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Dear Friends of DGLI,
It is our great joy to share exciting news and developments of the various projects under DGLI’s umbrella: DGL Nunnery, Gebchak Gompa, Tayul, Chukta and Laphag Gompas, and the Alliance of Non-Himalayan Nuns – all inspired by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo.
We take great pride in highlighting the historic Gelongma ordination of some 265 nuns in Bhutan. This is due to the clarity, understanding and determination of Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, who during her lifetime, has made it her mission to be a voice for nuns receiving full ordination. Jetsunma was a major force behind the 265 nuns becoming fully ordained Gelongmas; we owe much gratitude to HH Je Khenpo Rinpoche for taking the courageous step to give the ordination. Many thanks to the Bhutan Broadcasting Service for the wonderful interview with Jetsunma. Please enjoy!
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Very special thanks to all of you who have generously given to these projects and we are deeply appreciative of the generosity you have shown in contributing to the Endowment Fund for DGL Nunnery. With Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo no longer traveling and giving dharma talks to raise funds for the nunnery, our focus is making sure her heart’s creation, Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery, is financially secure for many many years to come.
We wish you a joyful holiday season. May our prayers for world peace and harmony, kindness and compassion, spread throughout this world.
In gratitude and with best wishes to all of you,
DGLI Board of Directors
Lillia, May Ling, Sherab Khandro and Sarah
| | Alliance of Non-Himalayan Nuns | | |
We would like to feature one of Jetsunma’s most heartfelt projects: The Alliance of Non-Himalayan Nuns. As mentioned before, the momentous Bhikshuni ordination took place in Bhutan following the Global Peace Prayer Festival this November. Some 40 non-Himalayan nuns joined their sisters in order to receive the ordination. The Alliance was honored to play an important role in their journey.
The Alliance requests your support at this time. With your donations, the organization can continue to fulfill its mission in providing grants to non-Himalayan nuns, supporting their commitment to live by vow, pursue their practices and studies which empowers them to contribute to their local sanghas. Just off the heels of the ordination in Bhutan, let’s join forces and give these nuns the support they need to “go forth” and uphold the fourfold sangha, as taught to us by Shakyamuni Buddha. We thank the Bhutan Broadcasting service for the beautiful video of the newly ordained Gelongmas.
The ANHN and its volunteer group are planning new seminars, teachings and many other activities, including an onsite Gathering. This can only be accomplished through your generosity. To find out more about the Alliance, please visit: https://anhn.org
| | Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery | | |
Fifty nuns from DGL Nunnery made the journey to Bhutan to receive the Gelongma ordination in November. This historic event was a huge step forward for all nuns in the Tibetan tradition.
The June summer holiday was enjoyed by all and was followed by two months of strict retreat in July and August. At the beginning of September new roles were assigned at the Nunnery, such as disciplinarian, head cook, grounds, etc, and shortly after, everyone was back in class.
In October, the DGL nuns enjoyed a very meaningful visit by Sister Lucy Kurien, one of Jetsunma’s personal heroes. Sister Lucy is the Founder and Director of Maher Ashram India. With Hirabegum Mulla, President of Maher, she shared the gripping story of how she came to found 73 homes (and counting...) for abused and destitute women, men and children in India. The DGL nuns listened attentively to her stories. And for good measure, the nuns also benefitted from a visit by Dental Radiance of Palampur!
We offer our sincere thanks to all who donated to the new addition to the Tara Guest House as well as the expansion of the dormitories for the nuns. Now that construction is close to being finished, DGL will soon be able to take in an additional 35 nuns, bringing the total capacity up to 150!
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The Gebchak nuns are keeping well. They remain deeply committed to preserving their practice lineage long into the future, despite many changes and challenges around them. New residences and shrine rooms have been constructed, digital recordings are being archived so future nuns can properly learn the yogas, and older nuns are holding workshops to teach younger nuns liturgical arts.
As ever the nuns maintain their own barley fields and yak herd, and regularly offer prayers and spiritual counselling to families in the vicinity. Gebchak’s main teacher of inner yogas (tsa lung), Jamtsen Chodron, sadly passed away this year. As a Gebchak lama she was cremated at the nunnery and her remains enshrined there in a stupa. Her death is greatly mourned by the nunnery, yet she trained several other nuns who are now capable of passing on these teachings in the future.
Meanwhile, Gebchak’s lowerland branch hermitage – Dongtsang Ritro – is serving as a practice hub for elderly Gebchak nuns and retreatants from all lineages, including an increasing number of lay Tibetans and visitors turning to meditation practice.
The Gebchak nuns are sincerely grateful for your moral and material support which enables them to maintain their contemplative tradition. You will remain in their ongoing prayers.
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One year seems to blend into the next in the Ghar valley of Lahaul where Tayul and Chukta Gompas are located. With the funds from DGLI the 3 nuns at Tayul and the 6 nuns at Chukta are able to do things they normally wouldn't be able to do.
Because of your generous support, the nuns have been able to install metal roofs on their houses and have received much needed dental work. Your support has also allowed for good warm clothes and boots for the winter. And good food!
Zangmo at Tayul Gompa is now 92 and Yangzin at Chukta is 96. Zangmo will spend the winter at her family home in Stingiri as it is too difficult for her to live alone at the monastery. Zangmo has been a nun for 74 years and has known Jetsunma for over 50 years. Jetsunma stayed with Zangmo at Tayul before going to the cave. These nuns are all such inspirations.
Chukta Gompa is where Jetsunma has been spending the last 3 summers in retreat in the Lama Lhakhang. The nuns bring Jetsunma her food and do her laundry.
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The nuns at Laphag Gompa are well and the number has increased to 165 with more hoping to join. Last year, the dining hall was extended and the plan was to build more retreat huts this year.
Current government policy does not allow the construction of new buildings so no new retreat hut can be built. Instead, a second floor is being built on top of the dining hall to provide accommodation for the nuns. As always the nuns are very appreciative of your support.
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