The unexpected results of an exchange program that brought a group of Tibetan nuns from Zanskar to visit Auroville.
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Written July 2025
Originally published December 2024
Two years ago, I had the incredible opportunity to live in Karsha Nunnery, also known as Chukshikjal, for a few weeks – a dream come true for me. Karsha Nunnery, founded in 1957, lies in the remote and harsh Zanskar Valley of the Himalayas, often referred to as ‘Little Tibet’ due to its untouched culture and deep-rooted practice of Tibetan Buddhism. The nuns there follow the Gelugpa, or Yellow Hat, sect, under the spiritual guidance of the Dalai Lama. Over the last 60 years, these remarkable women have built their nunnery stone by stone, carrying each one up the mountain by hand.
The journey that led me to Karsha began more than two years ago when I participated in an Auroville exchange programme. This initiative, part of the Auroville Learning Exchange, involved a filmmaker from Zanskar coming to Auroville for three months, while I spent three months in Zanskar.
When Norbu came to pick me up at the end of my stay, I asked him to explain Auroville to the nuns. They were deeply fascinated and expressed a strong desire to visit. They asked if I could try to make it possible for them to come to Auroville. It took two years of effort to organise this, but eventually, we made it happen.
The nuns stayed in Auroville for ten days, and those days were filled with rich activities and meaningful connections. One of the most impactful engagements for them was the time spent with Eco Femme. [See “The field of Auroville is of inestimable value” from issue # 10] This project is blossoming, and we are proud to continue supporting their mission of educating women about health across the Ladakh region.
Another memorable visit was to EcoService, which left a profound impression on the nuns. They were amazed by the dedication to recycling and upcycling, and it sparked a desire to incorporate similar practices in their own communities.
Each day began and ended with chanting. The nuns chanted once in the morning and once in the evening, drawing together the community. Initially, just a few curious individuals attended, but as word spread, the gatherings grew until the Tibetan Pavilion was brimming with people.
We also held an event together with Svaram, at the Tibetan Pavilion, featuring a gong master. The nuns got to play the gongs, and that experience was incredible for them. They still talk about it.
Even in casual encounters, the warmth of the nuns shone through. On the streets, at events, or during quiet walks, they greeted everyone with genuine kindness. Their presence seemed to lift spirits effortlessly. I still hear stories circulating about their time here – proof of the lasting impact they left behind.
Among the many experiences, visiting the Matrimandir stood out as a profoundly spiritual moment for the nuns. They described their meditations as deeply powerful, and the energy of the space resonated strongly with them.
One particularly joyful day was spent at Mandala Pottery. The nuns had a wonderful time learning, and Adil generously gifted each nun a beautifully handcrafted mug. This gift carried significant meaning, as nuns traditionally travel with a mug and a bowl, essential items in their daily lives.
When we initially left Zanskar, we hadn’t raised enough money to fund the entire journey. We only had enough for the nuns to reach Auroville. But thanks to a matching campaign by AVI USA, and the generosity of so many during our time in Auroville, we managed to gather the rest. Through social media, chanting, and the kindness of people drawn to the nuns’ presence, we raised what we needed.
Moving forward, I want to empower the nuns in tangible ways – collaborating with groups like Eco Femme and Ecoservices. Empowering them has the potential to ripple outward, as the nuns hold a revered place within their communities. Their influence can gently reshape the social landscape, simply by leading through example. This, to me, is the heart of the project – a quiet, lasting change that endures long after we leave.
One presence on this journey has been especially remarkable. Lobsang Dolma, an 83-year-old nun, had not left the nunnery since she was a teenager. She expressed a heartfelt desire to join the trip – to see more of the world before her time passes. Her family, bluntly, told her not to go. “You might die on the trip,” they said. With quiet resolve, Lobsang Dolma set her heart on the pilgrimage. She became the soul of our journey, filling each place with joy. Her laughter, energy, and spirit carried us.
In the end, this journey will live on in the form of a documentary. We filmed throughout, and the next chapter will focus on the lasting impact this pilgrimage has had. I hope to follow how the nuns continue to teach and share knowledge about waste, sustainability, and empowerment. For now, glimpses of the journey live on through pictures and videos we share along the way (on our Instagram page – @auroras_eye_films).
By Serena
A longer version of this was published in Auroville Today No. 425 December 2024