Six Dharmas Of Naropa

On the 15th day and first full moon of the Lunar New Year, the Six Dharmas of Naropa ceremony is performed at Palpung Monastery located in the eastern region of the Tibetan Plateau. Historically this day coincides with the eve of Chunga Choepa (the Butter Lamp Festival) that celebrates the victory of Sakyamuni Buddha over his opponents in a religious debate. This ceremony signifies the end of the “Practitioner of Six Dharmas of Tummo”; a three-year, three-month, three-day monastic retreat performed by the monks of the monastery. The monks conclude the retreat by exiting their dormitories in the mountains to return to the monastery where they will continue their studies and practice.

Palpung Monastery’s origin dates back to the 12th century, the monastery was officially founded in 1727 and continues to have a great influence over the region. The Palpung Monastery has survived the Cultural Revolution, and a number of fires that destroyed most of the monastery and relics.