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Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute

Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute is fully funded by the Tibetan Nuns Project and was the first institute dedicated specifically to higher Buddhist education for Tibetan Buddhist nuns from all traditions. It is unique in that it offers a 17-year curriculum of traditional Buddhist philosophy and debate along with modern courses in Tibetan language, English, mathematics, computer skills and basic medical training. The nuns also receive training in the ritual arts such as sand mandala and butter sculpture. The nunnery was successfully completed after twelve years of hard work and was officially inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on December 8, 2005.

Currently, 209 nuns are fully engaged in study, practice, nunnery work, and self-sufficiency projects. This year, fifteen students will complete Abhidharma studies, the fourth of the five major topics needed to master a Geshema degree. Some nuns have completed their studies and are teaching in Tibetan schools. In the future we will be seeing more nuns graduating and, after teacher training courses, taking on the important role of teachers, both in the nunneries and throughout the Tibetan exile community.

Much has been accomplished over the years and thanks to our many donors and supporters, the new shower facility with sustainable solar technology is bringing hot water to the nuns for the first time. The solar bathhouse has nine shower units and can serve 100 nuns per day. Input water comes from a nearby river and outflow water passes through a process that renders it not only safe, but useful in the garden. Additionally, the new debate courtyard is in the final stage of construction and should be completed late this fall.

To learn more about all of the progress at Dolma Ling Nunnery & Institute, visit our newsletter archives

Self-Sufficiency

One of our primary goals is to enable the nuns to become self-sufficient through educational programs and income-generating projects. As each year goes by, the nuns at Dolma Ling take more responsibility for managing their own institution. In the fall of 2008, a committee of 8 nuns was formed to administer the internal functioning of the nunnery. By actively helping to run the nunnery, the nuns are gaining confidence and skills. Currently nuns are running a small "tuck" shop, managing funds and property, and organizing new activities, such as making fresh juice to sell. Others manage the guesthouse, manage the water pumps, operate a long-distance phone booth, tend to the cows, and more. Several nuns have had training in digital technology and are working in the office and taking pictures for our web site and materials. In addition, the nuns take great pride in hand-crafting products that we sell on our web-site.

To learn more about the self-sufficiency and income generating products, click here.