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unique way: it began with a looser recognising that the responses I feel very fortunate to have
approach, became more rigorous to external triggers are your own encountered the Dharma in the
in the middle, and then eased again responsibility. Negative emotions 1970s. During that time Akong Tulku
towards the end. such as anger, anxiety and attachment Rinpoche was very available to
arise from the mind, and with everyone, and his presence, strength
All the retreatants would come awareness that creates opportunities and gentle kindness benefitted so
together for meals and pujas, but to purify the mind. Looking back, I feel many people. Many great Lineage
most of the day was dedicated that my Dharma practice has grown Holders also visited Samye Ling
to individual practice. Over and deepened as a result of these for long periods of time, including
time, the periods of silence were retreats, although I also recognise His Holiness the 16th Karmapa,
increasingly beneficial as I tried to there is still a very long way to go! Venerable Tai Situ Rinpoche,
let go of my ‘baggage’. We received Venerable Gyaltsap Rinpoche,
many precious teachings and These days, since taking on the Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche, Khenpo
transmissions from several Lineage responsibilities of running Samye Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche and
Master. Venerable Khenchen Dzong London in 1998, life has others. They had recently escaped
Thrangu Rinpoche, for example, gave become busier. As a result, I can Tibet and as they didn’t yet have
most of the practice instructions and only manage retreats lasting one responsibility for large monasteries,
would visit us regularly to offer his month at the most. they were able to dedicate time to
wisdom. Khentin Tai Situ Rinpoche teaching at Samye Ling.
What unique challenges and
also visited us every year to give
advice and personal guidance. opportunities come with being Samye Ling is a unique place where
a female Lama in the modern monks, nuns, and laypeople live
Retreat life strips everything down world? together, everyone receiving the
to just you and your mind. It means same teachings. I feel fortunate that
there are no obstacles to becoming
a female lama in this environment.
Akong Rinpoche conferred the title
of Lama on three nuns and one
monk—more women than men—
which was well received, especially
by Western women. In Tibetan
Buddhism, both His Holiness the
Dalai Lama and the Karmapa
have also shown strong support
for Bhikkhuni ordination, which
reflects an encouraging attitude.

That said, I believe there are more
pressing issues we should focus
on, such as ensuring the Dharma’s
continuity for future generations.
The Tibetan masters dedicate their
lives to benefiting sentient beings,
and while there is growing interest
in the Dharma, it remains fragile.
We live in a highly materialistic
Lama Zangmo taught a course on ‘Taming the Mind’ in September 2024. world where people must work to