Gebchak’s annual ‘monlam’ prayer ceremony
It has been another year of ‘practice as usual’ at Gebchak Gonpa. Nineteen drubchens, dark retreats, Nyungneys, and Dzogchen meditation gazing out from hillsides to the clear winter sky. All practised by the nuns with compassion and prayers for all their relations, and for all who suffer in this world.
The nuns are preparing for an important transmission ceremony of the Nyingthik Yabzhi (a collection of Dzogchen instructions from Longchenpa) to be held at the nunnery next summer. Transmissions like this are key to the vitality of practice lineages, and many people from beyond Gebchak will join the ceremony. Gebchak’s lamas have worked hard to build a new kitchen and accommodation at Gebchak for this event and for the nuns’ ongoing needs.
nuns and horses returning from a hilltop ritual practice in summer
Sadly, a younger nun and an elderly male yogin both passed away at Gebchak this year. (There has always been significant, harmonious male participation in Ge bcags’ tradition). Such is the nature of life, and it is enshrined in Gebchak’s contemplative outlook and in their sky burial tradition. Gebchak has its own charnel ground on a hilltop south of the nunnery, where the nuns ritually offer the bodies of the deceased to the vultures. It is a dying wish of most Gebchak nuns to have their bodies offered in this way as their final act of generosity.
Gebchak nun performing a sky burial
Lower land, at Dongtsang Ritro hermitage, dozens of nuns and monks have just completed 100-day winter retreats, breaking now for Losar’s festive and prayer ceremonies.
Thus the Gebchak community in Nangchen is thriving, despite considerable challenges from their changing environment. All of us reading this are participants in this thriving in various ways, through sponsorship, our own practice and/or the inspiration and faith we feel for the Gebchak nuns.
Thank you for your faith and support of their livelihoods and practice. The Gebchak nuns and lamas are beaming their tashi delek and prayers that this year of the Water Tiger uplifts you and all your aspirations to fulfilment!
To make a donation towards the nuns’ food & sustenance or to sponsor prayers, please click here. All donations are welcome and greatly supportive.
painting by Karma Yeshe
