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International Varsa

International Mahayana Bhikshuni Varsa: July 28th - Sept 15th at the Great Shravasti Temple in India. Updates from Khenmo will be posted here!

His Holiness Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang Rinpoche, Thinle Lhundrup : “May the root of Buddhism be nourished and practiced.”

For over 2000 years, the Dharma has been transmitted to every continent and culture. Throughout this passage of time and cultural interpretation, the Vinaya (instructions for monks and nuns) has remained constant.

Khenmo Drolma leads an international organizing team, that has worked since 2019 to to create an international Varsa, or monastic gathering. For 6 weeks, 145 Bhikshunis and novices from India Vietnam, Bhutan, Nepal, Taiwan, Australia, France, Thailand, and the United States are assembling in Shravasti for the first time in 2000 years to conduct Varsa ceremonies and studies.

We build upon the foundational work of Sravasti Abbey and the Dharma Drum lineage, who have created vital Bhikshuni communities with learned teachers who will guide the ceremonies and retreat.

Watch for photos and messages from this historic event on the Vajra Dakini website. Our newsletter will repeat the VDN Online calendar at intervals until Khenmo returns in November!

Learn More & See More Pictures!
Opening & Closing Ceremony Videos

Vajra Dakini Online: Sunday Dharma Guest Teachers. 9 - 11am

Dharma Class 10 – 11am

September 24, Carol Bailey will offer a talk on Bodhicitta.
October 1, Khenmo Trinlay will offer a series of talks on the Four Immeasurables–the key teaching on Bodhichitta mind.
October 22, Khenmo Trinlay
November 5, Dr. Alison Melnick-Dyer will share news and reflection on her recent visit with the nuns in India.

Qigong Class 9 – 10am

Carol will be in retreat for some of the summer and we are honored to have Paula Macali sharing this profound system during that time. Paula is a Tibetan Qigong  instructor and a long-time student of His Eminence Garchan Rinpoche. She began her Qigong training in 2018 with Kay Luthi, who was a student of Master Wang — considered one of the most outstanding Tibetan Qigong masters of our time. Paula has taught Qigong  at the Garchen Buddhist Institute, Chicago Ratna Shri, and currently teaches online. 

Image of white woman smiling and wearing a hat

Special Guest Speaker on Sunday, November 5

Dr. Alison Melnick-Dyer

Vajra Dakini Nunnery is very pleased to host Dr. Alison Melnick-Dyer on November 5 for Sunday Dharma. She is a professor of religious studies at Bates College. Dr. Melnick-Dyer has recently published her book, The Tibetan Nun Mingyur Peldrön: A Woman of Power and Privilege. Dr. Melnick-Dyer will present to the sangha news and reflection on her recent visit with the nuns in India.

Register for Sunday Dharma and Qigong Here

About Shravasti Meditation​

The Shravasti Meditation curriculum was designed by H. H. Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang Rinpoche as a nonsectarian introduction to meditation for 21st Century practitioners for a life-long practice. It begins with Calm Abiding Meditation, Insight Meditation, and Bodhicitta (Loving Kindness and Compassion) using the Sutra on Mindfulness of Breathing as a structure.

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Women's Leadership in the Dharma

Learn more about our international activities supporting Women’s Leadership in the Dharma.

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Thank You For Your Support

Vajra Dakini operates soley by donation. Your generosity sustains the lives and works of the nuns of Vajra Dakini Nunnery (particularly the International Bhikshuni Varsa this year), our administrative assistant Tiffany and our annual donation to Drikung Kagyu Samtenling Nunnery.

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