KATHMANDU, Dec 31 - The nuns at Druk Amitabha Monastery in Nepal performed an impressive display of martial arts, including hand chops and high kicks, to mark the institution's reopening after a five-year hiatus due to the pandemic. This celebration attracted hundreds of enthusiastic spectators cheering for the kung fu nuns, aged between 17 and 30, who represent the Drukpa lineage, which is a 1,000-year-old tradition allowing nuns equal status to monks in a largely patriarchal Buddhist framework.

Traditionally, nuns were expected to engage in domestic duties like cooking and cleaning, without the opportunity to practice martial arts. However, the visionary monk, His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa, trained these women in kung fu to enhance both their physical and spiritual well-being. The nunnery, established in 2009, has expanded to include around 300 members ranging in age from six to fifty-four.

“We do kung fu to keep ourselves mentally and physically fit, and our aim is to promote women’s empowerment and gender equality,” stated Jigme Jangchub Chosdon, a 23-year-old nun from Ladakh, India. The nuns hailing from Nepal, Bhutan, and India are skilled practitioners of this ancient Chinese martial art.

Another nun, Jigme Yangchen Gamo, expressed her intent to leverage her kung fu training to support community youth in building strength. The nunnery emphasizes a philosophy that interweaves gender equality, physical strength, and respect for all living beings, showcasing its commitment to returning to its "true spiritual roots" as stated on their website.

In previous initiatives, the kung fu nuns undertook challenging expeditions across the Himalayas to raise funds for disaster relief and promote sustainable living.

“Helping others is our religion," remarked Jigme Konchok Lhamo, affirming that their martial arts training extends beyond self-defense to meaningful community contributions. For more details, visit the original piece by The Guardian.