Bhutan is a tiny Himalayan Kingdom, closed to casual exploration. In this untouched Buddhist culture Kutira Decostard developed a friendship with the third queen of Bhutan. Her Majesty Tsering Yongdon Wangchuck has a deep concern for the nuns of her country and asked Kutira’s help in providing the resources to build a University of Higher Buddhist studies for women and to re-instate a lineage of transmission through women teachers. Kutira introduced the idea of a program of sacred dance for the nuns based on the Mandala Dance of the 21 Praises of Tara. The Queen is intrigued by the proposal and has encouraged Kutira to continue to develop the vision.
Mystical Land of Bhutan
Kutira & Her Majesty Tsering Yongdon Wangchuck
The magical bird appears
Her Majesty Ache Dorje Wangchuck, 1st Queen
Pema Thekchoed Choling Nunnery
Rinzin Lhamo & friend
This teenager is ready to join the nunnery
To the nunnery, nuns wear sandals in the snow
On the way, a group of school children
Kila Gompa
A nunnery for 55 nuns
Some nuns of Kila Gompa
The new toilet complex
View from the new Toilets
On the trail
Another nunnery, same sweet smiles
Kutira shares special treats from Hawaii
En Route to Tiger’s Nest
Sacred Pilgrimage Site
Guru Rinpoche flew up to this spot on a tiger
To see Tiger’s nest is to receive a big blessing
A Universal Mandala at the entrance of a fort
HH Dilgo Khentse’s wife is venerated
Celebration at the Dzong (fortress) in Paro,
Amazing dancing by the Lamas
The last day, this thanka was unveiled
Kutira stayed in H.E. Kalu Rinpoche’s home
She met his step sisters
A Green Dragon, symbol of the nun’s aspiration
