Nepal’s Kung Fu nuns are redefining traditional roles and breaking barriers within the patriarchal Buddhist monastic system. These women belong to the 1,000-year-old Drukpa lineage, the only Buddhist order that grants nuns equal status to monks. Traditionally, nuns were expected to clean, cook, and avoid martial arts. However, since 2009, the Druk Amitabha Monastery in Kathmandu has introduced kung fu training for these women, prioritizing both physical fitness and spiritual well-being.
The Kung Fu nuns have become symbols of female empowerment. Speaking of her journey, one nun recalled her rebellious spirit as a young girl and her frustration with societal restrictions. Today, their martial arts training not only strengthens their bodies but also fuels their mission to challenge gender norms.
Beyond their training, these nuns have demonstrated remarkable resilience. They have undertaken arduous expeditions in the Himalayas to raise funds for disaster relief, showcasing their dedication to both their faith and humanitarian causes. Their story is an inspiring testament to the power of breaking traditional boundaries to create a more inclusive world.
