Established in 1990, Tugs Bayasgalant Nunnery meaning “Heaven of Joy”, is one of the few nunneries in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. Its main prayer hall features an exquisite shrine dedicated specifically to the saviouress, Tara.
Antique thangka of Lama Losang Thubwang Dorje Chang
Some of the precious Buddhist artefacts preserved at Tugs Bayasgalant Nunnery include a precious antique thangka of Lama Losang Thubwang Dorje Chang that has been handed down through many generations, surviving even the Cultural Revolution and a life-like statue of the great Mongolian Lama, His Eminence Sokpu Rinpoche also known as Guru Deva Rinpoche.
The nunnery was completed after a ten-year struggle. It is sustained and managed by a group of Mongolian women consisting of both ordained nuns and lay vowholders who share a common devotion to Dorje Shugden. Led by the current Abbess Gantamur, a lay vowholder, the nunnery’s main focus is the study and practice of Buddhism.
A statue of H.E. Sokpu Rinpoche
Prominent Dorje Shugden Lamas including His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche, His Eminence Zasep Rinpoche, His Eminence Zava Damdin Rinpoche and many others have visited this nunnery, granting audiences, blessings and teachings.
Prior to 1990, women were rarely ordained in Mongolia. In the face of such lack of support for Mongolian women in Buddhism, Tugs Bayasgalant’s story speaks of courage, great tenacity and unwavering faith in the Dharma and their Protector, Dorje Shugden.
In fact, in 2008, half of the 21 nuns in Tugs Bayasgalant Nunnery were graduates from the Zanabazar Buddhist University with a Bachelors degree in Buddhist studies. This was yet another historical milestone as it was the first time Mongolian women were accorded such an honour.
The main prayer hall at Tugs Bayasgalant Nunnery
The beautiful Tara shrine featuring a statue of the Saviouress Tara
Dorje Shugden altar laden with abundant offerings.
Close-up of the Dorje Shugden altar
The nuns and lay vowholders of Tugs Bayasgalant Nunnery
H.H. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche gives a Dharma talk during his visit to Tugs Bayasgalant Nunnery
Another eminent Lama who visited this monastery is H.E. Zava Damdin Rinpoche
The current incarnation of Geshe Tendar on the throne at Tugs Bayasgalant Nunnery
The highly realised and respected H.E. the 13th Zasep Rinpoche during his visit to the nunnery
The Abbess and nuns of Tugs Bayasgalant Nunnery in an audience with H.E. Zasep Rinpoche
Zasep Rinpoche with the current Abbess of Tugs Bayasgalant, Gantamur (seated) and some of the lay vowholders
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Fong
Posted on August 21, 2016 #1 AuthorTugs Bayasgalant Nunnery is indeed a special nunnery as there are not many nunneries in Mongolia or even other parts of the world. It is a testament to the determination and commitment of nuns and the lay people of the area. To think that this took them 10 years to complete!
It truly speaks of courage, great tenacity and unwavering faith in the Dharma and their Protector, Dorje Shugden.
May Tugs Bayasgalant Nunnery flourish and bring more dharma to the people of Mongolia.
Thank you.ds.com for sharing this images and news.
KarenC
Posted on November 12, 2016 #2 AuthorThe Tara statue in their main prayer hall looks so alive! I can relate Tara very much with this nunnery because before enlightenment, a sage monk told Tara to dedicate in the future she could take rebirth as a man and that a woman body is impure and not capable of attaining the highest enlightenment, in order to correct this wrong view (at that time), Tara vowed to become a fully enlightened Buddha with her female body at that very lifetime, and after enlightenment, she will always predominantly manifest in the female form to benefit sentient beings.
Tugs Bayasgalant nunnery have come a long way before they could established. I rejoice very much for them. It shows us how devoted and determined these nuns are in their faith in Dharma that they could pull through all difficulties in building this nunnery. Like what Tathagata, the Buddha has taught that male and female are exactly the same and their potentials are equal.