Dragkar Gonpa

Dragkar Gonpa is a nunnery affiliated with the Gelug Pa of Tibetan Buddhism.

Located in Tongfoshan Village, Gexi Township, Dawu （also “Tawu” or “Daofu”） County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, it is only 13 kilometers from the county seat of Dawu. Its advantageous geographical position is enhanced by access to roads and electricity, providing modern support for the temple’s daily operations and the nuns’spiritual practices.

Dragkar Gonpa is renowned for its large community of nuns, making it one of the largest nunneries in the Kham region and even across Tibetan areas. This highlights the significant role of women in the practice of Tibetan Buddhism.

As a Gelug institution, the gonpa upholds the tradition of this school, which emphasizes strict adherence to monastic discipline, a balanced focus on scriptural study, and meditation. The nuns diligently follow the Gelug teachings, engaging in intensive practice, studying scriptures, and undertaking long-term retreats to attain the wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings.

The Gelug school, founded by the great master Tsongkhapa, is known for its systematic doctrine and well-organized monastic community. As a representative of this lineage, Dragkar Jomo Gonpa provides a pure and peaceful environment for numerous female practitioners.

Built against the mountainside, the gonpa is surrounded by a tranquil landscape of rolling hills, blending harmoniously with the natural scenery. This reflects the traditional wisdom of Tibetan Buddhist temple site selection, offering practitioners a serene and peaceful setting for their spiritual pursuits.

This geographical environment not only creates ideal conditions for the nuns’ practice but also imbues the temple with an air of solemnity and mystery.

The gonpa’s overall architectural style is elegant and dignified, fully embodying the characteristics of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It is equipped with facilities such as a scripture hall, meditation rooms, and dormitories for the nuns, providing comprehensive support for their practice and daily life.

The scale of the nunnery is striking, with a monastic community of 358 nuns—a rare size among nunneries in Kham.

These nuns adhere to strict monastic discipline, dedicating their daily lives to chanting scriptures, meditating, and studying Buddhist teachings, thereby preserving the Gelug lineage.

The gonpa serves not only as a spiritual home for the nuns but also as a source of spiritual solace for the local community.

During religious festivals or significant Dharma assemblies—such as the Tibetan New Year, Saga Dawa, and the Festival of Lights–the gonpa holds grand religious ceremonies. These events attract villagers from the surrounding areas to come and pay homage, participate in prayers, make offerings, and experience the solemnity and compassion of the Buddha’s teachings. This makes Dragkar Jomo Gonpa a vital link between the community and its faith.

The large number of nuns also reflects the deep devotion and commitment of Tibetan women in the Dawu region to Buddhist faith.

Thanks to the availability of roads and electricity, Dragkar Jomo Gonpa maintains its traditional religious atmosphere while incorporating the conveniences of modern life. This enhances the quality of life for the nuns and attracts more visitors to explore this unique nunnery.

As a religious landmark in Dawu County, Dragkar Jomo Gonpa showcases a distinctive charm through its adherence to Gelug teachings, its vast community of nuns, and its beautiful natural surroundings.

It stands not only as an important vessel of Tibetan Buddhist culture but also as a testament to the pursuit of liberation and wisdom by female practitioners on the eastern himalayan plateau.

Today, Dragkar Gonpa stands quietly atop Tongfoshan Mountain. As times evolve, it continues to uphold its Buddhist traditions while adapting to societal changes, guiding the faithful with compassion and wisdom, and spreading the teachings of the Buddha.