X: “Rejoice: Connect and Aspire Beyond Boundaries.”
