Serene Dussell

Religion 408

Summary of readings

It is well known that the religious life was open to women in the Tibetan culture. Many historical accounts have told of important and accomplished nuns from Tibet, but in general there are few in depth reports on this matter.

Before the Chinese invasion in 1949, there were large numbers of nuns living in different areas of Tibet. Statistics gathered in Dharamsala, by the council for religious and cultural affairs indicate the total number of 618 nunneries. Monasteries for men and women were for the most part separate except in a few cases, where the two would study and occasionally gather together.

Daily, nuns would concentrate on Dharma practice. This consisted of study, chanting and meditation. Many nuns would also be a part of long-term retreats. The daily schedule would also change for the purpose of performing rituals.

There are several well known nuns from India and Tibet mentioned in this article by Karma Lekshe Tsomo. A woman by the name of gde-slong-ma dPal-mo was from India, and was previously known as the Indian princess Laksmi. She was well known throughout Tibet but was unable to transfer the bhiksuni lineage to Tibet. There weren’t enough Bhiksuni Sangha present to administer full ordination. The highest known nun in ranking in Tibet is a woman named bSan-sding rDo-rje Phags-mo, residing outside of Lhasa. The successor of this nun was chosen by the Chinese and was not preferred by the Tibetans. Other nuns are also mentioned of having high rank in Tibetan Buddhist lineages.

It is known that religious life was open to women, but in general, more men were attracted to this life. It was still an expectation for women to marry, and raise children. Spiritually, rebirth into a women’s body was still looked down upon. Resulting from the idea that a woman can become pregnant, and therefore was more physically connected to this life in Samsara.

After 1949, many Tibetan nuns have left Tibet searching for religious freedom in India and Nepal. There are an estimated 900 of these nuns practicing at the time this article was written. Here are a few of the Nunneries now operating:

Geden Choeling nunnery is the largest Tibetan nunnery in India. Located near Dharamsala, it houses 80 nuns, a majority of them being Tibetan. Most of the residents are young, being under thirty. Many nuns are interested in expanding their education and spend a lot of time on studies. The daily ritual is very regular, consisting of chanting, mediation, logic classes, debate, meal time and memorization of the texts.

A Mahayana Buddhist nunnery was opened outside of Dharamasala. There are fifty nuns here ranging from ages seven to seventy-three and coming from all areas of the northern India, Nepal, and Tibetan regions. These woman are recognized for their excellent practice and specialized rituals. The first Tibetan nun to receive full ordination are members of this nunnery.

Keydong Thukche Choeling is now located in Kathmandu valley after several disastrous moves. There are now 41 nuns enrolled, but more are looking to enter and plans for expansion are in the works.

Samtem Choeling nunnery is closely associated with the Nyingma lineage. There are thirty-eight nuns in residence near Manali, where the nuns are in charge of there own housing and meals. They emphasize Indian Buddhist texts and Nyingma traditions.

Jangchub Choeling Nunnery is a new project for Tibetan refugees in Southern India. During the time of publication of this article, there were thirty-seven nuns residing.

Khachoe Ghakyil Nunnery is a community of twenty-one nuns, mostly of Tibetan origin, near Kathmandu, Nepal. Existing facilities are over-crowded and plans are arising for more space.

In Conclusion, many people feel nuns have been somewhat disadvantaged, resulting from the religious life centering around mostly monks. Recently, progress has been made for the liberation of nuns. Many young nuns are receiving a better education in India and Nepal than ever before. Changes are underway to ensure Tibetan nuns a greater role in religious life.