Drukpa Yoginis

As taught, there are three levels of teachings of Lord Buddha. Among them, the highest is known as the Diamond Vehicle (Vajrayana).

To enter and accomplish this profound path requires tremendous effort and preparation. First, one must firmly establish oneself in the path of Vinaya — the discipline of ethical conduct. Then, one must cultivate and familiarize oneself with the Bodhicitta vow, generating the sincere aspiration to benefit all beings. Only after maturing in these foundations does one become qualified to engage in the practice of the Diamond Vehicle.

The Diamond Vehicle must be nurtured with two essential qualities: great devotion and perfect wisdom. Of these two, devotion is the fundamental ground.

Today, 100 female practitioners have successfully accomplished one of the advanced practices of the Diamond Vehicle — the practice of inner heat (Tummo).

As part of their main examination, they spent the entire night meditating outdoors in temperatures of 7–8 degrees Celsius at Amitabha Mountain in Nepal. In Ladakh, the yoginis undertake the same practice during mid-winter at temperatures as low as –30 degrees Celsius.

Yet they do not feel cold. Instead, they experience profound inner warmth and often perspire during their midnight meditation.

This sacred practice is carried out every year in both Ladakh and Amitabha, Nepal, to ensure that everything is perfectly accomplished and in accordance with the authentic lineage.

We are deeply proud and honored to share this sacred achievement.