Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo was inspired to become a Tibetan Buddhist nun by her deep curiosity and thirst for spiritual knowledge. Born as Diane Perry in London, England in 1943, she grew up in a traditional British household and attended a Catholic school. However, she found herself questioning the beliefs and practices of Christianity at a young age.

At the age of 18, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo stumbled upon a book on Buddhism and was immediately drawn to its teachings. She was particularly intrigued by the concept of karma and the idea that one's actions determine their future. This sparked her interest in Eastern philosophy and she began to explore various spiritual traditions, including Hinduism and Taoism.

In 1964, at the age of 20, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo traveled to India to attend a lecture by the renowned Tibetan Buddhist teacher, Khamtrul Rinpoche. His teachings deeply resonated with her and she became determined to learn more about Buddhism. She then traveled to the Himachal Pradesh region of India, where she met her first Tibetan Buddhist teacher, His Eminence the 8th Khamtrul Rinpoche.

Under the guidance of Khamtrul Rinpoche, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo began her formal Buddhist training and took her vows to become a Buddhist nun. She was one of the first Westerners to do so and faced many challenges and obstacles along the way. She had to overcome cultural and language barriers, as well as societal expectations and gender discrimination.

Despite these challenges, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo was determined to deepen her understanding of Buddhism and devoted herself wholeheartedly to her spiritual practice. She spent 12 years living in a cave in the Himalayas, meditating and studying under the guidance of her teacher. This intense period of solitary retreat allowed her to gain profound insights and develop a deep understanding of the Buddhist teachings.

Today, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo is a highly respected teacher and spiritual leader, known for her wisdom, compassion, and dedication to the Buddhist path. She is also a strong advocate for women's rights and has worked tirelessly to empower women in the Buddhist community. Her journey to becoming a Tibetan Buddhist nun is a testament to her unwavering determination, deep spiritual curiosity, and strong belief in the transformative power of Buddhism.