On March 8th, International Women’s Day, we honor women who have shaped, and continue to shape, the future with compassion and courage.
For much of history, women in Tibet and the Himalayan regions were denied access to the highest levels of formal Buddhist education. Beginning in the nineteenth century with the First Tsoknyi Rinpoche, this lineage affirmed that realization is not determined by gender.
Today, Tsoknyi Rinpoche III continues this vision by supporting girls’ education from its earliest stages through advanced study, debate, and contemplative practice.
At Tsoknyi Gechak Ling and Gargon Ling in Nepal, hundreds of nuns now devote themselves to rigorous study and meditation so that wisdom and compassion can be preserved for generations to come.
Dorje Denma, a nun at Tsoknyi Gechak Ling, reflects on what this opportunity means for her:
“Advanced Buddhist studies support my path by giving me a deeper understanding of the dharma… It helps me walk with more clarity and purpose. In the future, I want to help people with my learning.”
— Dorje Denma
How This Work Has Unfolded
Over the past decades, this vision has taken shape in Nepal through:
- The development of Tsoknyi Gechak Ling, including a primary school and shedra
- The establishment of Gargon Kindergarten, supporting girls’ education from the earliest years
- The integration of modern academics with traditional Buddhist study
- The construction of dedicated three-year retreat facilities
- The revival of Tsoknyi Gargon Ling in Muktinath, restoring a 400-year-old nunnery
- Long-term endowment planning to ensure sustainability
The New Shedra
A shedra is the heart of higher learning in Tibetan Buddhism. A new shedra is now being built at Tsoknyi Gechak Ling to support the nuns’ rigorous study and practice.
The Lineage Circle
From daily life to long-term initiatives, the continuity of this lineage depends on sustained, consistent support. The Lineage Circle, our community of monthly donors, provides the steady foundation behind this work.
