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Historic First Khenmo Enthronement at Shugsep Nunnery: Photos and Video

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.

Historic Khenmo Enthronement Ceremony Shugsep Nunnery 2026

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.

Ceremonial procession for the historic Khenmo enthronement Feb 2026 Shugsep Nunnery

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 dungchens

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.

New Khenmos at Shugsep Nunnery receiving ceremonial kataks

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.

TNP India Director Youdon Aukatsang speaking at the Khenmo Enthronement

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.

Historic Khenmo Enthronement at Shugsep Nunnery Feb 2026

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.

Historic First Khenmo Enthronement at Shugsep Nunnery

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On February 18th, 2026, the first day of the Tibetan New Year, Shugsep Nunnery and Institute will hold its first-ever Khenmo Enthronement Ceremony. A total of 19 nuns will be enthroned as Khenmo, making this a historic milestone for the nunnery.

Shugsep Nunnery follows the education system of Namdroling Monastery and Namdroling Nunnery. Namdroling Nunnery held its first Khenmo enthronement in 2022. Following the same tradition and system, Shugsep Nunnery will now celebrate its own first Khenmo enthronement this year.

The nuns paint sacred Buddhist symbols to welcome Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche, the chief guest of the upcoming Khenmo Enthronement.

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 photo from Shugsep Nunnery in Tibet in 1998. After many Shugsep nuns escaped to India in the 1990s, the nunnery was re-established by the Tibetan Nuns Project near Dharamsala. Photo by Julie Brittain.

The 19 nuns being enthroned this year 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

On October 28 2022, Shugsep Nunnery and Institute held an important graduation ceremony in which Pharchin, Uma, and Lopon nuns were given their graduation certificates. As of 2023, 49 Shugsep nuns had attained the Lopon degree, equivalent to a Master’s degree – a remarkable achievement given the many obstacles on their path.

The Enthronement Ceremony

On January 29th, the Shugsep nuns welcomed Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche, the chief guest of the upcoming Khenmo Enthronement. They presented him with kataks, the Tibetan white scarves given as a sign of respect.

The ceremony will be led by Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche, who will serve as the chief guest and main preceptor for the enthronement. The event will include:

Traditional ritual prayers
White scarf (katak) offering ceremony
Attendance by dignitaries from monasteries, nunneries, and government departments
Each newly enthroned Khenmo will receive traditional gifts, including:
A ceremonial hat
A small Buddha statue
A pair of ritual vases
A mandala offering set
A container for the “three whites and three sweets”
A ritual bell and vajra
A new set of monastic robes

A Tibetan Buddhist nun holds a traditional bell and dorje.

A Tibetan Buddhist nun holds a traditional bell and vajra (dorje), essential Tibetan Buddhist ritual items representing the inseparable union of wisdom and compassion. Photo by Olivier Adam.

Responsibilities After Enthronement

At present, there will be no replacement involved in this Khenmo enthronement. According to the nunnery’s administration, this ceremony is not filling a vacant position or replacing an existing Khenpo.

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.

Their role is not only scholarly, but also leadership and representation.

Impact on the Nunnery

This Khenmo enthronement will:

Strengthen leadership among nuns.
Raise educational standards in the nunnery.
Ensure self-sufficiency in teaching and training.
Inspire younger nuns to pursue higher studies.
Promote gender equality in Tibetan Buddhism.

Ani Ugyen Dolma

Ani Ugyen Dolma is a senior nun in her 50s, originally from Tibet. She belongs to Shugsep Nunnery in Tibet and was among the very first group of nuns to arrive in Shugsep Nunnery in India. She is one of the nuns who will be enthroned in February 2026.

Ani Ugyen Dolma is one of the nuns at Shugsep who will be enthroned as khenmo on February 18, 2026.

She first arrived in India in 1990, as part of the first batch of 22 nuns who came from Tibet to the new Shugsep Nunnery in exile. Since then, she has remained continuously involved in the growth and development of the nunnery, from its earliest days to the present.

In 2004, Ani Ugyen Dolma completed her Loponma degree, becoming part of the first-ever Loponma graduating batch at Shugsep Nunnery. That historic batch included eight nuns, marking the beginning of advanced Buddhist scholastic education for nuns at Shugsep.

From 2010 to 2017, she served as the Director of Shugsep Nunnery, taking responsibility for the administration, discipline, and overall management of the community.

After the nunnery later invited a Khenpo to strengthen higher Buddhist education in the nunnery, Ani Ugyen Dolma focused mainly on teaching and academic guidance. She has been:

Teaching Buddhist scriptures and philosophy
Guiding the studies of junior nuns
Supporting examination preparation and study programs
She continues to serve in this teaching role today.

Currently, Ani Ugyen Dolma is preparing to receive the Khenmo title in the upcoming enthronement ceremony. After enthronement, she plans either to enter a period of spiritual retreat or continue teaching and guiding nuns at Shugsep.

Refugee Tibetan Buddhist nuns, Tibetan refugees, Tibetan Buddhist nuns, Dharamsala

The Shugsep nuns story is one of perseverance, dedication, and hope. Many Shugsep nuns escaped from Tibet with nothing, not knowing how to read and write, traumatized in the prisons, beaten by the prison guards, and with many health problems. Shugsep Nunnery was re-established by the Tibetan Nuns Project in India. Photo of refugee nuns in 1991 by Susan Lirakis.

Building Academic Excellence at Shugsep Nunnery

Shugsep Annual Tibetan Grammar Competition Day

The nuns at Shugsep Nunnery held their annual Tibetan grammar competition in November. The preservation of Tibet’s unique language and culture remains one of the most critical areas of focus for Tibetans, both inside Tibet and in exile.

Events like this enhance the nuns’ knowledge of various subjects, boost their confidence, encourage creativity, strengthen their communication skills, and provide the nuns with valuable practice in expressing their ideas clearly.

Quiz time Tibetan grammar Shugsep Nunnery

The annual Tibetan grammar competition at Shugsep Nunnery. Tibet has its own language, including a unique alphabet and various written forms. Tibetan calligraphy is beautiful, and there are numerous Tibetan writing styles.

These types of competitions are held in various subjects and topics, depending on the class level. They help the nuns become more comfortable speaking and writing in front of others, and they build a healthy sense of discipline and motivation.

The idea for this competition originated at a staff meeting, when some teachers suggested holding regular activities to enhance the nuns’ overall knowledge and, most importantly, to help build their confidence.

On November 8th, the nunnnery held a Tibetan Language Skills competition that included poem writing and application for the higher grades. The competition had questions such as “Write down five different proverbs,” “What are the elements needed to complete a composition?” and other Tibetan grammar questions.

Tibetan grammar competition Shugsep Nunnery, quiz time

The Tibetan alphabet has 30 characters or letters and four vowels. Like English, it is written from left to right in horizontal lines. Tibetan writing may be broadly divided into two types: “headed”, called Uchen, and “headless”, called Umeh. These two forms of Tibetan script correspond roughly to printed and cursive writing.

For the younger students, the activities included a reading competition and a spelling exam, where students were asked to write specific names or words.

Around 50 nuns participated, except for those who had already completed their Loponma degrees, roughly equivalent to a master’s degree. A panel of teachers scored the competitions and awarded prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

Annual English Competition and The Alchemist

Here are some delightful photos taken by the nuns during the annual English competition held on December 6th at Shugsep. The event took place in the presence of Khenpo-la (the head of the nunnery) and all the teachers. They watched a lovely drama performed by the children and viewed many beautiful drawings created by the junior students.

It’s never easy standing up in front of your classmates, all your teachers, and your principal. It’s even more challenging when you have to speak a foreign language. Congratulations to all the nuns who took part in the annual English competition. The young nuns performed a drama.

The junior students created many beautiful drawings to reflect daily life at the nunnery and also the Year of Compassion, honouring the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Here are some of the drawings by the junior nuns at Shugsep. The nuns had to describe the images in English to the assembled crowd. This builds confidence and skills in English and public speaking. The picture on the left honors His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, and the middle picture is the “Four Harmonious Friends”, one of the Jataka tales of Buddhist mythology.

As part of the competition, the senior nuns wrote English poems and notices.

Shugsep is now home to about 100 nuns. The senior nuns are writing in front of their classmates and teachers as part of the annual English competition.

The nuns also spoke about the famous novel The Alchemist by Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho. The book’s main theme is about finding one’s destiny.

Tibetan Buddhist nuns explaining The Alchemist

In this photo, two nuns are explaining the introduction of The Alchemist to the audience, highlighting the book’s strong and important vocabulary and philosophical concepts.

The Tibetan Nuns Project aims to elevate the educational standards and the position of women. As TNP’s Founding Director and Special Advisor Rinchen Khando Choegyal has said, “Educating women is powerful… It’s about enabling the nuns to be teachers in their own right and to take on leadership roles at a critical time in our nation’s history.”

Thank you for helping the nuns on their path!

Results Announced for 2025 Geshema Exams

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Record Number of Nuns Take 2025 Geshema Exams

The 2025 Geshema exam results are in!

During the summer, a record number of Tibetan Buddhist nuns took various levels of the four-year exams for the Geshema degree. Of the 161 nuns, 154 passed. This is a 96% pass rate.

Forty-seven nuns passed their fourth and final year of exams and will formally graduate as Geshemas in November.

Rows of Tibetan Buddhist nuns taking Geshema exams in 2025. Photo by the Dolma Ling Media Nuns.

The Geshema degree is the highest level of training in the Gelug tradition and is roughly equivalent to a PhD in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. It is the same as the Geshe degree for monks, but the ending “ma” marks it as referring to a woman. Until recently, this degree was reserved for men. It was only formally opened to women in 2012. The opening up of higher degrees for nuns is a breakthrough for Tibetan Buddhist nuns’ education.

In 2025, nuns took the exams as follows:
1st-year exams: 48 nuns, 44 passed
2nd year: 33 nuns took exams, 32 passed
3rd year: 31 nuns took exams, 31 passed
4th and final year: 49 nuns took exams, 47 passed

2025 marks another new record for nuns taking various levels of the 4-year Geshema exams. The degree was only opened to women in 2012. No exams were held in 2020 or 2021 due to COVID.

The exams were hosted this year by Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute near Dharamsala from July 21 to August 16, 2025. The costs of the nuns’ travel, food, and the exam process were once again covered by the Tibetan Nuns Project’s Geshema Endowment Fund.

Tibetan Buddhist nuns reading messages of support for the 2025 Geshema exams. Thank you to everyone who sent good wishes to the nuns!

The nuns gathered in late June for a final, one-month study period before the start of the exams. The nuns from Kopan Nunnery in Nepal created this charming video about their journey to Dolma Ling and the final days of exam preparation. Can’t see the video? Click here.

About the Geshema Degree

The Geshema degree enables Tibetan Buddhist nuns to become teachers, leaders, and role models. It makes these dedicated women eligible to assume various leadership roles in their monastic and lay communities reserved for degree holders and hence previously not open to women.

The exams take four years to complete, with one set held each year over two weeks. Candidates are examined on the entirety of their 17-year course of study of the Five Great Canonical Texts. They must achieve a score of at least 75 per cent during their studies to be eligible to sit the exams.

TNP’s Founding Director and Special Advisor Rinchen Khando Choegyal has said, “Educating women is powerful… It’s about enabling the nuns to be teachers in their own right and to take on leadership roles at a critical time in our nation’s history.”

Here’s a video by the Dolma Ling Media Nuns about the 2025 Geshema exams. Can’t see the video? Click here.

The formal graduation ceremony for the 47 new Geshemas will take place in November after the annual inter-nunnery debate in Bodh Gaya. This will bring the total number of Geshemas to 120.

Here’s a list of the Geshema graduations since women were first allowed to take this degree in 2012:

2016: 20 nuns became Geshemas
2017: 6 nuns graduated as Geshemas
2018: 10 nuns became Geshemas
2019: 7 nuns graduated at the end of November
2020: exams cancelled due to the pandemic
2021: exams cancelled for a second year due to COVID
2022: 10 nuns became Geshemas
2023: 7 nuns graduated
2024: 13 nuns graduated
2025: 47 nuns graduating in November

The Geshemas are paving the way for other nuns to follow in their footsteps and the momentum is building. Not long ago, this increased status of nuns was almost unimaginable and we are so grateful for your support to educate and empower these dedicated women!

Thank you to everyone who sent good luck messages to the nuns this year! We gathered 74 messages from around the world and posted them at Dolma Ling for everyone to read before and during the exams.

Here’s a sample message from Scott: “Very inspired by your dedication! May your incredible effort benefit countless beings. Thank you!!” Steve wrote, “Your accomplishment brings great benefit and light to the world, at a time of darkness elsewhere. Bowing with great respect for your vision and perseverance.”

Gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama

The success of the nuns would not be possible without the support and encouragement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, patron of the Tibetan Nuns Project. As this recent article outlines, His Holiness “encouraged nuns to become advanced degree holders as part of his broader goal to increase gender parity.”

“Biologically there is no difference between the brains of men and women and the Buddha clearly gave equal rights to men and women,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama said in 2013. In 2018, he said, “In the beginning when I spoke about awarding Geshema degrees, some were doubtful. I clearly told them that Buddha had given equal opportunity for both men and women.”

Art from painting contest by Shugsep nuns as part of celebrations of Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday

Long-Term Stability

The costs associated with the annual Geshema exams are covered thanks to the 159 donors to the Geshema Endowment, including the Pema Chodron Foundation, the Pierre and Pamela Omidyar Fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, the Frederick Family Foundation, and the Donaldson Charitable Trust. We are also very grateful to all those who sponsor nuns and help them on their path. More sponsors are always needed and you can learn more about sponsoring a nun here.

Preparing food for 2025 Geshema exam candidates

Nuns on kitchen duty sort through lentils to search for any small stones. Hosting the Geshema exams is a big enterprise with over 100 more nuns to feed for at least a 6-week period.

We would like to put more of our core programs on solid ground. By giving to the Long-Term Stability Fund, you will be helping current and future Tibetan Buddhist nuns at a critical time in Tibet’s history.

Every little bit helps! No matter what the future of Tibet holds, you can help these dedicated and courageous women to preserve their culture and spiritual traditions. Thank you!

Information session for the 2025 Geshema exams. One sponsor wrote this message of encouragement: “Your accomplishment brings great benefit and light to the world, at a time of darkness elsewhere. Bowing with great respect for your vision and perseverance.”

Thank you for your support and dedication to the Tibetan Buddhist nuns!

Photo Essay: The Many Ways Tibetan Buddhist Nuns Celebrated the Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday

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The Tibetan Buddhist nuns in India celebrated His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday with dozens of special events. Here is a photo essay of the celebrations at Dolma Ling and Shugsep nunneries in northern India with pictures by the nuns. Both nunneries were built and are fully supported thanks to Tibetan Nuns Project donors and sponsors.

Celebrations at Dolma Ling Nunnery

The celebrations at Dolma Ling ranged from solemn prayers and offerings for His Holiness’s long life to educational activities and joyous games. The Dolma Ling Media Nuns captured the magic of the weeks of festivities.

Overnight Tara Prayer Offering

On Tsewa 15, during the sacred month of Saga Dawa, the nuns held an overnight chanting of the Tara mantra, known in Tibetan as Dolma Tsentsok. The date was a Wednesday, the day that the nuns traditionally do the Tara puja because it is considered an auspicious day for His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Collage at Dolma Ling Nunnery of prayers and celebrations for Dalai Lama's 90th birthday.

The nuns did an overnight chanting of the Tara mantra as part of the birthday celebrations.

The nuns dedicated long-life prayers for His Holiness. The Tibetan for Tara is “Dolma”, and thus “Dolma Ling” means “Place of Tara”. Tara is believed to be a Bodhisattva of compassion and a protector who relieves physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering. She is known as the “mother of liberation”.

Sangsol or incense offering ceremony is an ancient Tibetan tradition for special occasions such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday and at Losar, Tibetan New Year.

As part of the birthday celebrations, the nuns also held a special incense offering ceremony called sangsol. It is traditional for Tibetans to burn incense and fragrant juniper bows as an offering on occasions such as the Dalai Lama’s birthday, marriages, and at Tibetan New Year.

Environmental Clean-Up Campaign

As part of the many celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, on June 28th, the Tibetan Buddhist nuns at Dolma Ling Nunnery did an environmental cleanup of the areas in and around the nunnery, including Norbulingka and the Khanyara River.

Nuns celebrate Dalai Lama's birthday with environmental clean-up

Nuns celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday with an environmental clean-up on June 28th..

The nuns were honoring His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s deep commitment to the environment. They hope that their efforts promote care for nature and public awareness about environmental responsibility.

art-of-the-celebrations-of-the-Dalai-Lamas-birthday-included-an-environmental-cleanup

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said, “This planet is our only home; we are all responsible for taking care of it.” The nuns honored His Holiness’s commitment to the environment with their clean-up efforts.

Tibetan Studies Debate

Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute hosted a debate on Tibetan studies, showcasing the nuns’ academic engagement and commitment to preserving the Tibetan language and culture. The annual discussion on Tibetan Studies took place on June 4th, 2025, and the nuns discussed and debated the topics of Pharchin, Zoe, Tarik, and the Tibetan language.

The annual Tibetan Studies debate at Dolma Ling was dedicated this year to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday and was held on June 4th, 2025. Upper right is the new principal, Geshema Delek Wangmo.

Essay Competition

Both Dolma Ling and Shugsep nunneries held essay-writing competitions to mark the occasion. The nuns wrote in Tibetan. Traditionally, Tibetan nuns did not have access to the same level of education as monks. Now Tibetan nuns, such as those at Dolma Ling, have the opportunity to learn their own written language and various forms of Tibetan calligraphy.

The essay-writing competition at Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute.

Annual Flower Competition

Each year, the nuns at Dolma Ling hold a flower competition to celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday on July 6th. It’s monsoon time in northern India, so this year’s judging took place in the rain. The nuns set up multiple altars in the nunnery courtyard with offerings and portraits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Flower competition at Dolma Ling for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday on July 6, 2025.

For Buddhists, it is traditional to offer flowers to the Buddha. Flowers are significant as offerings because their freshness, fragrance, and beauty are impermanent. They are a reminder of the Buddha’s teachings that all things are impermanent.

Fun and Games

His Holiness’s birthday is a day of great joy. In addition to solemn prayers for his good health and long life, the nuns held laughter-filled fun and games, including trying to feed each other cake with blindfolds on and playing badminton in the courtyard.

Some of the fun and games included a joyous game of feeding cake with blindfolds on and badminton games.

Celebrations at Shugsep Nunnery and Institute

As at Dolma Ling, the nuns at Shugsep Nunnery organized a series of meaningful activities and spiritual offerings to mark this very special occasion. Their activities were varied and included public service events and a three-tiered birthday cake decorated with the snow lions of Tibet. Here are some of the ways the nuns celebrated.

food offerings to the poor as part of celebrations of Dalai Lamas birthday

Food offerings to the poor were part of the many and varied public service acts performed by Tibetan Buddhist nuns as part of their celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday.

Essay-Writing and Art Competitions

The nuns held essay and drawing competitions to inspire creativity centered around themes connected to His Holiness’s life and messages. Their beautiful drawings and essays were displayed with balloons for all to see.

Drawings and essays from Shugsep Nunnery as part of the celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday.

Some of the art from the painting contest by Shugsep nuns as part of celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday.

Community Service

The Shugsep nuns undertook a variety of community service events to mark the occasion. They cleaned and tidied the residence of Tibetan elders at the Jampa Ling Old Age Home in Dharamsala as a gesture of respect and service. They held a cleanup drive in their nearby Indian local communities to promote environmental care and community connection. The nuns also planted trees and flowers within the nunnery grounds to beautify the environment and contribute to sustainability and biodiversity.

The nunnery organized food offerings to support and uplift the poor and needy in nearby areas. They cut up fresh local fruit such as papayas and bananas and distributed the food in compostable and biodegradable bowls made of leaves.

food offerings by the Tibetan Buddhist nuns at Shugsep Nunnery as part of the celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday.

The Shugsep nuns offered fruit and drinks to the local community as part of their celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday.

Shugsep nuns distributing fresh fruit and drinks in their community.

Religious and Educational Events

On Namgang, the 30th day of the 4th Tibetan month, the nuns held a grand and elaborate incense offering (sangsol) ceremony at the sacred site of Lhagyal Ri. The nuns held weekly special prayers and offerings to the enlightened beings every Wednesday throughout the season. Wednesday, known as “Lhakar” (White Wednesday) in Tibetan, is considered a special day for the Dalai Lama because it’s believed to be his birth day and a day for expressing devotion to him.

The nuns also held a thoughtful group discussion on the Four Commitments of His Holiness —universal responsibility, inter-religious harmony, preservation of Tibetan culture, and revival of ancient Indian wisdom — to deepen the nuns’ understanding and reflection.

Grand Birthday Celebration

On July 6th, the Shugsep nuns held a joyous and grand celebration bringing together the nunnery community in gratitude and reverence. The nuns lavishly decorated their prayer hall with flowers and butter sculptures, offering, and had a three-tiered birthday cake decorated with the snow lions of Tibet. They held prayers and presented kataks, ceremonial white scarves, to the portrait of His Holiness.

celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday at Shugsep Nunnery

Inside the prayer hall at Shugsep with the beautifully decorated altar and offerings. The nuns lined up to offer khataks, ceremonial Tibetan prayer scarves, to the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The celebrations continue! The Central Tibetan Administration has declared the period from July 2025 to July 2026 the Year of Compassion, marking the global celebration of His Holiness’ 90th birthday. There will be events worldwide to show gratitude and admiration for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his lifelong commitment to global harmony through teachings of love, compassion, and altruism.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Says He Will Be Reincarnated

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On July 2nd, His Holiness the Dalai Lama released an eagerly awaited statement about his succession. The news made global headlines. He reiterated that “the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, patron of the Tibetan Nuns Project, turns 90 on July 6th, 2025. We wish him a very happy birthday and pray for his good health and long life.

Here is the full statement.

photo of His Holiness the Dalai Lama reading a statement.

Photo from the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Statement Affirming the Continuation of the Institution of Dalai Lama

July 2, 2025
(Translated from the original Tibetan)

On 24 September 2011, at a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions, I made a statement to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, followers of Tibetan Buddhism, and those who have a connection with Tibet and Tibetans, regarding whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue. I stated, “As far back as 1969, I made clear that concerned people should decide whether the Dalai Lama’s reincarnations should continue in the future.”

I also said, “When I am about ninety, I will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other concerned people who follow Tibetan Buddhism, to re-evaluate whether or not the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue.”

Although I have had no public discussions on this issue, over the last 14 years leaders of Tibet’s spiritual traditions, members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, participants in a Special General Body Meeting, members of the Central Tibetan Administration, NGOs, Buddhists from the Himalayan region, Mongolia, Buddhist republics of the Russian Federation and Buddhists in Asia including mainland China, have written to me with reasons, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue. In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue.

The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognized has been clearly established in the 24 September 2011 statement which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition.

I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter.

Dalai Lama

Dharamshala
21 May 2025

Tibetan Buddhist Nuns Reconnect With Rare Spiritual Tradition

New Housing for Geshemas Doing Tantric Studies

Nuns Take on Leadership of Dolma Ling Nunnery

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Change from Male Principal to Leadership by the Nuns

On April 17, 2025, the nuns celebrated big changes in the leadership at Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute. For the first time since the nunnery was inaugurated 20 years ago, Dolma Ling has transitioned from having a male principal to leadership by the nuns themselves.

Tibetan Buddhist nuns take on leadership of Dolma Ling Nunnery April 17 2025 for blog

Three Tibetan Buddhist nuns have taken on the leadership of Dolma Ling Nunnery. From left to right: Venerable Ngawang Palmo, Rinchen Khando Choegyal (TNP’s Founding Director and Special Advisor), the former principal who is stepping down, Nangsa Choedon (Director of the Tibetan Nuns Project in India), Geshema Delek Wangmo (new principal), Geshema Tenzin Dolma, Tenzin Palkyi (Assistant Director, TNP India).

In a change that reflects a shift toward a more collective approach to leadership, responsibilities will be divided between three nuns instead of having one principal. The leadership terms will last three years. After that, the Tibetan Nuns Project and the Nuns’ Committee will decide if they want to keep the nomination process or switch to an election system.

Tibetan Buddhist nuns gather outside prayer hall at Dolma Ling April 17 2025

Tibetan Buddhist nuns gather outside the prayer hall at Dolma Ling carrying kataks, traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarves that they will offer the three nunnery leaders as a sign of respect and congratulations.

For the academic side, Geshema Delek Wangmo will take on the role of the nunnery’s principal, handling all academic matters. Two other nuns, Venerable Ngawang Palmo and Geshema Tenzin Dolma, will share the responsibility for the administration of the nunnery.

The Three Nuns Taking on the Leadership

“It is so inspiring to see the nuns taking on the leadership of Dolma Ling and becoming even further role models for their community,” says Lisa Farmer, Executive Director of the Tibetan Nuns Project. “We are so grateful to our supporters for their kindness and generosity. Our work would not be possible without their dedication to the nuns.”

presenting kataks to nunnery leaders at Dolma Ling

Rinchen Khando Choegyal (right), TNP’s Founding Director and Special Advisor, and Nangsa Choedon, Director of the Tibetan Nuns Project in India, present kataks to the leaders of the nunnery at a special celebration on April 17, 2025.

Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute of Buddhist Dialectics is a non-sectarian nunnery located in the Kangra valley near Dharamsala, northern India. The large campus is currently home to about 300 nuns. It is one of two nunneries built and fully supported by the Tibetan Nuns Project. Here are brief biographies of the three nuns now leading the nunnery.

Principal Geshema Delek Wangmo

Geshema Delek Wangmo’s journey to become a principal, Geshema, teacher, and a role model has been long and arduous. Her remarkable life story exemplifies resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to spiritual growth, inspiring others on their paths to enlightenment.

Born in 1970 in Litang in the Kham region of eastern Tibet, Delek Wangmo was ordained at 15 with Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. Her village, Detsa, did not have a school and she spent most of her time tending animals with her nomadic family.

When she was 19, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche led her and other nuns on an 18-month, 950-mile pilgrimage from their home province to Lhasa with the group prostrating the entire way. She began learning the Tibetan alphabet on the pilgrimage. After escaping from Tibet in 1990, she and other nuns lived in a rental house funded by the Tibetan Nuns Project, studying in the early morning and late evening while actively participating in the construction of their new nunnery, Dolma Ling.

Geshema Delek Wangmo new principal of Dolma Ling April 17 2025

Geshema Delek Wangmo, the new principal of Dolma Ling, being offered Tibetan ceremonial scarves as a act of respect and congratulations. She was virtually illiterate when she escaped from Tibet and now holds the highest degree in her tradition. Photo by the Dolma Ling Media Nuns.

After years of study, Delek Wangmo earned her Geshema degree in 2017. She then became part of the first group of nuns allowed to study at Gyuto Tantric University, also a part of the traditional education for monks. After completing her education, Geshema Delek Wangmo became a philosophy teacher at Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute in 2019. In 2020, she was appointed as an election commissioner by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. You can read more of her remarkable story here.

Venerable Ngawang Palmo

Venerable Ngawang Palmo knew from the time she was little that she wanted to be a nun. She and her friends used to pretend to teach each other scriptures when they were playing. She was born in 1975 to a farming family in Central Tibet. She had some opportunities for education in Tibet. At age 7, she went to school for three months a year and began learning Tibetan, but the 9-month gaps in learning made it hard to progress.

nuns take on leadership at Dolma Ling Nunnery

On April 17, 2025, the nuns and special guests gathered in the prayer hall at Dolma Ling to celebrate the nuns taking on the leadership of the nunnery. Photo by the Dolma Ling Media Nuns.

At 13, she became ordained as a nun and lived at Gari Nunnery until 1992. However, because of Chinese restrictions, she received no proper and systematic education there. Moreover, after some of the Gari nuns celebrated His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, Chinese authorities arrested and expelled many nuns. In 1992, Ngawang Palmo escaped on foot from Tibet seeking education and the freedom to practice her religion.

Venerable Ngawang Palmo brings a wealth of experience to her new role. In addition to her years of studies, she has held many administrative positions at Dolma Ling, including as librarian and treasurer. She served in the Changdzö office, which is responsible for the nunnery’s finances and property. The Changdzö nuns have several duties. They receive and distribute offering money. They also run the nunnery store and make purchases for the nunnery. Venerable Ngawang Palmo was one of seven nuns on the Administration Committee overseeing major decisions for the institution.

Geshema Tenzin Dolma

Geshema Tenzin Dolma was born in Kinnaur, a small village in the Indian Himalayas. Her family were farmers and she spent a lot of time working in the fields and helping her mother at home. There was a nearby Indian government school. However, her school life was brief. She attended primary school until Grade 5, then dropped out to help her family.

After a nun from Dolma Ling came to her village for holidays, Tenzin Dolma decided to become a nun and pursue her education. She became a nun at 18 and came to Dharamsala, joining Dolma Ling first as a day student before she got full admission in 1999. She found the early days challenging because she couldn’t read and write Tibetan, and she struggled to learn the alphabet. Also, the temporary living conditions for the nuns were difficult. She recalled, “During those days, Dolma Ling Nunnery was under construction and we had to help the builders most of the days. We didn’t even have a proper kitchen and we didn’t use gas. We had to go out to find wood for cooking.”

When Tenzin Dolma joined Dolma Ling as a day student in 1998, the nunnery was under construction. Here’s an archival photo of a nun holding a paper model of the nunnery in front of the construction site. Thanks to your support, Dolma Ling is now a thriving educational center.

Tenzin Dolma worked hard and excelled. She earned her Geshema degree, equal to a PhD in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, in 2017. She was one of the second group of nuns to achieve this. Like Principal Geshema Delek Wangmo, in 2019 she completed a year-long course in Tantric Studies at Gyuto Tantric Monastery. This groundbreaking program funded by Tibetan Nuns Project donors provides dedicated senior nuns training in tantric theory, rituals, and mind-training techniques used by those engaged in advanced meditation.

“I have learned lots of new things at Dolma Ling. I think to myself that if I were in my village, I would have missed all these opportunities to develop myself and find a meaning and value of life.” Geshema Tenzin Dolma is very grateful to the supporters of the Tibetan Nuns Project and to Dolma Ling.

About Dolma Ling

Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute of Buddhist Dialectics is a non-sectarian nunnery near Dharamsala, northern India. The large campus is now home to about 300 nuns.

Rinchen Khando Choegyal TNP Founding Director and Special Advisor

Rinchen Khando Choegyal, the Tibetan Nuns Project’s Founding Director and Special Advisor, with a nun at Dolma Ling at the celebration on April 17th.

Officially inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on December 8, 2005, the nunnery is fully funded by the Tibetan Nuns Project and was the first institute dedicated specifically to higher Buddhist education for Tibetan Buddhist nuns from all traditions.

Dolma Ling is unique because it offers a 17-year curriculum of traditional Buddhist philosophy and debate, as well as modern courses in Tibetan language, English, basic mathematics, and computer skills. The nuns also receive training in the ritual arts such as sand mandalas and butter sculpture. The nunnery was completed after 12 years of hard work. The nuns helped to build the nunnery and work diligently to maintain it.

For the first nuns who fled to India, such academic and leadership successes would have seemed almost impossible. Almost all the nuns who arrived as refugees had received no formal education. Many could not even write their names.

Tibetan Buddhist nuns in India building a nunnery photo Jessica Tampas copy

Tibetan Buddhist nuns in India building Dolma Ling. Photo by Jessica Tampas.

When the nuns arrived in India, they were ill, exhausted, traumatized and impoverished. Many nuns had faced torture and imprisonment at the hands of the Chinese authorities in Tibet and endured immense physical and emotional pain. The existing nunneries in the struggling Tibetan refugee community in India were already overcrowded and could not accommodate them.

The Tibetan Nuns Project, with your support, had to focus on the basics of education. This included setting up classes, building a curriculum, ensuring regular attendance, and administering tests. Those who have always had access to education might take these systems for granted. However, for the nuns, every part of an education system had to be established from scratch.

The new academic year began at Dolma Ling on March 17, 2025. In April, we launched a project to help build special housing for elder nuns. The Tibetan Nuns Project has set up a Long-Term Stability Fund to support our main programs. These include education, food, shelter, clothing, and basic medical care for the nuns.

Annual Graduation Ceremonies Held at Shugsep and Dolma Ling Nunneries

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In April, the two Tibetan Buddhist nunneries built and fully supported by Tibetan Nuns Project donors held their annual graduation ceremonies. We are delighted to share this news and the nuns’ photos. We send deepest thanks to all those who sponsor a nun at the nunneries.

Shugsep Nunnery Graduation Ceremony on April 5, 2025

Shugsep Nunnery and Institute, now home to about 100 nuns, is a Nyingma nunnery re-established in northern India and inaugurated 15 years ago in 2010. On April 5, the nunnery held its annual graduation ceremony. The chief guest was Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, alongside our Founding Director and Special Advisor Kasur Rinchen Khandro, Secretary Dudrul Dorjee from the Department of Religion and Culture, and Nangsa Choedon, Director of the Tibetan Nuns Project in India.

Rinchen Khando Choegyal, the Tibetan Nuns Project Founding Director and Special Advisor, at the annual Shugsep graduation ceremony on April 5, 2025.

The ceremony recognized the nuns’ various achievements. The Speaker presented certificates to 4th, 7th, and 9th-year students. Other dignitaries awarded certificates to first-year philosophical college students, as well as to first-year and 4th-year students, primary school students, and those who received special recognition for root text memorization.

Shugsep Nunnery annual graduation ceremony April 2025

Chief guest, Venerable Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, presented certificates and the Shugsep graduation ceremony.

In his address, the Parliamentary Speaker emphasized the special responsibilities inherent in monastic life, stressing the importance of continuous mindfulness beyond routine practices. Drawing from the teachings of Acharya Vasubandhu, the Speaker outlined the core monastic educational path, which includes maintaining discipline, engaging in comprehensive study and contemplation, and dedicating oneself to diligent meditation. He noted that this approach has formed the foundation for accomplished scholars across all Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

Nangsa Choedon at the Shugsep Graduation ceremony

Nangsa Choedon, Director of the Tibetan Nuns Project in India, at the Shugsep Graduation ceremony.

The Speaker provided detailed explanations of these educational pillars, including maintaining discipline through adherence to monastic vows; learning through study by pursuing education with focused attention; contemplation, which involves repeatedly examining teachings through scriptural authority and reasoning; and meditation, which focuses on internalizing knowledge to transform one’s life.

He emphasized that true education should lead to visible personal transformation, stating, “If you remain unchanged year after year, your study, contemplation, and meditation are inadequate.” The Speaker urged students not only to change themselves but also to positively influence those around them.

The Tibetan Nuns Project’s Founding Director and Special Advisor, Kasur Rinchen Khandro, and Nangsa Choedon, Director of the Tibetan Nuns Project in India, both spoke at the event.

Quoting from Shantideva’s Bodhicharyavatara, he said, “There is nothing that does not become easier through familiarization,” and added the Tibetan proverb, “All activities are practice; who is skilled among practitioners?” to underline the idea that consistent effort inevitably yields results.

The Speaker further highlighted the importance of diligence and comprehensive education, quoting The Words of My Perfect Teacher to discuss the relationship between wisdom and diligence. He noted that moderate wisdom, paired with excellent diligence, can yield superior results compared to excellent wisdom coupled with poor diligence.

Khenpo Sonam Tenphel of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile at the Shugsep graduation ceremony April 2025

Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, said that, in addition to traditional knowledge, students should also pursue modern sciences and languages to maximize their contributions to Tibetan religion, culture, and society.

The Speaker warned of the irreparable damage that educational deficiencies can cause, particularly concerning cultural and linguistic preservation. He concluded by calling for harmony among all present, quoting Bodhicharyavatara: “May the Sangha always be in harmony, and may the purposes of the Sangha be fulfilled.”

Annual Award Ceremony at Dolma Ling Nunnery

On April 9, 2025, the Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute held an award ceremony to honor the top achievers of the 2024 final examinations.

Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute of Buddhist Dialectics is a non-sectarian nunnery near Dharamsala and is home to about 277 nuns. It was inaugurated in 2005 and was the first institute dedicated to higher Buddhist education for Tibetan Buddhist nuns from all traditions.

Dolma Ling academic award ceremony April 2025

The Dolma Ling academic award ceremony on April 9, 2025. Photo by the Dolma Ling Media Nuns.

Kabjye Yongzin Ling Choktrul Rinpoche was the Chief Guest at the award ceremony. Secretary Dhondul Dorjee from the Department of Religion and Culture and Secretary Jigme Namgyal from the Department of Education attended the event as special guests.

Tibetan Buddhist nuns at Dolma Ling receive awards from Kabjye Yongzin Ling Choktrul Rinpoche April 9 2025

Tibetan Buddhist nuns at Dolma Ling receive academic awards from special guest Kabjye Yongzin Ling Choktrul Rinpoche at a ceremony on April 9, 2025.

It was also attended by the Tibetan Nuns Project’s founding director and special advisor Kasur Rinchen Khando, and Nangsa Choedon, the Director of the Tibetan Nuns Project in India.

Academic award ceremony at Dolma Ling Nunnery April 9 2025

Over 270 Tibetan Buddhist nuns gathered in the debate courtyard at Dolma Ling on April 9th for the annual ceremony honoring academic achievements. Photo by the Dolma Ling Media Nuns.

The ceremony began with the principal’s report on the history and educational activities of the Dolma Ling. Then the distinguished guests gave the awards of academic excellence to the top-performing students.

How You Can Support Nuns’ Education

Tibetan Buddhist nuns in India rely on outside support. There are many ways that you can help educate and empower the nuns including:

Sponsor a nun for $1 a day.
Become a monthly donor at any amount you choose.
Support teachers by helping to fund teachers’ salaries at various nunneries
Donate to our Long-Term Stability Fund to put our core programs on solid ground.
Leave a legacy gift to the Tibetan Nuns Project.

Blog credit: With reporting from tibet.net