Bhikkhuni Khenmo Drolma

USA

Bhikkhuni Khenmo Drolma

USA

Bhikkhuni Khenmo Drolma is abbess of Vajra Dakini Nunnery. She is the first Western abbot in the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Vajrayana Buddhism. Her complete title is Khenmo Konchog Nyima Drolma, and she has studied with foremost spiritual teachers of our time including: H.H. Dalai Lama, H.H. Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche (the head of the Drikung Kagyu lineage) and Ani Pema Chodron. After her novice ordination by Rinpoche Drikung Kyabgon in 1997, she trained at Gampo Abbey with Ven. Pema Chodron, and attended their Shedra (philosophy College).

An artist and a former-professor of art, Bhikkhuni Khenmo Drolma with inspiration and gratitude created and gifted a Gampopa statue for Gampo Abbey’s stupa and altar.

In 2002 she took higher ordination as a Bhikkhuni in Taiwan. It was one of the most challenging and wonderfully memorable experiences of her life to be in an Asian context of receiving dana and being supported to make intensive studies for ordination.

In 2004 she was installed as a Khenmo (Abbot) in the Drikung lineage; thus, she became the first woman and first westerner in her lineage to officially hold this responsibility.

Bhikkhuni Khenmo Drolma teaches the Dharma internationally. Her current responsibilities, in addition to Vajra Dakini Nunnery, include: the Tibetan/Himalayan Nuns Leadership Program, and she chairs the international committee for the Bhikkhuni Shravasti Rains Retreat.