Yangchen Choeling Nunnery

Yangchen Choeling is located in Spiti, a remote high-mountain area of Himachal Pradesh. It currently houses 40 nuns and has two resident teachers, one for Buddhist philosophy and the other for Tibetan language. Due to increased community support for growing their own facilities and educational programs, the nunnery recently requested support from the Tibetan Nuns Project. Due to the request, our Director, Rinchen Khando Choegyal, Co-Director Ven. Lobsang Dechen, and a staff and nun from Dolma Ling went to visit. Based on the trip, we have agreed to look for sponsors for Yangchen Choeling nuns as well as funding for an English teacher.

Dorjee Zong Nunnery

Dorjee Zong Nunnery is located in Zanskar, a very remote region of North India near Ladakh, a two-day journey northwest of Dharamsala. Founded in the 14th century, it has a long tradition of meditating nuns, some of whom are famed for having reached high levels of realization and attainment. At present, the nunnery is very small and seeks to provide education and guide the nuns in community service.

Khari Ganden Tenphel Ling Nunnery (Dramo Nunnery)

The Khari Ganden Tenphel Ling Nunnery is a two-days trek from the airstrip in Lukla in the Mt. Everest region of Nepal. There are 35 nuns under the care of Khari Tenzin Gelek Rinpoche, whose previous incarnation established the nunnery after fleeing Tibet. The nuns range from ages 12 to 90 years. Khari Rinpoche visits the nunnery for a few months each year to teach the nuns. The Tibetan Nuns Project is currently funding a resident teacher to work more intensely with the nuns on studies such as Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan and English language, and debate.

Nuns Not Living in Nunneries

Some nuns prefer to live on their own and are not attached to a specific nunnery. They are often older nuns who are interested in meditative retreat rather than in learning higher Buddhist philosophy. In June 2009, a meeting was held at Dolma Ling for these nuns to connect and receive encouragement in living a well-disciplined monastic life, including maintaining good health and hygiene.