Mahabodhi Temple,
Bodhgaya,
16 February 2025
According to the instructions of the Gyalwang Karmapa, the 9th Arya Kshema is being held at Tergar Monastery Bodhgaya and is being sponsored by Tsurphu Labrang’s Kunkyong Charitable Trust.
Nuns have travelled from three countries—India, Nepal and Bhutan—to take part in a month of study, debate, and ritual, which will also include three days of celebrations around Tibetan New Year. This year the organisers are Karma Drubgyu Dargyeling nunnery from Tilokpur in India. Seven other nunneries are attending: Khyegu Dhagmo Chöling, Thösam Dargyeling; Karma Drubdey Palmo Choskyi Dingkhang; Bokar Dolma Lekshey Döguling; Samten Ling; Karma Lekshey Ling; and Thekchen Lekshey Ling.
As is now the tradition, on the first morning the nuns made their way before first light to the Mahabodhi Stupa and received the one-day Mahayana Sojong vows under the Bodhi tree. This year the vows were given by Shelri Tulku Rinpoche, who is temporarily standing in for Drupon Dechen Rinpoche. Offerings were also made to the sacred Golden Buddha image in the Mahbodhi Stupa ground floor shrine room for the auspiciousness and success of the gathering.
