Life in Dolma Ling Monastery - A Shining Beason of Women Empowerment in Buddhism

The contemporary religious and cultural scenario is passing through a profound transitional phase as gender equality is being focused upon globally. Today's women are taking charge of their lives, promoting education and the welfare of children, fostering the development of ethical organizations, and advocating human rights

July 26, 2023 | 07:00

“Scientists now say women are more sensitive of other’s suffering. There are 200 nations on this planet and more women leaders who would bring the safer world."

-Dalai Lama

This vision is gaining ground, thanks to the inclusion and increased role of women in religious communities. This notion also offers a beacon of hope to Buddhist women worldwide.

Women have been significant pillars of strength throughout Buddhist history, like Buddha's mother Maya and step-mother Mahapajapati, there have been instances of various other Buddhist women who have outshone men in service and commitment.

Nonetheless, it is professed that although Buddhism considers all sentient beings as equal including men and women, however, due to societal influences women are sometimes considered weaker or inferior but this shouldn't be the case. Keeping up with the same objective, various nunneries have been established and are thriving all over India. One such shining example is Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute located in Kangra Valley, Dharamshala, which houses about 250 Buddhist nuns. It was officially inaugurated in December, 2005 and is funded by the Tibetan Nuns Project and was the first institute of its kind dedicated particularly to higher Buddhist education of nuns from all walks of life.

This institute is unique because it offers a 17-year curriculum of traditional Buddhist philosophy and debate, and contemporary courses in various subjects like Tibetan, English, basic mathematics, and computer science. The nuns also receive training in cultural, and ritual arts like mandala making and butter sculpture which require hours of dedication and hard work. They also learn and participate in self-sufficiency projects like tofu and handicrafts making.

Much has been accomplished over the years by this institute and the women residing here, as some of them have completed their studies to appear for competitive exams and others are presently teaching in Tibetan schools. Though slow, the progress has been steady. Nuns here reside and learn in a large space, close to nature and calm and protective environment right in the laps of the Himalayas, surrounded by wheat and paddy fields and a constant chirping of birds. The sound of a small stream of water passing through the nunnery's grounds mingles with the sound of Buddhist chanting, creating an aura of divinity and peace.

The construction of the Institute started in 1993 and was completed in 2005, most of the nuns helped, in whichever way they could, in the building of this humble abode. The library is the focal point of this place as it is a treasure house of knowledge and information having easy access to books of many languages. The nunnery is self-sufficient in every way as it has a small shop catering to objects of daily needs, a tailoring section, a guest house for visitors, and even an internet cafe. All these are run and managed by the nuns themselves, giving them organizational and managerial skills. They even grow their own vegetables and make their own bread, all the while managing garbage and feeding their cows so that they produce good-quality milk.

On a typical day, the nuns rise much before the rooster calls and go about their daily routine of teaching, debating, reciting, and learning. All following a strict schedule of diligence and a sense of inner guidance. Their goal in life is one, of becoming good human beings, helping those in need by following in the footsteps of Buddha. It can thus, be easily said that Dolma Ling Institute is a safe haven for Buddhist nuns, to study and preach their religion.

“The education I get here at Dolma Ling is better than I ever dreamed I would. I never really thought I would have a chance to learn English or debate or have so many classes in Buddhist philosophy. I can't believe how lucky I have been. My sister who is a nun in Tibet has no classes. Her nunnery has gone smaller because some nuns have escaped, some have been jailed and some have died. They have only prayers... no classes and no studying.... it does not seem fair for her to have so little as a nun and for me to have so much. After all, we're both nuns."

- Geshema Tanzin Kunsel