Under the guidance of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, the 10th Arya Kshema Spring Dharma Gathering commenced on 21 November 2025 at Tergar Monastery, Bodh Gaya. The gathering was attended by approximately 360 nuns and staff from six nunneries: Kyegu Dakmo Chöling, Tara Abbey, Pema Chökyi Dingkhang, Lekshé Ling Nunnery, Wokar Drolma Lekshé Dögu Ling, and Karma Drubgyü Dargyé Ling. Trust funds supported participants’ travel, meals, accommodation, medical care, and other necessities to ensure the well-being of the students throughout the program.
The opening day began at the Mahabodhi Stupa, where the nuns took the Mahayana Sojong vows and made traditional offerings. This was followed by an official opening ceremony at Tergar Monastery. During the program, the nuns received teachings from His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa, studied Buddhist philosophy using specially prepared textbooks, practiced debate, participated in debate competitions, and performed various pujas.
Kyabje Yongzin Mingyur Rinpoche visited his monastery during the gathering, where he bestowed teachings on what to adopt and what to abandon, led the nuns in meditation practice, and presided over a session of the debate competition.
On the ninth day of Arya Kshema, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa joined the assembly online to preside over The Karma Kagyu Tradition Tara Mandala Ritual: The Iron Hook That Draws the Glory and Wealth of Samsara and Nirvana, offered with aspirations for the flourishing of the Dharma and the welfare of the world.
Throughout the month, the nuns followed a rigorous daily schedule of study, memorisation, debate practice, and formal debate competitions. They examined four subjects from the monastic curriculum: Duspa (Collected Topics), Tagrig (Types of Evidence), Lorig (Mind and Awareness), and, for the first time at Arya Kshema, the intermediate-level topic of Pharchin (Prajñāpāramitā, Perfection of Wisdom), based on the first chapter of The Ornament of Clear Realisation.
Participants were also fortunate to receive a visit from Kyabgön Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche, who offered teachings, observed the nuns’ debates, and later presided over the closing ceremony on 20 December, presenting certificates, medals, and prizes to the participants.
The 10th Arya Kshema Spring Dharma Gathering concluded successfully with a traditional Great Debate, followed by expressions of gratitude to all organisers, teachers, supporters, and volunteers who contributed to this month-long program of study and practice.
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Posted: January 11, 2026 by kunkyong
10th Arya Kshema Spring Dharma Gathering
(21 November – 18 December 2025)
Under the guidance of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, the 10th Arya Kshema Spring Dharma Gathering commenced on 21 November 2025 at Tergar Monastery, Bodh Gaya. The gathering was attended by approximately 360 nuns and staff from six nunneries: Kyegu Dakmo Chöling, Tara Abbey, Pema Chökyi Dingkhang, Lekshé Ling Nunnery, Wokar Drolma Lekshé Dögu Ling, and Karma Drubgyü Dargyé Ling. Trust funds supported participants’ travel, meals, accommodation, medical care, and other necessities to ensure the well-being of the students throughout the program.
The opening day began at the Mahabodhi Stupa, where the nuns took the Mahayana Sojong vows and made traditional offerings. This was followed by an official opening ceremony at Tergar Monastery. During the program, the nuns received teachings from His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa, studied Buddhist philosophy using specially prepared textbooks, practiced debate, participated in debate competitions, and performed various pujas.
Kyabje Yongzin Mingyur Rinpoche visited his monastery during the gathering, where he bestowed teachings on what to adopt and what to abandon, led the nuns in meditation practice, and presided over a session of the debate competition.
On the ninth day of Arya Kshema, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa joined the assembly online to preside over The Karma Kagyu Tradition Tara Mandala Ritual: The Iron Hook That Draws the Glory and Wealth of Samsara and Nirvana, offered with aspirations for the flourishing of the Dharma and the welfare of the world.
Throughout the month, the nuns followed a rigorous daily schedule of study, memorisation, debate practice, and formal debate competitions. They examined four subjects from the monastic curriculum: Duspa (Collected Topics), Tagrig (Types of Evidence), Lorig (Mind and Awareness), and, for the first time at Arya Kshema, the intermediate-level topic of Pharchin (Prajñāpāramitā, Perfection of Wisdom), based on the first chapter of The Ornament of Clear Realisation.
Participants were also fortunate to receive a visit from Kyabgön Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche, who offered teachings, observed the nuns’ debates, and later presided over the closing ceremony on 20 December, presenting certificates, medals, and prizes to the participants.
The 10th Arya Kshema Spring Dharma Gathering concluded successfully with a traditional Great Debate, followed by expressions of gratitude to all organisers, teachers, supporters, and volunteers who contributed to this month-long program of study and practice.
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