For the first time in the history of Tibet, nuns will be given the opportunity to receive higher education in tantric studies. Although there have been accomplished female practitioners in Tibet’s history, women have never before been given an opportunity to formally study tantric Buddhism.
18 of the 20 Tibetan Buddhist nuns who received their Geshema degrees from His Holiness the Dalai Lama in December 2016. The Geshema graduates now have the opportunity to study tantric Buddhism.
Traditionally, monks who have attained their Geshe degree, equivalent to a Ph.D. in Tibetan Buddhism, must also study tantric treatises in order to become fully qualified masters capable of teaching their complete tradition. Monks have always been able to receive these teachings at one of the great tantric colleges.
After the first-ever Tibetan Geshemas graduated in December 2016, a committee of representatives from six nunneries approached His Holiness the Dalai Lama for advice on starting a tantric studies program for the nuns. He kindly gave detailed instructions about the curriculum and the treatises to be used. He recommended that the Geshema nuns study as a group at Dolma Ling Nunnery, one of the nunneries founded and supported by the Tibetan Nuns Project, since it has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, conducive to intense study.
Joy among the 20 Geshema nuns who received their degrees from His Holiness the Dalai Lama in December 2016 at Drepung Monastery in Mundgod, India. Photo courtesy of Olivier Adam
The committee then asked the Tibetan Nuns Project to provide funding for this groundbreaking program. On August 30th, the program was fully funded.
The two-year program starts in the first week of October. Two teachers are being hired and the Geshema nuns will receive training in tantric theory, rituals, and mind-training techniques used by those engaged in advanced meditation.
Such wonderful news. May the participants be blessed in their studies. May all beings benefit.
Thank you for turning the wheel of dharma
Wonderful! I’m so happy and proud of you!
Love and Blessings
This is good news indeed. It is good to see such dedication and loving kindness in action.
Amazing historic feat! I rejoice immensely in these nun’s determination to deepen their knowledge and understanding of Buddha’s teachings through study and contemplation. Wow! Amazing, amazing, amazing!
Great rejoicing! Amazing accomplishment path to begin! May all be auspicious, and may they benefit all beings. So happy for all involved!
Finally moving forward. Accomplishment should not be limited to half the human race. Thanks and congratulations!
Wow what a wonderful news!! I am so proud of all the works Tibetan nuns project had been doing for decades!
Women seem to be going backwards, economically, politically and socially, in many parts of the world, including the USA, so it is always a joy to see women moving forward, especially in such an auspicious and important matter!! What joy!!
Dear Jolie, Thank you for your wonderful support of the nuns for so many years and for your current sponsorship of Ven. Ngawang and Ven. Tenzin. We couldn’t help make advances like this without our family of loyal supporters. We rejoice together with you.