Tibetan Losar (New Year) wishes to all!
Despite a two-year hiatus from this newsblog, we are happy to report the Gebchak nuns continue to thrive in their original contemplative tradition of 19 annual drubchens and other retreats. Their dedication to yogic practice is striking considering the mainstream world’s orientation nowadays, including many economic & cultural changes around them.
Nuns entering the shrine hall for a drubchen, Gebchak Gonpa
As Tibetan Losar approaches, the nuns are engaged in creative, powerful rituals to clear obstacles & set conditions for an auspicious new year. They include all who are connected to them in these prayers. At this mid-winter time of year, the Gebchak nuns also perform a Chu-Rey (‘Wet-Sheet’) ceremony, with tummo experts drying off wet shawls as they walk slowly around the Nunnery hillside in temperatures nearing -20 degrees Celsius (traditionally, images of this ritual are not permitted).
Since its early days, the Gebchak tradition has comprised dozens of branch gonpas across the Tibetan Plateau. These branches have always formed different social constellations depending on their local communities and resident lamas. In recent years, the connections between branch gonpas have been actively fostered & strengthened with Gebchak nuns instructing at branches, and Gebchak lamas working together on construction projects & organising cross-community training sessions.
Elder Gebchak monk and his friend, Dongtsang Ritro Hermitage
The newest Gebchak branch gonpa, Dongtsang Ritro Hermitage, was established over the last ten years near Nangchen town on an ancient site of Nangchen’s founding yogins. This Hermitage now serves as a 3-year retreat training for new nuns from Gebchak’s branches, as a retirement home for elderly nuns & monks, and as a meditation centre for many lay people who seem called to practice more than ever before.
The nuns at Gebchak Gonpa are all getting older, yet their lineage does not seem to be losing its lifeforce. Like a river, it is finding its way around obstacles and fulfilling the deepest spiritual needs of people in immediate and unexpected ways. This flows from the Gebchak nuns’ & lamas’ heartfelt dedication, as well as the moral & material support of those like you who are connected to them through faith.
May this Tibetan year of the Fire Horse blaze for you with Dharma blessings & strength!
To view a recent photo album, please click here.
