Goenpa means monastery in Dzongkha, the language of Bhutan. Anim means nun. The Zilukha Anim Goenpa was the first nunnery we visited in Bhutan. While Raphael recorded the nuns chanting the 21 Praises of Tara and other sadhana practices Kutira and I interviewed Gyanpo about the history and the current circumstances of the nuns comfort and education. Robin recorded everything in HD Digital film.
Zilukha Anim Goenpa
We were welcomed into the main prayer hall without hesitation and the nuns worked around our piles of equipment with grace.
They were a busy group, having a great deal of requests for private prayer ceremonies in local homes, their main source of income.
The grounds were small. In the trees above the main shrine room were several small retreat cabins where nuns were engaged in the three year retreat.
Across the courtyard were special buildings for butterlamp offerings and a magnificent stupa enshrining the previous Rinpoche who had founded the nunnery.
The lineage of transmission goes back to the Mahasiddha Kukuripa.
He incarnated as the famous “Iron Bridge Builder”, Thangtong Gyalpo.
Rigzin Thujepal was the 15th incarnation in this line. This picture was taken in Ladakh where he had engaged in retreat. His wife is in the upper left of the photo.
Rigzin Thujepal passed away in 1983. This child is the 16th incarnation of this great Lama. He is Gyonpo’s son, currently studying in India under the Sakya Trizin’s guidance.
Five young women begged the Lama to initiate them into dharma practice. He was going to Bhutan to set up a monastery and took all five of them with him.
Ani Usen is now the head of the nunnery. All five women have accomplished the 3year 3month 3 day retreat.
One of the original five this nun was in retreat when we arrived and graciously allowed us to film her. She has done several three year retreats and guides the nuns in prayers and sadhanas
Also one of the original five, she has accomplished the 3 year retreat. Her presence in the chanting was very powerful.
Raphael prepares to record the nuns
Outside the puja room this nun was making tormas in front of one of the enormous prayer wheels
Robin was captivated with the many wonderful possibilities of putting these beautiful images on film
Local residents waited patiently for the recording to end so they could go in the shrine and pay their respects.
There was a great deal of coming and going
Hanging out in the sunshine
These prayer wheels had their own stand
This young woman would like to receive training in higher Buddhist studies. We are seeking a sponsor for her aspirations.
Tara, this beautiful statue adorning the hall, was truly beneficent
