Tashi Delek greetings to all!
nuns dancing for new year
It’s been a challenging year for the Gebchak nuns with Covid arriving late to the nunnery. Prolonged restrictions across China since 2020 had little effect on them, since they already live mostly in retreat. But when lockdowns were abruptly lifted last December, Covid spread rapidly through the Nangchen population and many fell sick for the first time. The nuns are all recovering but like much of the world already knows, recovery can be slow and complicated. They generally prefer to rely on Tibetan medicine but some nuns are seeking modern healthcare at this stage for persistent ailments. Your donations over the last year have greatly supported the nuns’ health and nutritional needs.
a new nun is welcomed to Gebchak
The nuns’ intensive annual schedule of practices has gone uninterrupted, however! Their deep dedication to their practice lineage is especially apparent at times like these. In January, they performed their annual Chu-rey (‘Wet sheet’) ceremony, demonstrating their accomplishment in tummo yoga (though few participated due to sickness). Next week they begin their Hayagriva drubchen, marking the spring season of their Tantric Buddhist group ritual ceremonies.
As always, you are in the Gebchak nuns’ prayers. And we all participate in their tradition through sponsorship, our own practice and/or the inspiration and faith we feel for the nuns. Thank you, and may your year be peaceful and expansive as the rabbit and its ears!
To make a donation towards the nuns’ food & sustenance or to sponsor prayers, please click here. All donations are welcome and greatly supportive.
For an update on the Yushu children, see this photo album.
Year of the Water Rabbit, year 2150 *painting by Karma Yeshe*
