Wellness · Dubdi Monastery
A quiet sit at the Hermit's Cell
Spend an unhurried hour in the courtyard or hall of Dubdi, the 'retreat' linked with the hermit lama Lhatsun Chempo, in silence or simple meditation.
Photo: Amitabha Gupta · CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Dubdi means 'the retreat', and the monastery is known as the Hermit's Cell after Lhatsun Chempo, the lama associated with the founding of Buddhism in Sikkim. Few places in the state suit quiet reflection better: there is no road, no crowd and often no one but the caretaker.
Sit in the courtyard facing the forest, or in the hall if the caretaker allows. You do not need any practice; simply sitting still and listening to the flags and birds for 20–30 minutes is enough. Keep phones off.
If you meditate regularly, ask the caretaker whether a longer sit is acceptable. Leave a donation, thank him, and walk down slowly.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
Can I meditate at Dubdi Monastery?
Quiet sitting in the courtyard is generally welcome, and many visitors do so. Inside the hall, ask the caretaker monk first. Keep silent, remove shoes and hats, and avoid sitting with your feet pointing at the altar. Leave a small donation if you can.
Are there meditation retreats near Yuksom?
We do not know of regular public retreats at Dubdi. Some monasteries in Sikkim host courses at times, and practitioners occasionally arrange stays through personal contacts. Ask us what is available during your dates and we will check.
What is the significance of the name Dubdi?
Wikipedia translates Dubdi as 'the retreat'. The monastery is also called the Hermit's Cell after Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, the ascetic lama remembered as its founder and as the senior lama at the 1642 coronation.
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