By Rinzin Wangchuk
Kathmandu, Nepal – At the break of dawn, sharp sounds of synchronized movements, swift kicks, and fluid spins reverberate through the serene surroundings of Druk Amitabha Mountain, high above the Kathmandu Valley. This daily ritual of Kung Fu practice, led by the nuns of Druk Amitabha Monastery, transforms martial arts into a discipline of mental clarity, spiritual focus, and physical resilience.
The nuns are preparing to showcase their skills at the 10th Annual Drukpa Council (ADC), a significant spiritual gathering set to take place from December 28, 2024, to January 1, 2025. The Chairperson of Nepal’s National Assembly, Narayan Prasad Dahal, will grace the inaugural ceremony of the event.
Khenchen Tandin Sithup of the Central Monk Body of Bhutan will attend as the special representative of His Holiness the Je Khenpo, while Bhutan’s Home Minister Tshering will represent the government.
The council is expected to unite spiritual leaders, environmentalists, and peace advocates from Bhutan, India, Nepal, and other Himalayan regions, along with participants from across the globe.
Founded in 2009 by Gyalwang Drukpa, the revered head of the Drukpa Lineage, the ADC aims to foster global compassion, harmony, and spiritual growth. Resuming after a six-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s event is themed “Rejoice: Connect and aspire beyond boundaries” and marks the reopening of the nunnery to the public.
A spiritual renaissance
The five-day gathering promises an enriching experience, blending spiritual teachings, cultural performances, and humanitarian discussions. Organizers emphasize the transformative nature of the event, which aims to inspire attendees toward spiritual growth and compassion. “The ADC serves as a platform to reconnect the Himalayan communities with their spiritual heritage while inspiring global unity,” said an event coordinator.
The event’s conclusion on New Year’s Day symbolizes a fresh chapter of unity, growth, and spiritual transformation. With over 3,000 participants expected, ADC reinforces Nepal’s position as a global spiritual destination while contributing to the local economy.
Kung Fu Nuns lead the way
One of the highlights of the ADC is the participation of the celebrated Kung Fu Nuns. These nuns, who combine spiritual discipline with martial arts, will perform Kung Fu demonstrations, sacred drum rituals, and other ceremonial activities. “Kung Fu is part of our daily routine,” said 24-year-old Jigme Yangchen Gamo, a Kung Fu nun. “It’s not about violence but maintaining physical and mental strength, allowing us to focus and concentrate on our responsibilities.”
Currently, there are 300 Kung Fu Nuns hailing from the Drukpa Lineage of Buddhism, which has a thousand-year history stretching back to the Indian saint Naropa and continues its legacy today under the spiritual leadership of the Gyalwang Drukpa. With his encouragement and support, the nuns began learning Kung Fu to build strength and confidence.
The Kung Fu Nuns have garnered international acclaim for their roles as champions of gender equality, environmentalism, and self-defense advocacy. Their campaigns against human trafficking and their leadership in disaster relief have earned them accolades such as the UNESCO Martial Arts Education Prize (2021) and Asia Society Game Changers Award (2019).
Legacy of the Drukpa Lineage
The Drukpa Lineage, with roots tracing back to the 12th-century charismatic Buddhist figure in Tibet, Drogon Tsangpa Gyare (1161-1211), spans across the Himalayas, including Bhutan, Ladakh, and Nepal, and even Vietnam. It upholds the Mahayana Buddhist philosophy of compassion and service, which continues to inspire its followers globally.
The ADC stands as a testament to this enduring legacy, fostering unity among Bhutan, Nepal, and other Himalayan communities. “As the council ushers in the new year, it reinforces its mission of spreading wisdom and harmony across boundaries,” said an organizer.
Live to Love Initiative
As part of the ADC, the Live to Love initiative, in collaboration with the Nepal Red Cross Society, will host a blood donation drive from December 28 to 31. Founded by Gyalwang Drukpa in 2004, Live to Love is a global grassroots nonprofit that empowers Himalayan communities through education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.
The ADC will also feature a special awards ceremony on December 30 to honor the contributions of Live to Love chapters worldwide.
Gyalwang Drukpa’s unwavering dedication towards making the world a better place to live for everyone has earned him numerous international awards and recognition including the UN Millennium Development Goals Award, Aurora Modern Day Hero Award and Green Hero Award.
A Unified Vision
The 10th Annual Drukpa Council serves not only as a spiritual platform but also as a unifying event that celebrates the shared heritage of the Himalayan communities.
Today, the Drukpa lineage extends beyond Bhutan, with a significant presence in Ladakh, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti in India, as well as parts of parts of Nepal, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hongkong, Singapore, Australia, France, Germany and Canada. Its followers continue to uphold its teachings of compassion and service, spreading the values of the lineage worldwide.
With the participation of the Kung Fu Nuns and initiatives like Live to Love, the ADC encapsulates a vision of compassion, empowerment, and global harmony, creating a legacy for the future.
The writer is the former Editor of Kuensel, Executive Director of the Journalists’ Association of Bhutan and Central Executive Member of SAARC Journalist Forum (SJF).
