The serene slopes of Druk Amitabha Mountain have become the epicenter of spiritual and cultural convergence as Kathmandu hosts the 10th Annual Drukpa Council (ADC) today. This prestigious event draws a diverse assembly of spiritual leaders, environmentalists, peace advocates, and dedicated practitioners from Bhutan, India, Nepal, the broader Himalayan region, and beyond.
This year’s council is distinguished by the presence of Khenchen Tandin Sithup from Zhung Dratshang, who attends as the special representative of His Holiness the Je Khenpo. Additionally, Bhutan’s Home Minister Tshering will grace the occasion as the guest of honor, underscoring the event’s significance in fostering Bhutanese-Nepali relations and spiritual dialogue.
Over 100 Bhutanese monks, devotees, and volunteers have journeyed to Nepal, with 40 Bhutanese volunteers playing a pivotal role in organizing the festivities. Their participation highlights the deep-rooted connections and collaborative spirit that the ADC seeks to promote.
A Celebration of Drukpa Kagyued Tradition
Since its inception in 2009 by Gyalwang Drukpa, the ADC has grown into the world’s largest congregation of masters, students, and followers of the Drukpa lineage of Buddhism. The council serves as a unifying platform aimed at nurturing global compassion, harmony, and spiritual advancement. “This gathering celebrates the Drukpa Kagyued Buddhist tradition and offers a platform to deepen ties between Bhutan and the Drukpa lineage while fostering spiritual unity across the Himalayan belt,” remarked a Bhutanese attendee. “It is a perfect platform to reconnect, propagate Buddha Dharma, and promote harmony among religious institutions and monasteries worldwide, especially in Bhutan.”
Under the banner “Rejoice: Connect and Aspire Beyond Boundaries,” the ADC marks its return after a six-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This edition is particularly momentous as it also celebrates the reopening of the local nunnery to the public, inviting participants to immerse themselves in its rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
The five-day event is a tapestry of spiritual teachings, vibrant cultural performances, and critical humanitarian dialogues. Organizers anticipate that the ADC will be a transformative experience, inspiring attendees to embark on renewed spiritual journeys and leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and minds. The council is set to culminate on New Year’s Day, symbolizing a fresh era of unity and growth.
Prominent Drukpa leaders, including Gyalwang Drukpa, Gyalwa Dokhampa, Drukpa Thuksey, Kyabje Palga Rinpoche, and Kyabje Kuenga Rinpoche, will deliver inspiring talks and teachings. Notably, Khenchen Tandin Sithup will present on the “Four Reliances” and the “Four Teachings of Kadampa” on Sunday, December 29.
Kung Fu Nuns Steal the Spotlight
A standout feature of this year’s ADC is the participation of the renowned Kung Fu Nuns from Druk Amitabha Monastery. These nuns blend spiritual discipline with martial prowess, captivating audiences with Kung Fu demonstrations, sacred drum rituals, and ceremonial performances.
The Kung Fu Nuns are not only exemplars of gender equality within Buddhist communities but also staunch environmentalists. By challenging centuries-old patriarchal traditions, they have carved out influential roles as hosts, speakers, and performers at the ADC, highlighting their significant contributions to the Drukpa lineage. “Kung Fu is part of our daily routine,” explained Jigme Yangchen Gamo, a 24-year-old Kung Fu Nun. “It is not about violence but maintaining physical and mental strength, allowing us to focus and concentrate on our responsibilities.”
Their efforts have garnered international recognition, earning accolades such as the UNESCO Martial Arts Education Prize (2021), Atlantic Council’s Unsung Heroes Award (2020), and the Asia Society Game Changers Award (2019). Their initiatives in self-defense and anti-trafficking campaigns further demonstrate their unwavering commitment to social justice.
Preserving and Expanding the Drukpa Legacy
The Drukpa lineage, a cornerstone of Himalayan Buddhism, was established in the 12th century by Drogon Tsangpa Gyare, a disciple of the renowned Mahasiddha Lingchen Repa. Revered as the reincarnation of the Indian Mahasiddha Naropa, Tsangpa Gyare’s spiritual achievements earned him the title Druk Thamchay Khyenpa (The Omniscient Dragon), making him the first Gyalwang Drukpa.
Rooted in Mahayana philosophy, the Drukpa tradition emphasizes enlightenment for the benefit of all beings and incorporates Tantrayana teachings. The name “Drukpa” is inspired by a celestial phenomenon witnessed at Namdruk, where nine dragons ascended into the sky, symbolizing the lineage’s divine origins.
The Drukpa lineage found fertile ground in Bhutan, or “Druk Yul” (“Land of Thunder Dragons”), in the 13th century, thanks to figures like Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. Luminaries such as Lama Drukpa Kunley, the Divine Madman, and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal further solidified the lineage, establishing it as Bhutan’s state religion. Following the passing of the fourth Gyalwang Drukpa, Kunkhyen Pema Karpo, in the late 16th century, the lineage branched into the Northern Drukpa, led by the Gyalwang Drukpa, and the Southern Drukpa, founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in Bhutan.
Today, the Drukpa lineage extends its influence beyond Bhutan, with vibrant communities in Ladakh, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti in India, as well as in Nepal and Vietnam. Its adherents continue to uphold the lineage’s values of compassion and service, spreading its teachings globally.
A Unified Future
Organizers of the ADC view this year’s council as a testament to the enduring legacy and global reach of the Drukpa lineage. By reconnecting Bhutan and Himalayan communities with their spiritual heritage, the ADC fosters a shared sense of purpose and unity. “As the council ushers in the new year, it reinforces its mission of spreading wisdom, compassion, and harmony across boundaries, creating a brighter future for all those it touches,” stated one event coordinator.
As Kathmandu becomes the nexus for this grand assembly, the 10th Annual Drukpa Council stands as a beacon of unity, spiritual growth, and cultural preservation, promising a harmonious start to the new year for participants and their communities worldwide.
