In the realm of inspirational women, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo stands as a beacon of spiritual dedication and unwavering commitment. Named among the BBC's list of 100 inspiring and influential women for 2023, Tenzin Palmo's journey from the bustling streets of London to the serene landscapes of Himachal Pradesh is nothing short of extraordinary.
Born Diane Perry in England in 1943, Tenzin Palmo's early life was shaped by the spiritualist practices of her mother, who held séances in their home. These formative experiences set the stage for a lifelong quest for truth and meaning. At the age of 18, while reading The Mind Unshaken by John Walters, she realised her calling to Buddhism.
Leaving her job as a librarian in London, she embarked on a transformative journey to India in 1964. In Himachal Pradesh, she connected with the Tibetan community and worked with Freda Bedi, an expat Englishwoman, at a school for young reincarnated lamas. It was during this time, on her 21st birthday, that she encountered the eighth Khamtrul Rinpoche, recognising him as her guru and expressing her desire to become a nun.
Becoming Drubgyu Tenzin Palmo, she became one of the first westerners to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist monastic in 1964. Over the years, her spiritual journey took her to Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim and later to Hong Kong for the bhikshuni ordination, as full ordination for women was not yet available in the Tibetan tradition.
The turning point came in 1976 when Jetsunma sought deeper seclusion. High in the Himalayas, she found a cave at 13,200 feet above sea level, where she lived in solitary spiritual practice for 12 years, facing hardships and life-threatening experiences. This period of retreat ended in 1988, marking her return to Europe, where she rediscovered her western roots and began teaching.
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In 2001, Tenzin Palmo founded Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery in Himachal Pradesh, providing educational and spiritual instruction to over 100 nuns. This endeavour, initiated while she was still based at Tashi Jong, received the rare title of Jetsunma — which means 'venerable master' — in 2008 from the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa, acknowledging her spiritual achievements and advocacy for the status of female practitioners in Tibetan Buddhism.
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, who now spends most of her time at Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery, continues to tour occasionally, offering teachings and raising funds for the nuns and the nunnery.
As the founding director of Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery and a prominent figure in various Buddhist organisations, she remains a tireless advocate for the empowerment of women in spirituality, embodying a legacy of resilience, dedication, and profound spiritual wisdom.
