CALM LIKE A NUN, FIERCE LIKE A WARRIOR
Probably the only Buddhist nuns in the world to practise Kung Fu talk about their journey, and who they would like to see in a biopic made on them
Henna Rakheja
The moment you ask the nuns to pose for a picture, they flick open their fans, throw a kick in the air — one of them even does a side split. Anyone would be taken aback by the level of physical fitness Jigme Rupa Lhamo, Jigme Migyur Palmo, Jigme Osel Dipam and Jigme Tontam Wangmo possess. And that’s how we meet the seniormost batch of Kung Fu Nuns of India, from the Drukpa lineage of Buddhism, in the Capital.
They have been learning Kung Fu for close to 11 years now. But they are just four of the 700 nuns of the sect who have adopted Kung Fu as a way to build strength and break a centuries-old social order that favours men as leaders.
“Buddha ne toh teaching di thi ki nuns aur monks equal hain, but still ladkiyon ko dabaya gaya. Nuns used to earlier not get so many spiritual teachings as compared to men, and were expected to do just the odd jobs... When my father heard the teachings of His Holiness
Gyalwang Drukpa, he taught me to do something for others, not only ourselves,” recalls the 28-year-old Migyur.
The journey to nunhood began in their teens. “I was 13 when I decided to become a nun. Woh pal mere liye sabse achcha aur lucky tha kyonki main itni young age mein ye decide kar paayi ki meri life me kya achcha hai aur kya bura,” shares 26-year-old Rupa.
Tontam, 27, adds, “I was 14 when I told my parents that I wanted to become a nun. But they said no, thinking I wouldn’t be able to follow the rigorous rules that come with a nun’s life. Later, my grandmother explained to my parents to let me follow the path that I wanted to, and that’s when they agreed.”
Osel, 26, too, had to face rejection initially. But after studying till the eighth standard, she succeeded in convincing her family of her choice. Kung Fu, she says, has empowered her in more ways than one. “Pehle main bahut darti thi jab kabhi kahin akele jaana ho... mujhe kisi bhi kaam ke liye akele bhejne mein mere parents bhi thoda ghabrate thhe. But since I’ve learnt Kung Fu, I don’t need company to go anywhere, and I can guard myself,” says Osel. Rupa adds, “When we recently took up a padayatra (a long walk for a cause), I saw how others became exhausted, but even after all the fatigue, I could endure the pain in my body and even carry my backpack and other belongings myself. This proved how much stamina I’ve built, thanks to Kung Fu!”
Interestingly, Migyur shares
Buddha ne toh teaching di thi ki nuns aur monks equal hain, but ladkiyon ko dabaya gaya. Nuns didn’t get as many spiritual teachings as men did.
JIGME MIGYUR PALMO BUDDHIST NUN AND KUNG FU PRACTITIONER
Pehle main bahut darti thi jab kabhi kahin akele jaana ho... My parents would also be worried when it came to sending me somewhere alone. But since I’ve learnt Kung Fu, I don’t need company to go anywhere.
JIGME OSEL DIPAM BUDDHIST NUN AND KUNG FU PRACTITIONER
that when they started learning Kung Fu in 2008, it was just for fun. Today, they realise that it’s important for young girls to know a martial art form for the development of their personality. Also, when they conduct workshops and teach young girls, they try to send across the message that this form isn’t associated with any particular religion. “Girls from all religions come and feel happy to learn something that makes them independent,” Migyur says.
Which is probably why the fab four have been conducting Kung Fu workshops across the country, and their efforts will now be applauded at an international awards ceremony 2019 in New York. And they are thrilled. “We feel proud to represent India in the world!” says Migyur.
Their inspirational journey is no less than a filmi tale. So, would they like their lives to be adapted for the screen? “If it (the film) inspires more girls to become independent and confident and serve the society, then why not. We would love to see a film made on our lives, if only it’s shown in a positive light. And Aamir Khan is somebody who can make it,” says Migyur, who is in awe of the actor since she saw Dangal (2016) on her way back to the Himalayas from Delhi.