In this blog post, we want to share some special stories written and illustrated by Tibetan Buddhist nuns at Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute.
In the past, Tibetan Buddhist nuns have had few opportunities for education. Most of the nuns who escaped on foot over the Himalayas from Tibet were illiterate on their arrival in India. Until recently, women were not allowed to study for higher degrees such as the Geshema degree, roughly equivalent to a PhD.
Tenzin Norgyal, the English teacher organized a nuns’ science fair fin 2019. Now he has created a special book project for his students.
Much progress has been made and the Tibetan Nuns Project is deeply grateful to all our supporters.
Four Illustrated Stories by the Nuns
Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute is dedicated to higher Buddhist education for Tibetan Buddhist nuns from all traditions.
Recently the English teacher at Dolma Ling, Mr. Tenzin Norgyal, assigned a special book project for his class. He understands the importance of creativity and inter-disciplinary learning.
Tibetan nuns at Dolma Ling hold a book fair to share stories that they have created.
Here are some of the sweet stories written and illustrated by the nuns.
This first story teaches the importance of being happy with what you have.
In “My Chapter” Kalsang tells the moving story of her escape from Tibet and joining Dolma Ling Nunnery.
This third story talks about combining wisdom and effort in our brief lives.
Finally, the story of Yak Gapa illustrates the need to help each other.
The Tibetan Nuns Project believes that education is the key to empowerment. We work to give nuns the resources to carve out independent, creative identities for themselves.
Tibet’s unique religion and culture are under great threat. The nuns from Tibet who were once denied equal access to education and the opportunity to practice their religion freely are the teachers and leaders of the future.
Thank you for helping the nuns on their path!
Oh, I loved reading those handwritten and illustrated stories! I hope to see more in future blogs.
Tashi delek!
— your friend, Pat Williams
We’re so glad that you liked them, Pat! Thank you for all that you do to help the nuns!
Thank you so much for writing and sharing your ideas, lives and stories with such a high and fluent standard of English. I enjoyed reading all of the pages , plus the illustrations. I spent many years as an English teacher here in England and two of the favourite subjects my students always came back to for creative inspiration were those to do with their own lives and, writing that told a clear, engaging story. I am pleased to see you and your teacher think the same; please keep your imagination always with you.
Thank you for your beautiful comment, David!
I love reading these stories! The words are wise and the illustrations are beautiful. Thank you all for sharing them. I wish you many blessings!
The stories were wonderful and the illustrations were beautiful,I enjoyed reading the stories and all the stories had a message at the end.
These stories and drawings are amazing. The command of English is quite impressive, and the pictures are so telling, and artistic. The stories themselves have very important messages. Please send out more! Maybe publish a book for sale? Many many thanks to all the authors. Peace and love to all, ~ Gustav Escher
These are so wonderful! Would you ever consider printing them together in a small book to then sell in the shop? I’m sure I’m not the only one who would be interested in helping to fund a first pressing.
Yes! Please publish! I would buy them too.
I adore these stories, and the illustrations are well done. Thank you for posting them.