Leh, Aug 04: A group of venerable nuns from Druk Odsal Chosling Nunnery in Tia Village were accorded a warm and respectful welcome at the Mahabodhi Devachan Campus, marking a day of spiritual exchange and shared humanitarian values.
The visit, hosted by the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), included an extensive tour of the Devachan facilities, encompassing the Old Age Home, Mahabodhi Karuna Hospital, Residential School, Guest House, and the tranquil Sambodhi Retreat Centre. These institutions form the backbone of MIMC’s work across the social, medical, and educational spectrum.
A defining moment of the visit came during a personal audience with MIMC founder Bhikkhu Sanghasena. In a candid and heartfelt interaction, he extended his warm greetings to the nuns and offered a tribute to His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa and His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche, acknowledging their enduring impact on the spiritual and humanitarian landscape of the Himalayas. Bhikkhu Sanghasena spoke with deep reverence, noting how the Drukpa lineage has continually inspired his own path.
Speaking to the assembly, Bhikkhu Sanghasena reflected on the historical challenges faced by women in monastic life, particularly in the remote terrain of Ladakh. He called attention to the necessity of gender equality within the spiritual order, stating, “A Bhikkhu and a Bhikkhuni are like the two wings of a bird — only when both are strong and balanced can the bird truly soar.” His address underscored a growing movement toward inclusion and parity within the Buddhist community.
The nuns later conducted the sacred Riwo Sang Chö, a traditional smoke offering ceremony believed to invoke peace and spiritual well-being. The ritual was followed by a shared meal with Bhikkhu Sanghasena, fostering a moment of joy, humility, and unity.
Concluding their visit, the nuns expressed deep gratitude for the hospitality extended by MIMC and praised the organization’s sustained efforts to blend spiritual practice with social responsibility. The day ended with a reaffirmation of shared ideals and a renewed sense of camaraderie in service to the Dharma.
