Tag Archives: Dolma Ling Nunnery

Results Announced for 2025 Geshema Exams

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!

Living Conditions for Tibetan Nuns: Then and Now

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The Tibetan Nuns Project was created in response to a huge influx of nuns who arrived in India after escaping from Tibet. Finding shelter and creating long-term housing for the nuns was an urgent task.

Unlike monks who escaped and who had the option of joining established monasteries in India, there were no nunneries to go to for the nuns arriving in India. The two nunneries, Geden Choeling and Tilokpur, in and around Dharamsala, the home in exile of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the destination of choice for most Tibetan refugees, were both crowded and struggling.

Tibetan Buddhist nuns, Tibetan Nuns Project, housing, nuns living in tents, Dharamsala

This archival photo shows one of the many exiled Tibetan nuns living in tents in India.

Housing for nuns in the early days

“We had a huge influx of nuns from Tibet after 1987 — nuns who had been to prison and tortured,” says Rinchen Khando Choegyal, Founding Director and Special Advisor to the Tibetan Nuns Project.

“Many had had to leave their nunneries in Tibet because they had been on demonstrations. Because of that, they were imprisoned and not allowed to go back to their nunneries. The only option for them was to escape and come to India via Nepal. This was one of the very pressing reasons for the Tibetan Nuns Project to come into existence — so that we could shelter and look after these nuns, and so they could have an education.”

housing, Tibetan Buddhist nuns, Tibetan Nuns Project, rented house for nuns

Nuns studying inside one of the rented houses before the Tibetan Nuns Project built two new nunneries.

“All these nuns arrived from Tibet with nothing, in bad health, 99% not knowing how to read and write, traumatized in the prisons, beaten by the prison guards, with damaged kidneys and all kinds of health problems. And here we were trying to set up nunneries and a system of education for them… It was amazing how our international friends came forward to help us financially,” says Rinchen Khando Choegyal.

2025 marks the 15th anniversary of the inauguration of Shugsep Nunnery and Institute, now home to about 100 nuns. The original rented house is on the left.

In the early days, the Tibetan Nuns Project rented four houses in Dharamsala to accommodate the newly arrived nuns.

Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) Napper, US Founder and Board Chair of the Tibetan Nuns Project, describes the housing situation in the late 1980s and 1990s:

“The Dolma Ling nuns were housed in a very dark, rented house with bunk beds three high — 18 in a room. They cooked outside in an outer cooking area with a canopy over it.”

Tibetan Buddhist nuns, Tibetan Nuns Project, housing, outdoor kitchen

In the early days, before the Tibetan Nuns Project built Dolma Ling and Shugsep nunneries, the nuns cooked outdoors in temporary structures.

“The situation for the Shugsep nuns wasn’t much better. We were able to move the Dolma Ling nuns down to a rented house and give the Shugsep nuns the small house that they had been in. It, too, was way too small. Every available space was filled by a bed; even under the stairs there were beds.”

“The structure was poorly built, and rain would run down the walls during the monsoon. It was damp and moldy in there. It was awful.”

On the left, a nun holds a paper model of Dolma Ling. 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the inauguration of Dolma Ling on December 8, 2005 by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The nunnery took 12 years to build. Our current project is to build suitable accommodation for elder nuns.

“Bit by bit, we built things, like a bathroom toilet block. Every bit of it was a struggle. But more nuns kept coming. Every time we thought we had the space OK, more nuns would come, so it would get overcrowded again. That was why we had to build a whole new nunnery. Both nunneries — Dolma Ling and Shugsep — started out in really overcrowded, substandard housing.”

Construction of the new Shugsep Nunnery in India began in January 2006. The nuns lived for ten years in damp, crowded conditions while the nunnery was being built.

housing for nuns, Tibetan Nuns Project archive, Tibetan Buddhist Nuns building

While they were living in rented housing, the nuns helped build the new nunneries. This archival photo by Jessica Tampas shows nuns working to build Dolma Ling Nunnery. The nunnery took 12 years to build and was officially inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on December 8, 2005. It is now home to about 300 nuns.

Housing Now

Betsy Napper describes the current housing situation for the nuns at Dolma Ling and Shugsep nunneries.

“The housing is still simple and basic. The standard configuration is two nuns to a room. Each nun has a bed, a table, a bench, a little storage area where she can put her books for study and practice, and a little area where she can set up an altar. Only nuns who are very senior or who have special responsibilities get single rooms.”

Dolma Ling Nunnery, nun's room, housing, Tibetan Nuns Project

Inside a nun’s room at Dolma Ling Nunnery. The accommodation is basic, with simple furniture, shared rooms, and no heat. In the winter, the temperature drops to 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius. Photo courtesy of Brian Harris.

“Of course there’s no way at all to afford heating. Heating is impossible. None of the nunneries are heated. In the winter, the nuns will try to sit outside in the sun because the buildings are cold.”

housing for nuns, Dolma Ling Nunnery, Tibetan Nuns Project

Making a dream come true. Thanks to supporters around the world, the Tibetan Nuns Project was able to build two large nunneries and also support 5 more. This archival photo shows a holding a model of Dolma Ling Nunnery in front of the construction site in the early days of its 12-year construction.

“Hot water has always been a struggle. We were able to put in solar hot water and make bath houses for both Dolma Ling Nunnery and Shugsep Nunnery so that the nuns have an option of bathing with hot water. We also got hot water into the kitchens, using solar panels at both nunneries.”

The Pressing Need For Elder Housing

The Tibetan Nuns Project was founded almost 40 years ago in 1987. The nuns are aging, some are ill, and they need suitable accommodation. The nuns at Dolma Ling need your help to build 20 double rooms to house 40 elder nuns in a purpose-built two-story building. The aim is to create a comfortable living space for older nuns while fostering their sense of community and caring for each other.

Ani Rigzen, aged 74, is one of the elder nuns at Dolma Ling, carrying with her years of quiet devotion and peace. Please help us build 20 double rooms for elder nuns at Dolma Ling.

This special building will:

∗ Be wheelchair accessible on the ground floor
∗ Have low-rise stairs for those who have difficulty climbing stairs
∗ Have slightly larger rooms than the regular dormitory rooms
∗ Have a private bathroom for each room with handrails and a Western-style toilet
∗ Have a small kitchenette in each room
∗ Be equipped with an alarm bell system for vulnerable nuns

Indian style toilet is difficult for older people and elders

It is very difficult for elder nuns to use Indian-style squat toilets. They try to use them now with the aid of potty seats for support, but access to Western-style toilets would greatly ease their daily lives.

Please help provide elder housing for the nuns. Learn more and donate here.

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.

Tibetan Buddhist Nuns Reconnect With Rare Spiritual Tradition

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Tibetan Buddhist nuns from five nunneries in northern India reconnected with a rare spiritual tradition ahead of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday.

As part of the upcoming celebrations for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday on July 6, 2025, the Tibetan Nuns Project organized a deeply meaningful workshop to help preserve a rare and fading tradition.

workshop at Tilokpur Nunnery on Phowa Dhoshak stone breaking ceremony

Nuns at Tilokpur Nunnery gathered for a workshop on the ancient, rare spiritual tradition of Phowa Dhoshak, dating back many hundreds of years.

From May 27th to 30th, 2025, Mr. Dorje Rinchen led a series of sessions at five nunneries: Dolma Ling, Shugsep, Tilokpur, Geden Choeling, and Jamyang Choeling. The workshops focused on the unique role of Lama Manipas (wandering Buddhist storytellers) and the ritual practice of Phowa Dhoshak, the symbolic act of breaking a stone on the abdomen for healing ailments and rare diseases.

Dolma Ling nuns attend workshop on ancient, rare spiritual tradition of Phowa Dhoshak

At the end of May, nuns at Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute learned about the meaning, structure, and purpose of the rare practice of Phowa Dhoshak. Photo by the Dolma Ling Media Nuns.

Rooted in the legacy of Saint Thangtong Gyalpo, Phowa Dhoshak is more than a ritual. It is also a powerful expression of spiritual strength. Through detailed presentations and demonstrations, Gen Dorje Rinchen introduced the nuns to the meaning, structure, and deeper purpose of this rare practice. For many of the nuns, it was their first encounter with a tradition they had only heard about in passing.

Gen Dorjee Rinchen categorized the practice into 13 key topics and delivered a presentation on them, including the origins of the practice, the associated visualizations and recitations, and the reasons behind this spiritual tradition.

Dolma Ling Principal Geshema Delek Wangmo and teacher Dorje Rinchen workshop on Tibetan Buddhist tradition

Dolma Ling Principal Geshema Delek Wangmo (left) and teacher Dorje Rinchen during the workshop at the end of May. Photo by the Dolma Ling Media Nuns.

The sessions sparked enthusiasm and a deep reflection. Many of the nuns voiced a strong desire to learn more, to understand the physical ritual, and to explore its spiritual and historical roots. This dialogue has opened up new possibilities for research and study while assisting the nuns to feel more connected to a lineage that has long shaped Buddhist culture.

Nuns at Shugsep Nunnery gather in the library for a workshop on a rare Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

At a time when many such sacred practices are at risk of fading into obscurity, the Tibetan Nuns Project’s efforts are making sure that the next generation of Buddhist nuns is not only aware of these teachings, but also feels empowered to carry them forward.

New Housing for Geshemas Doing Tantric Studies

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In 2019, the Tibetan Nuns Project started fundraising for a significant initiative, Housing for Geshemas. We sought your help to build 16 rooms at Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute for Geshema-degree graduates. These rooms allow these senior nuns to live and study while they attend a year-long Tantric studies program at Gyuto Tantric Monastery.

A Geshema Tibetan Buddhist nuns studies at Dolma Ling Nunnery May 2025

A Geshema Tibetan Buddhist nun studies in one of the 16 purpose-built rooms at Dolma Ling Nunnery, May 2025.

The Geshema degree (called a Geshe degree for men) is the highest level of training in the Gelugpa tradition and is equivalent to a PhD in Tibetan Buddhism. The degree was only formally opened to women in 2012.

We are happy to report that the rooms are now built, furnished, and occupied. The Geshemas are very grateful for your generosity and kindness.

A Tibetan Buddhist nun studies in new housing block at Dolma Ling Nunnery May 2025

A Geshema nun engaged in peaceful and focused studies. The 16 rooms can be double or single occupancy. In spring 2025, 13 nuns from Nepal and India moved in when they started their year-long Tantric studies program.

In spring 2025, 13 Geshema nuns began their Tantric studies program at Gyuto Tantric Monastery, about two miles from the nunnery.

This year’s nuns came from four nunneries in India and Nepal. There are five nuns from Kopan Nunnery in Nepal, four from Jangchup Choeling Nunnery in south India, three from Geden Choeling Nunnery in Dharamsala, and one from Dolma Ling.

Geshema Tantric Housing at Dolma Ling spring 2025

One of the 13 nuns who began her Tantric studies this spring. The Geshemas are delighted with their rooms. They offer a wonderful atmosphere for study and contemplation.

The Tantric Geshema program began in 2017 under the guidance and support of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Nuns Project. The first group of 23 Geshemas graduated from the program in 2019. The program is thriving.

Though there have been accomplished female practitioners in Tibet’s history, until 2017, women did not have the opportunity to study Tantric Buddhism formally. The nuns travel from Dolma Ling to Gyuto Tantric Monastery for classes.

Happy Geshema Tibetan Buddhist nun at Dolma Ling Nunnery

Nuns engage in text memorization outside their rooms.

The original Gyuto Tantric University was founded in Tibet in 1474 and was re-established in exile. It continues an unbroken tradition for over 500 years and provides the highest level of Tantric training in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

The Tantric Buddhism program provides Geshemas with training in tantric theory, rituals, and mind-training techniques used by those engaged in advanced meditation. This level of training is essential to enable the Geshemas to be fully qualified for advanced leadership roles, such as the head of a nunnery.

Two photos of the new rooms for Geshemas at Dolma Ling Nunnery

Photos of the new rooms for Geshemas at Dolma Ling Nunnery. The 16 rooms can be either single-bed rooms or, as the groups of Geshema graduates become larger, accommodate two nuns per room.

The 16 rooms and facilities are on the third floor of the Yangchen Lophel Study Center at Dolma Ling. These rooms create a good environment for study and contemplation. Each room has enough space for their intensive studies.

The nuns send their gratitude for the improved study conditions and the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Tantric philosophy and practice.

Housing for Geshemas at top of new Yangchen Lophel Study Center

The 16 rooms and facilities are on the third floor of the Yangchen Lophel Study Center at Dolma Ling.

Before the 16 rooms were built, the nunnery was struggling to make space for Geshemas to stay during their course. It placed a strain on the nunnery and restricted the number of new nuns who could be admitted to Dolma Ling because of a lack of accommodation.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama blesses the Geshema nuns who have completed their further studies in Tantric Buddhism.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama blesses the previous group of nine Geshemas who graduated from the Tantric Studies program on February 19th, 2025. The laywomen are Nangsa Choedon, Director (top) and Tenzin Palkyi, Project Coordinator at the Tibetan Nuns Project in India.

We would like to thank everyone who supported the Housing for Geshemas project and the Tantric Studies Program.

The Tantric studies program is now funded through our Geshema Endowment, which also supports the annual Geshema exams and Geshema graduation. We are extremely grateful to the 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 hope to put more of our core programs on a solid footing through our Long-Term Stability Fund.

See our Current Needs page for all our projects.

Part of the first group of 23 Geshema nuns who had the opportunity to do Buddhist Tantric Studies. Photo by the Dolma Ling Media 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

A Paradigm Shift for Tibetan Buddhist Nuns

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A Paradigm Shift

Less than ten years ago, the first Tibetan Buddhist nuns made history when they graduated with the Geshema degree, equivalent to a PhD in Tibetan Buddhism.

Until 2012, the highest degree was only open to men. The 2016 Geshema graduation ceremony, presided over by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, marked a new chapter in the education of ordained Buddhist women.

This winter, His Holiness the Dalai Lama blessed the Geshema nuns who completed a one-year program in Tantric Buddhism. The laywomen are Nangsa Choedon, Director (top) and Tenzin Palkyi, Project Coordinator at the Tibetan Nuns Project in India.

Their success fulfilled a longstanding wish of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the patron of the Tibetan Nuns Project. It was even more remarkable because some of the nuns were illiterate when they escaped from Tibet.

Since those first 20 nuns stepped across the stage to make history, many nuns have followed in their footsteps. Last year, a record 144 nuns sat various levels of the four-year Geshemas exams and 13 graduated as Geshemas, bringing the total number of Geshemas to 73.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the 20 Geshema graduates in 2016. Photo courtesy of OHHDL.

This change in the status and education of Tibetan Buddhist nuns would not have been possible without the steadfast generosity of our supporters. Thank you! The Geshemas are now assuming leadership and teaching roles previously closed to women.

Fifth Set of Graduates from the Tantric Studies Program

Last month, on February 19th, 2025, nine Geshemas graduated from the year-long Tantric Studies program at Gyuto Tantric University near Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute.

Here’s a charming video of the graduation made by the Dolma Ling Media Nuns. Can’t see the video? Click here.

The Tibetan Nuns Project launched the Tantric Buddhism study program in 2017 thanks to the support of generous donors. Although there have been accomplished female practitioners in Tibet’s history, women have never before been given such an opportunity to formally study Tantric Buddhism.

A Tibetan Buddhist nun receives a blessing from His Holiness the Dalai Lama Dec 2024

A Geshema receives blessings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama in December 2024 after completing a one-year program in Tantric Buddhism. These women pioneers have accomplished a level of scholarship and Buddhist training that, until recently, was only open to men.

Another Step Towards Equality

The Tibetan Nuns Project has played a pivotal role in advocating for equality of access to education and higher degrees. The Tantric Buddhism program for nuns helps bring them more in line with monks for learning opportunities and advancement along the spiritual path.

Once monks attain their Geshe degree, if they want to be fully qualified masters capable of teaching their complete tradition, they must add to their knowledge an understanding of the principles of Tantra and the main Tantric practices of their tradition. For these studies, monks usually join one of the two Tantric Colleges where they have access to highly qualified teachers, texts, and a supportive community of practitioners. Until recently, these options weren’t available to nuns.

Tantric studies, Tibetan nuns, Tibetan Buddhism, Dolma Ling

For the first time in the history of Tibet, Buddhist nuns have the opportunity to formally study Tantric Buddhism. The program started in 2017 and now the fifth set of nuns has graduated. Photo courtesy of the Nuns Media Team.

The Tantric studies program for nuns began in 2017 after a committee of representatives from six nunneries approached His Holiness the Dalai Lama for advice about the curriculum and how to proceed.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama kindly gave detailed instructions about the treatises to be used and recommended that the Geshema nuns study as a group at Dolma Ling Nunnery. The first Geshemas graduated in 2019.

Tibetan Buddhist nun graduates from Tantric Buddhism Program Feb 2025

Nangsa Chodon, Director of the Tibetan Nuns Project in India, presents the degree certificate at the graduation ceremony on February 19, 2025, for the fifth group of Geshemas who completed their studies in Tantric Buddhism.

The Tantric Studies program will continue as more nuns obtain the Geshema degree. In January 2025, the Tibetan Nuns Project completed the funding for 16 rooms at Dolma Ling where the Geshemas from India and Nepal can stay while they take the program. This is an exciting development of a safe space for the nuns to stay and focus on their studies.

Building a Solid Future

The Tantric studies program for nuns is funded through our Geshema Endowment which also supports the annual Geshema exams and the Geshema graduation each November. We are extremely grateful 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.

Feb 2025 Graduation ceremony for Tibetan Buddhist Geshemas who completed their one-year program in Tantric Buddhism

On February 19, 2025, the fifth cohort of Geshemas graduated from their one-year program in Tantric Buddhism. Nine nuns graduated from this special program launched by the Tibetan Nuns Project in 2017.

The Tibetan Nuns Project wants to put more of its core programs on solid ground through our Long-Term Stability Fund and through encouraging supporters to leave a legacy of compassion to help the nuns.

As one supporter said, “A donation to this cause benefits beyond helping just the nuns… it benefits the Tibetan culture, it benefits refugees from Tibet, it benefits education for women, it benefits the Buddhist religion and community and all of this spreads like a ripple of compassion for others beyond that community. This is not charity; it is an investment in humanity.”

Brighten Your Day With Two Slideshows from Dolma Ling Nunnery

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To brighten your day and to convey the impact of your support, here are two slideshows with the latest photos from Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute. The photos were taken from June to October 2024 by the Dolma Ling media nuns.

First Slideshow: Snapshots of Education at Dolma Ling

In October, dozens of nuns departed by bus for the holy city of Bodh Gaya to take part in the month-long inter-nunnery debate. The debate event runs from October 25th to November 27th 2024 and, at the conclusion, 13 more nuns will graduate with their Geshema degree, including one from Dolma Ling.

Debating has a vital role in monastic education and the nuns practice debate daily. Each year in September, students from the Tibetan Children’s Village in Dharamsala come to the nunnery to learn about monastic debate and to practice debating with the nuns.

Can’t see the slideshow? Click here.

Opening up education to women and girls, particularly in conjunction with training in debate, has been transformative for the nuns. Your support gives them access to the full intellectual richness of their Buddhist tradition. Even the youngest nuns are gaining confidence and experience and they can look to the Geshema nuns as role models. This fall there was a reading competition for the young nuns plus the annual nunnery quiz competition held in the nunnery courtyard. It is always a fun event.

The nuns take classes in many subjects including Tibetan, Buddhist philosophy, English, math, and science. The academic year begins in early spring after Losar, the Tibetan New Year. Throughout the year, the nuns have exams and quizzes as they pursue their degrees. One of our current projects is to purchase two new classroom projectors and essential media equipment. Another is to make kitchen repairs at Dolma Ling.

Second Slideshow of Life at Dolma Ling

In this second slideshow, you can see snapshots of daily life at Dolma Ling including the nuns praying, making offerings, and doing chores, and cooking. There are also photos of the nuns celebrating His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday. Each year, the nuns celebrate with prayers, an essay-writing day, and their annual flower competition.

Can’t see the slideshow? Click here.

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The Tibetan Nuns Project established Dolma Ling to educate and empower nuns of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition as teachers and leaders, and to sustain Tibetan religion and culture. The Tibetan Nuns Project aims to elevate the educational standards and the position of women within the monastic community.

Dolma Ling is the first institute dedicated to higher Buddhist education for Tibetan Buddhist nuns from all traditions. Currently, there are about 300 nuns at Dolma Ling. We are deeply grateful to those who sponsor nuns. More sponsors are always needed.

Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors and supporters! We hope that these photos brightened your day.

A Geshema Comes to Washington

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This summer Geshema Delek Wangmo, a teacher at Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute, was a special guest at Sravasti Abbey in Washington State for a one-month residency.

Sravasti Abbey in Washington State welcomes Geshema Delek Wangmo. Born in Tibet in 1970 to a nomadic family, Geshema Delek Wangmo was illiterate when she was ordained as a Buddhist nun at 15. She now lives and teaches at Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute in India. Photo courtesy of Sravasti Abbey.

Sravasti Abbey was founded in 2003 by the author, teacher, and fully ordained nun Venerable Thubten Chodron. The abbey follows Tibetan Buddhism in the tradition of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It is situated on 300 acres of forest and meadows outside Newport, Washington, near the Idaho state line.

On August 11th, Sravasti Abbey held a special event with Geshema Delek Wangmo that people could attend in person or online via YouTube. You can see the talk here.

Geshema Delek Wangmo had a one-month residency at Sravasti Abbey in Washington State and gave a public talk on August 11, 2024. Photo courtesy of Sravasti Abbey.

Geshema Delek Wangmo’s story is a tale of faith, courage, resilience, purpose, and tenacity. Her public talk, in English, related to her life as a Tibetan Buddhist nun and her monastic education. She spoke about her role as a teacher of other nuns and her aspirations for Tibetan Buddhism in the future.

Geshema Delek Wangmo was one of the first Tibetan Buddhist nuns to complete the rigorous Geshema degree — equivalent to a doctorate in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy — once reserved for monks only.

This was the first trip to the West by Geshema Delek Wangmo, a Buddhist scholar, practitioner, and teacher from Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute in India. Photo courtesy of Sravasti Abbey.

Geshema Delek Wangmo’s time at the Abbey was intended to be a rich cultural and educational exchange. She practiced her English skills and helped some Abbey community members build their spoken Tibetan abilities. She learned about Buddhist monasticism in the West by attending sessions of the Abbey’s annual Exploring Monastic Life program.

Geshema Delek Wangmo at Sravasti Abbey photo courtesy of Sravasti Abbey 9

In Tibet, many nuns like Delek Wangmo did not have access to education. Her journey from illiteracy to a respected teacher has been one of faith, courage, and diligence. Photo August 11, 2024 courtesy of Sravasti Abbey.

She also offered a course in English on Buddhist Reasoning and Debate, the Tibetan pedagogical method for sharpening and deepening insight.

Abbess Venerable Thubten Chodron has long been a proponent of advanced education for Tibetan nuns and Sravasti Abbey is a long-time supporter of the Tibetan Nuns Project. While Abbey residents have had the honor to receive profound teachings from a great number of Tibetan lamas and geshes, it is a historically significant next step to also host a female Tibetan scholar to teach the Western sangha.

Saying goodbye. The nuns at Dolma Ling, where Geshema Delek Wangmo teaches, had summer exams so she was able to a break from teaching until August 19th. She helped to build Dolma Ling, one of the first Tibetan nunneries in India, brick by brick, over 30 years ago. Photo courtesy of Sravasti Abbey.

An Incredible Journey

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 a pilgrimage from their home province to Lhasa, where the Dalai Lama’s Potala Palace and other holy sites are located. Not only was this a 950-mile trek through mountains, but the group prostrated the entire way. It took one and a half years.

Portrait of Geshema Delek Wangmo taken at Dolma Ling Nunnery in 2022 by Olivier Adam

However, when they arrived, the group was denied entry into Lhasa by the Chinese authorities. The journey was not wasted: along the way, she had begun her education and learned the Tibetan alphabet for the first time.

The large group of nuns headed south, eventually entering India and connecting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Varanasi.

Improving the Situation for Nuns

Unfortunately, there were few nunneries in India and no space for the new nuns. Soon, the Tibetan Nuns Project was formed and began the process of building two facilities, Shugsep and Dolma Ling, both near Dharamsala.

In 1994, Delek Wangmo and other nuns were able to move into Dolma Ling, which was subsequently inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2005. Not only did Dolma Ling provide much-needed housing and living facilities, but it was dedicated specifically to higher Buddhist education for nuns.

Geshema Delek Wangmo teaching TCV students about monastic debate Sept 2023

Geshema Delek Wangmo teaching Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) students about monastic debate in September 2023.

In Tibet, many nuns like Delek Wangmo did not have access to education. Dolma Ling provides a 17-year curriculum, comparable to what has traditionally been available to monks. With these educational opportunities and the support of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Geshema degree was offered in 2012.

The Geshema degree is equivalent to the Geshe degree, with the “ma” indicating it is awarded to women. The Geshe degree is roughly equivalent to a PhD in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, requiring decades of study, extensive exams, and public debate sessions. The monastics who earn this degree become teachers, abbots, and other leaders within Tibetan Buddhism.

Delek Wangmo became Geshema Delek Wangmo in 2017, part of the second group of nuns to complete their exams and earn their degrees. She was then part of the first group of nuns allowed to study at Gyuto Tantric University, also a part of the traditional education for monks.

Geshema Delek Wangmo teaching at Dolma Ling 2019

Delek Wangmo earned her Geshema degree in 2017 and was hired as a teacher at Dolma Ling in 2019. She says, “Looking back to where I started and what I have achieved now is something very special in my life. I feel satisfied and relief now. When I fled from tibet I never expect such things in life that I will have
these kind of opportunity in such a good place. I would like to thanks many people who have supported me in completing my education.”

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.

Life at Dolma Ling

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Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute in northern India is a special place.

Here are the latest photographs from Dolma Ling’s media nuns. We hope they bring you joy and help convey the impact of your support.

Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute near Dharamsala

Dolma Ling is the first institute dedicated to higher Buddhist education for Tibetan Buddhist nuns from all traditions.

Dolma Ling was established by the Tibetan Nuns Project to educate and empower nuns of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition as teachers and leaders, and to sustain Tibetan religion and culture. It is now home to about 250 nuns. Most nuns have sponsors, but new sponsors are always needed.

The nunnery 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.

In early autumn, the nuns learned and practiced drawing, including the sacred symbols of Tibetan Buddhism.

The nuns helped to build the nunnery and they work hard to maintain it. The large campus is near Dharamsala at the foothills of the Indian Himalayas, one of the wettest areas in India. In the summer of 2023, the monsoon rains were very intense.

Tibetan Buddhist nuns working by the river

In September, after torrential monsoon rains all summer, the nuns had to move large rocks affecting water lines.

The academic year begins in early spring after Losar, the Tibetan New Year. Throughout the year, the nuns have exams and quizzes as they pursue their degrees. The Tibetan Nuns Project aims to elevate the educational standards and the position of women within the monastic community.

Exam time at Dolma Ling! Photos by the media nuns of the July written exams. When the Tibetan Nuns Project was founded in 1987, most of the nuns escaping from Tibet were illiterate.

The ultimate goal is to empower the nuns to become teachers and leaders in their own right and to help preserve Tibet’s unique culture and religion.

Teaching Tibetan Buddhist nuns science at Dolma Ling

On September 13th, Science for Monks and Nuns held a one-day exhibition on “Secrets of Particles” for the Dolma Ling nuns and staff. Over 100 nuns from different classes attended.

In September, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, visited three nunneries supported by the Tibetan Nuns Project: Dolma Ling, Shugsep, and Geden Choeling Nunnery. His visits were part of his assessment tour of the Tibetan refugee community in India.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering's visit to Dolma Ling in September 2023

Sikyong Penpa Tsering visited Dolma Ling in September and met with Rinchen Khando Choegyal, TNP’s Founding Director and Special Advisor (center upper right) and Nangsa Chodon, Director of TNP in India (right).

The curriculum is divided into two parts: (1) secular subjects such as Tibetan language, Tibetan history, English, social sciences, mathematics, and science and (2) monastic education. The nuns have quizzes and exams and are now able to proceed through a degree-granting program.

Tibetan Buddhist nuns learning traditional torma making and computing at Dolma Ling

Ancient and modern. The nuns learn sacred arts, such as making tormas, as well as computing, science, and mathematics.

In September, students from Upper TCV school (the Tibetan Children’s Village) visited Dolma Ling and learned about monastic debate from the nuns. These photos show the growing role of nuns as teachers and leaders in the Tibetan exile community.

Tibetan Buddhist nuns teaching monastic debate to students from Upper TCV

Geshema Delek Wangmo (top photos) teaches Tibetan students from Upper TCV school about traditional Tibetan monastic debate and the importance of critical thinking and logic.

Debating is an essential part of monastic education in the Tibetan tradition and combines logical thinking with a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy.

In late October, dozens of nuns set off for the holy city of Bodh Gaya to attend the annual Jang Gonchoe Inter-Nunnery debate. In Bodh Gaya, they will join hundreds of nuns from nunneries in India and Nepal. The costs are funded by our Jang Gonchoe Endowment Fund. We are now fundraising for our Long-Term Stability Fund.

Dolma Ling nuns leaving for Jang Gonchoe

Nuns from Dolma Ling departing in late October to attend one month of intensive training in monastic debate. Before 1995, there was no Jang Gonchoe for nuns. Only monks had the opportunity for intensive debate training.

Thanks to your support, the Tibetan Nuns Project has created a ground-breaking education system to preserve Tibetan culture and equip and empower these dedicated women to become leaders in the modern world.

Quiz time!

“The Buddhist philosophy of tolerance and compassion has something very important to offer in a world full of intolerance and hatred… As a Tibetan, I feel it is very important that an organization like the Tibetan Nuns Project makes it possible for nuns to study and practice their religion and thus contribute to the preservation of Buddhism and the unique Tibetan culture,” said Tseten Phanucharas, TNP Board Member. Thank you for your support!

Smiling Tibetan Buddhist nuns at Dolma Ling

Thank you for helping the nuns!

To donate or sponsor a nun for $1 a day, click here.