Spiritual Figures  Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo FAQs  FAQ
What is Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo's background?

Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, born as Diane Perry, is a renowned Tibetan Buddhist nun, author, and teacher. She was born in London, England in 1943 and grew up in a traditional Catholic family. From a young age, she was interested in spirituality and spent much of her childhood reading about different religions and philosophies.

At the age of 18, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo began her spiritual journey by attending a meditation course at the Hampstead Buddhist Vihara in London. She was immediately drawn to Buddhism and was particularly inspired by the teachings of the Tibetan master, His Holiness the 16th Karmapa. She soon left her job and home to travel to India and study Buddhism more deeply.

In 1964, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo arrived in India and began studying under the guidance of her teacher, His Eminence the 8th Khamtrul Rinpoche. She spent six years living in a cave in the Himalayas, meditating and practicing under extremely harsh conditions, including enduring freezing temperatures and snowstorms. During this time, she also received teachings and transmissions from other great masters, including the 16th Karmapa and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

In 1973, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo became one of the first Western women to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun. She received full ordination in Hong Kong and was given the name Tenzin Palmo, which means "glorious dharma." She then spent the next 12 years living in a small monastery in the Himalayas, where she continued to deepen her practice and study.

In 1988, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo made the decision to leave her solitary retreat and return to the West to share the teachings of Buddhism with others. She founded the Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery in northern India, which provides education and spiritual training for young Tibetan women. She also travels extensively, giving teachings and leading retreats all over the world.

Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo is a highly respected teacher and has received numerous awards for her work, including the title of Jetsunma, which means "venerable master," from His Holiness the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa. She is also the author of several books, including her autobiography, "Cave in the Snow," which has been translated into 12 languages.

Through her teachings and example, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo continues to inspire people all over the world with her wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the Dharma. She is a true embodiment of the Buddhist principles of love, kindness, and selflessness, and her life serves as a shining example of the transformative power of the Buddhist path.