The first-ever Khenmo enthronement at Shugsep Nunnery was held on February 18, 2026, the first day of Tibetan New Year or Losar. Here is a report with photos by the media nuns at Shugsep Nunnery.
At the historic Khenmo enthronement on February 18, 2026 with chief guests. There are only 18 Khenmos pictured instead of 19 because one nun is currently teaching in the United States and was unable to attend the ceremony.
A Khenmo is the highest scholarly and teaching title for nuns in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It is equivalent to the Khenpo title given to monks.
A collage of photos showing the ceremonial procession for the historic Khenmo enthronement on February 18, 2026.
The ceremony was led by Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche, the main preceptor for the enthronement. The event included traditional ritual prayers, a white scarf (katak) offering ceremony, speeches by various dignitaries, and the presentation of special items such as the red hat signifying the Khenmos’ status.
Nuns playing Tibetan long horns or dungchen, They have a deep, low sound and are played to welcome high lamas and Rinpoches to a monastery or temple.
On this day, in the presence of Khenchen Pema Sherab, all 19 nuns received the Khenmo title through the enthronement ceremony, followed by oath-taking, rituals, the offering of ceremonial scarves, and speeches.
The Khenmos, wearing their red hats signifying their status, are seated in front of huge piles of ceremonial white scarves or kataks given to them as a mark of respect.
The day was also covered by the Voice of Tibet news station, based in Dharamsala. Here is the video. Can’t see the video? Click here.
Special Guests
The guest list included:
– Chief Guest Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile
– Mr. Dhondul Dorjee, Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration
– Staff members of the Tibetan Nuns Project India office
– Ms. Nangsa Choedon, Former Director of the Tibetan Nuns Project office in India
– Representatives from nunneries, monasteries, and non-governmental organizations around Dharamsala
Khenchen and Shugsep Khenpo Namgyal shared the history of Shugsep and the significance of the Khenmo title, and expressed gratitude to the Tibetan Nuns Project for its continuous support.
Tibetan Nuns Project Director Youdon Aukatsang, Mr. Dhondul Dorjee (Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture, CTA), and the Chief Guest Khenpo Sonam Tenphel (Speaker of Tibetan Parliament in Exile) also delivered speeches.
Youdon Aukatsang, the Director of the Tibetan Nuns Project office in India, speaking at the Khenmo enthronement.
During the ceremony, Shugsep Nunnery also presented souvenirs to honor Rinchen Khando Choegyal (TNP’s Founding Director and Special Advisor) and Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) Napper (TNP’s U.S. Founder and Board Chair) for their lifelong support and service to the nunneries.
The souvenirs for Rinchen Khando Choegyal and Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) Napper and one of the two certificates of appreciation from Shugsep Nunnery marking their decades of dedication to the nuns.
Part of the text on the Certificate of Appreciation reads:
… for the upliftment of Tibetan Buddhist nuns in exile in all aspects — education, healthcare, character building, management skills, resilience and above all self-confidence and community service. Thanks to your unflinching support, many nuns have been successful in graduating with Loponma, Geshema and Khenmo degrees, the highest certification in advanced Buddhist philosophical studies which is unprecedented in the history of traditional Tibetan Buddhist nunneries.
What is a Khenmo?
A Khenmo is the highest scholarly and teaching title for nuns in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It is equivalent to the Khenpo title given to monks. To become eligible for Khenmo:
- A nun must complete nine years of rigorous Buddhist studies.
- She has received the Loponma degree, equivalent to a Master’s degree.
- After this, she must serve the nunnery for at least four years.
- Service includes teaching, administration, guiding students, or other responsibilities.
- She must maintain pure discipline, with no record of serious violations.
Unlike the Geshema degree, there is no written examination for the Khenmo title. Eligibility is based on education, years of service, leadership, and moral conduct.
A collage of photos from the historic Khenmo enthronement at Shugsep on February 18, 2026.
The nuns enthroned in February 2026 completed their Loponma studies between 2004 and 2022. Since then, they have fulfilled their required years of service: Some have taught Buddhist texts, some have managed administrative duties, some have guided study and revision programs for junior nuns.
Why This System is New for Nuns
Traditionally, only monks were enthroned as Khenpo. This was because the full nun ordination lineage (Gelongma) was not historically present in Tibet. Without full ordination, nuns could not receive the same monastic titles.
In recent decades, Tibetan Buddhist leaders recognized this historical gap and created a new system. Instead of requiring full Gelongma ordination, nuns who complete higher studies and long-term service can now be enthroned as Khenmo. This change opened the door for nuns to receive equal recognition as scholars and spiritual leaders.
The Khenmos with Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche. Only 18 Khenmos are in the pictures instead of 19 because Loponma Tsering Lhamo was unable to attend the ceremony, as she is currently serving as a teacher at Tara Mandala International Buddhist Community in the United States.
Responsibilities After Enthronement and Impact
The role of the Khenmos is not only scholarly, but also leadership and representation. After receiving the Khenmo title, the nuns will take on greater responsibilities:
- Some will continue teaching advanced Buddhist studies.
- Some will lead administrative management of the nunnery.
- Some will enter long-term retreat.
- During major events, Khenmos will represent Shugsep Nunnery in religious gatherings and official functions.
- Some will train for the research center.
The Khenmo enthronement strengthens leadership among nuns, raises educational standards in the nunnery, ensures self-sufficiency in teaching and training, inspires younger nuns to pursue higher studies, and promotes gender equality in Tibetan Buddhism.
