Penjor Choling is a retreat center high in the forest above Wangdi Phodrang, We had been advised to visit with the intent of helping the nuns through a sponsorship program.
Up the Mountain, Into the Forest
It was a new experience for our guide and driver. The road was long and primitive, the forest dense. The valley and all forms of civilization looked very far away.
When we saw this row of tsatsas in the rocks we figured at least we were headed in the right direction.
When this towering stupa came into view we relaxed. The nunnery did exist. We had found it.
It was a humble scene, just a few buildings. But the peace was profound.
The main prayer hall is a humble building, once a farm house.
This lower area is the residence of ten young nuns.
The Prayer Hall is upstairs. There are two groups on the land.
Meditators live in cottages above this building. As it is a Nyingma Center, some of the meditators are couples so there are a few men on the land.
The two groups meet for practice in the Prayer Hall.
Dorje and Pelden were thrilled that they had been able to track this place down.
but as the sun got low, they were wondering how we were ever going to get down that mountain.
Of course first came a cup of tea. We followed the young nun into the kitchen. It is a humble life for these women. The kitchen was very basic
And yet there was a neatness and beauty to it.
The young nuns work out of this communal kitchen, the older meditators up the hill have their own arrangements.
In a small room beside the kitchen red tormas were being prepared for the next puja.
This young nun spoke excellent English, but she was shy, new to the life of a nun.
Pelden was our translator. One of the meditating couples had two adorable children.
They were quite fascinated by Robin’s camera.
She was just as fascinated with them.
Anem Choden, senior nun, was a guide to the young nuns.
This young woman had come to the nunnery seeking inner peace. She was grateful for the precious opportunity.
We talked sincerely of their needs and our dreams of bringing the dance to Bhutan
Guru Rinpoche seemed to give his blessings.
The shrine was simple but beautifully kept
Mahakala offered his protection
Garab Dorje, son of H. H. Dudjom Rinpoche
We did not have a chance to find out who this engaging Tara was, her right hand brandishing the sword of discriminating wisdom, seated in the lotus posture, most unusual
The obligatory last cup of tea was hastily gulped
The sun was setting
But happily for us the moon had risen
She was full and beautiful
These two older nuns had come down from their meditation huts to do their evening Kora
We slipped away. Grateful to have been blessed by the beauty of this abode of peace.
