10th Annual Drukpa Council marks a New Year of spiritual renewal and cultural unity in Kathmandu

By Thinles Norboo Yoklo Leh, Jan 15, 2025
Leh :

The 10th Annual Drukpa Council (ADC) concluded in the first week of January 2025 at the newly reconstructed Naro Hall of Druk Amitabha Nunnery, nestled on the serene mountain outskirts of Kathmandu. This significant five-day gathering was graced by the presence of His Holiness the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa, the spiritual head of the Drukpa lineage.

The event was attended by the global Drukpa sangha and devotees, embodying the spirit of unity, resilience, and shared commitment as participants welcomed the New Year 2025. Throughout the council, traditional rituals, teachings, and cultural expressions helped participants reconnect with the spiritual heritage of the Himalayas, while emphasizing its preservation amid modern challenges.

During the closing ceremony, His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa emphasized the importance of cultivating single-minded devotion and faith in practicing Dharma. Comparing a lack of focus to entering a large supermarket without a clear purpose, His Holiness underscored the necessity of having clear intention and practical application in spiritual practice. "Good thoughts and motivations are meaningless unless practiced. In today’s world, we must make Dharma practical," he said.

His teachings resonated deeply, offering a roadmap for integrating spiritual values into the complexities of modern life while preserving ancient wisdom.
Envisioned in 2009 by His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa, the ADC has grown into a cornerstone event for the Drukpa lineage. It serves as a platform to unite Drukpa masters, safeguard ancient traditions, and foster collaboration for the greater good.

His Eminence Gyalwa Dokhampa stated, “The ADC is vital for transmitting teachings and ensuring the continuity of spiritual practices. In an increasingly modern world, such platforms safeguard traditional knowledge and promote unity."

His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche, an advisor to the ADC, remarked, “This council strengthens connections among masters and communities worldwide, ensuring the preservation and promotion of Buddha Dharma and the Drukpa lineage.”

His Eminence Drubpon Khamtak Rinpoche, Chair of the 10th ADC, highlighted the council’s role in nurturing Buddhist culture and fostering collaborations. He noted that the gathering showcased traditional art, music, and rituals, becoming an integral part of preserving Himalayan Buddhist culture and promoting inter-community friendships.

This year, over 500 young volunteers from the Himalayan regions, including Ladakh, played a crucial role in organizing the ADC. Their active participation demonstrated a deep appreciation for their cultural heritage and emphasized their role as torchbearers for future generations.

"These volunteers are pillars of support and representatives of our collective future," Drubpon Khamtak Rinpoche remarked. "Their involvement strengthens their sense of identity in a rapidly changing world."

The 10th ADC concluded with heartfelt gratitude expressed by His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa toward the organizers, volunteers, and attendees. The New Year celebration featured a vibrant Ladakhi Losar (New Year) celebration, attended by Dy. CEC LAHDC Leh Shri Tsering Angchuk as chief guest, and Executive Councillor Tashi Namgal Yakzee as guest of honor.

The New Year festivities included the sacred Marmay Molam and three circumambulations of the holy Phakspa Shingkun, led by His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa, marking an auspicious beginning to the year. Thousands of Ladakhis participated, adding a touch of cultural magnificence to the spiritual gathering.

As the ADC came to a close, participants left with renewed teachings and unity, carrying forward the inspiration of the council into the New Year.