Tibetan Nuns Project

The Tibetan Nuns Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and empowering Buddhist female monastics. Founded in 1987, it operates under the auspices of the Tibetan Women's Association and the Department of Religion and Culture of H.H. the Dalai Lama, with a mission to support nuns from various Tibetan Buddhist lineages in India.

History

In the mid-1980s, many Tibetan Buddhist nuns escaped from Tibet, seeking religious and educational freedom in India. These nuns, often destitute and illiterate upon arrival, were supported by the Tibetan Women's Association, which initially focused on small projects within existing nunneries. In 1991, a pivotal event occurred when 66 refugee nuns arrived in Dharamsala, prompting the establishment of the Tibetan Nuns Project to provide them with housing, medical care, and education.

Objectives and Achievements

The Tibetan Nuns Project aims to elevate the educational standards and status of Buddhist nuns, traditionally disadvantaged in accessing education compared to their male counterparts. Key objectives include providing basic care, traditional education, and essential modern skills to the nuns. The organization has accomplished several milestones:

• Establishment of Educational Institutions: The Project has built and supported crucial educational institutions, including Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute, a pioneering institution for higher education for Tibetan Buddhist nuns. It is open to nuns from all traditions and offers a comprehensive 19-year program leading to a Geshema degree, equivalent to a Ph.D. in Tibetan Buddhism.

• Shugsep Nunnery: Re-established in India, this Nyingma nunnery offers a nine-year academic program, culminating in a lopon degree (similar to an M.A.). Nuns may further pursue a khenmo degree (equivalent to a Ph.D.), enabling them to teach the full Nyingma tradition.

• Inter-Nunnery Debate: The Project organizes the annual Jang Gonchoe, an inter-nunnery debate that fosters intellectual rigor and camaraderie among nuns across different traditions.

• Geshema Degree: It facilitated the awarding of the Geshema degree to nuns for the first time in Tibetan history, marking a significant step towards gender equality in education.

• Advanced Education Programs: Post-Geshema advanced programs in Tantric Studies have been introduced for Geshema graduates.

Programs and Support

The Tibetan Nuns Project supports over 800 nuns across seven nunneries in northern India, along with nuns living independently or in retreat. The organization provides comprehensive support, including food, shelter, education, healthcare, and spiritual practice opportunities. A sponsorship program allows individuals to support a nun's care and education for less than $1 a day.

Future Plans and Initiatives

The organization continues to develop projects such as retreat facilities, self-sufficiency initiatives, and advocacy for nuns. It also aims to enhance facilities for elderly nuns and expand educational resources, fostering a stronger presence of women in Tibetan Buddhism. With an emphasis on empowering nuns to become teachers and leaders, the Tibetan Nuns Project seeks to elevate the status of women within the monastic community.

Charitable Status

The Tibetan Nuns Project is a registered 501(c)(3) charity, with donations being tax-deductible for U.S. donors. It is committed to empowering nuns and preserving Tibetan culture through education and leadership development.