Archive · 2 Oct 2025
Nuns Rise: Dalai Lama's Support Shifts Tibetan Buddhism
Imagine a group of Buddhist nuns who were once not given the same chances as men to learn.
Now, thanks to the Dalai Lama, things are changing!
Nuns are studying hard and getting degrees like the 'Geshema', which is like a Ph.D.
They're becoming teachers and leaders in their communities.
The Dalai Lama believes men and women are equal and has helped them gain these opportunities.
They are now able to study ancient Buddhist texts and take on roles that were previously only for men.
Tibetan Buddhist nuns are increasingly gaining access to education and leadership roles.
The 14th Dalai Lama has been a key supporter of gender parity in Tibetan Buddhism.
Nuns are now earning Geshema degrees, previously only available to men.
Organizations like the Tibetan Nuns Project have supported the nuns' education.
These changes are helping preserve Tibetan culture and empower women within the community.
- Who
- Tibetan Buddhist nuns
- What
- are gaining educational and leadership opportunities, including the Geshema degree
- When
- since the 1980s, with a major push in recent years
- Where
- India and Nepal
- Why
- due to the Dalai Lama's support for gender parity and increased educational access
- Event
- Geshema exams for Tibetan Buddhist nuns
- Location
- India and Nepal
- Key Figure
- 14th Dalai Lama
- Degree
- Geshema (comparable to doctorate)
- Year Geshema Program Began
- 2012
- Number of Geshemas
- 73