Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo: The Revival of the Togdenma Lineage of Accomplished Yoginis

Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo is a bhikṣuṇī, author and founder of the Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery in Himachal Pradesh, India. She also spent twelve years living and practicing in a remote cave in the Himalayas.  Today's timenotes: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:17  8th Khamtrul Rinpoche 00:06:45 Togden and togdenma (yogi and yogini) lineage and history 00:8:05 16th Karmapa and Khampagar 00:09:30 Requests leading to the Togdenma revival 00:10:36 Jetsunma's cave retreat in  Lahaul 00:14:15 Finding proper Togdenma mentors 00:21:22 Togden Acho 00:24:24 Becoming officially Togdenma 00:28:31 Khampagar lineage in Tibet 00:31:00 Practice group system 00:33:00 Togdenma practice path and contemporary additions 00:40:00  Full bhikkhunī ordination with HH Je Khenpo. 00:44:35 The four fold sangha   Links: Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo https://tenzinpalmo.com/   Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery https://dglnunnery.com/   Podcast website & transcripts https://oliviaclementine.com/podcasts

Today’s episode is the final part of three parts ~ 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:49 Signs, visions, dreams 00:12:00 Protector land spirits 00:16:00 Tests, conceptual collapse and faith 00:20:00 Meditation boxes 0023:30 Sky burial 00:28:00 Sri Lanka vipassana reform 00:29:30  Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok and Larung Gar 00:32:00 Modernity, realization and tacit knowledge 00:39:00 Old world preservation 00:43:50 Yidam neuroscience and dilution 00:46:00 Changes in education system 00:49:00 Yogini tulkus and titles 00:57:00 The Gebchak way, peer-pressure and self-responsibility 01:03:00 Becoming a translator 01:07:00 Disrobing 01:10:00 Historical rarity of terms Rigpa and dzogchen 01:12:00 Character of yoginis and aspirations ༓ Listen to Part One here: On Gebchak's History & Yogic Activity in the Realm of the Meditators https://oliviaclementine.com/elizabet... ༓ Listen to Part Two here: On Embodied Practitioners of Tsa-lung Inner Fire & Dzogchen https://oliviaclementine.com/elizabeth-mcdougal-gebchak-yoginis-part-two/ ༓ Podcast website & transcripts https://oliviaclementine.com/podcasts ~ About Elizabeth Elizabeth McDougal, known also as Tenzin Chozom, grew up in Western Canada and then trained as a Buddhist nun in India and on the Tibetan Plateau for seventeen years. Towards the end of her time as a nun – she studied a Masters of Indian philosophy at Banaras Hindu University and then a PhD (2021) at the University of Sydney. Her research focuses on the modernisation of Tibetan Buddhist practice lineages and on pedagogy as a crucial bridge in translating pre-modern wisdom traditions to the modern world. Elizabeth currently lives in Australia with her human and animal family where she lectures at Nan Tien Institute in applied Buddhist studies. She continues to serve as a Tibetan-to-English translator for Gebchak Wangdrak Rinpoche and other practice lineage lamas. Elizabeth published a book in 2024 called “The Words and World of Gebchak Nunnery: Tantric Meditation in Context.” Images included: 1: Of two Gebchak yoginis by Jerome Raphalen 2: Yoginis looking out in ceremony to a sacred feminine vulva form in the landscape

Today’s episode is part two of three parts. ~ Time notes: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:15 Subtle body, mind and prana 00:11:30 Yidam and reflections of the universe 00:13:40 Tsa-lung and trulkhor 00:18:51 Modernization influence on dedication, asceticism and health. 00:24:00 Chu Rey, wet sheet ceremony 00:31:00 Tsa-lung lama Jamtsen Chodron 00:33:40 Chudlen retreats 00:37:00 Mundane and sacred, collective and individual 00:39:00 Togal and trekchod 100 day winter practice 00:46:00 On memorization and reading as a means of realization 00:50:00 Tantric practice form of learning 01:00:00  Yogin Pema Dorje and a song of devotion 01:06:00 Yogin Pema Drimed 01:13:00 Sherab Zangmo and Urgyen Chodron 01:16:00 Sky burial 01:21:00 Recognizing signs 01:24:00 Cultivating a whole person ༓ Listen to Part One here: On Gebchak's History & Yogic Activity in the Realm of the Meditators https://oliviaclementine.com/elizabeth-mcdougal-the-gebchak-yoginis-part-one/   About Elizabeth: Elizabeth McDougal, known also as Tenzin Chozom, grew up in Western Canada and then trained as a Buddhist nun in India and on the Tibetan Plateau for seventeen years. Towards the end of her time as a nun – she studied a Masters of Indian philosophy at Banaras Hindu University and then a PhD (2021) at the University of Sydney. Her research focuses on the modernisation of Tibetan Buddhist practice lineages and on pedagogy as a crucial bridge in translating pre-modern wisdom traditions to the modern world. Elizabeth currently lives in Australia with her human and animal family where she lectures at Nan Tien Institute in applied Buddhist studies. She continues to serve as a Tibetan-to-English translator for Gebchak Wangdrak Rinpoche and other practice lineage lamas. Elizabeth published a book in 2024 called “The Words and World of Gebchak Nunnery: Tantric Meditation in Context.”  

Today's episode is part one of three parts that will be shared over the coming weeks.  Time notes: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:51 Elizabeth’s early years at Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo’s retreat place, and about the Togdens and Togdenmas 00:07:14 What led Elizabeth to Gebchak gonpa. 00:09:00 The initial meeting between Wandrak Rinpoche and the Gebchak yoginis 00:15:00 How Elizabeth spent her time at Gebchak gonpa 00:18:40 Nangchen as a fertile ground for yogis 00:23:00 Gebchak founder Tsang-Yang Gyamtso & the Rime period 00:29:37 The way of the yogin scholar 00:37:00 The first Tsokyni Rinpoche's, vision  00:44:00 Karma mudra and the early years at Gebchak with yogins and yoginis 00:55:00 Origin and preservation of practice texts at Gebchak 00:56:00 The yogini Sherab Zangmo 00:59:00 Rebuilding Gebchak 01:05:00 The Royal Family 01:08:00 Gebchak practice path 01:15:00 16 retreat divisions and yidam accomplishment 01:28:00 Typical day during drubchen periods 01:34:00 Typical day outside drubchen ~ About Elizabeth: Elizabeth McDougal, known also as Tenzin Chozom, grew up in Western Canada and then trained as a Buddhist nun in India and on the Tibetan Plateau for seventeen years. Towards the end of her time as a nun – she studied a Masters of Indian philosophy at Banaras Hindu University and then a PhD (2021) at the University of Sydney. Her research focuses on the modernisation of Tibetan Buddhist practice lineages and on pedagogy as a crucial bridge in translating pre-modern wisdom traditions to the modern world. Elizabeth currently lives in Australia with her human and animal family where she lectures at Nan Tien Institute in applied Buddhist studies. She continues to serve as a Tibetan-to-English translator for Gebchak Wangdrak Rinpoche and other practice lineage lamas.  Elizabeth published a book in 2024 called "The Words and World of Gebchak Nunnery: Tantric Meditation in Context." ~ Podcast website & transcripts https://oliviaclementine.com/podcasts  

This is a visual episode that is meant to be watched. You can watch it here: https://oliviaclementine.com/tibetan-handicraft-society-master-carpet-weavers/ ~ Today’s episode takes place at the Tibetan Handicraft Society in McCleoud Ganj, in northern India. This Handicraft Society was founded in 1963 to support Tibetan refugees, and Tibetans who have grown up in exile and Tibetan arts and culture. Today we learn about this member run society and see some of these master weavers as they bring these traditional Tibetan carpets to form. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:58 Tenzin Rigsang on the Handicraft Society’s origin and purpose 00:04:10 On material sourcing and design 00:06:33 How the cooperative is organized and the influence of modern times on this traditional art. 00:8:35 Dawa Dolma on how long it takes to weave a carpet 00:09:27 Tsering Dolkar on her path to becoming a weaver 00:11:02 Tsetan as she completes a carpet.   Glimpses of weavers and carpet makers Yangchen Galmo, Tenzin Worser, Tsetan, Tseyang, Tala, Kelsang Tsokey and Daju.   ~   The Tibetan Handicraft Society https://tibetan-handicraft-society.site123.me/   Order carpets here or contact the society for more custom commissions https://tibetan-handicraft-society.site123.me/on   Love & Liberation website & transcripts https://oliviaclementine.com/podcasts

Maya Khosla is a biologist and writer. She has spent thousands of hours hiking, backpacking, and documenting forests, including post-fire regeneration.   Time notes: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:07 The message of fire 00:02:00 3 types of traditional fire practice in India. 00:03:22 Rebirth after fires 00:08:00 Intimacy and the effect of hand burning versus machine work on land 00:15:00 Main causes of fires in California 00:18:00 Misunderstandings on preparing one's home in a fire-prone area. Thinking like an ember 00:19:00 Keeping a house safe in a fire and Dr. Jack Cohen 00:21:00 “The Sierra, A History” poem read by Maya Khosla 00:24:00 Decaying forests and close associations 00:29:00 What you see in a newborn forest 00:30:00 Healthy mature forests 00:324:00 Symbiotic elemental collaboration 00:36:00 Wild Elders 00:39:50 Seed places 00:41:04 “The Oak” Poem read by Maya Khosla ~ Maya Khosla https://www.mayakhosla.com/   Podcast website & transcripts https://oliviaclementine.com/podcasts   Have your music played on Love & Liberation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScv8PanRA-TLoo-PVbfhpH6mlMslpuKad3PqQH8cgkMHGz1YQ/viewform

Watch our conversation and see images of Jetsunma’s path here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3Mu1fPYtik   Today our guest is Her Eminence Sakya Jetsunma Kunga Trinley Palter. Jetsunma is the granddaughter of His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trizin and the eldest daughter of the 42nd Sakya Trizin and Dagmo Kalden Dunkyi. Jetsunma is also a tulku, the reincarnation of the Nyingma practitioner and treasure revealer, Khandro Tare Lhamo. We sit down and talk about her life thus far, being raised as a Jetsunma in the Sakya lineage, how she spends her time, and what she aspires for in the future.    Timenotes: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:39 Growing up in a dharma lineage from the 12th Century 00:03:25 Becoming a nun 00:04:09 A day in Jetsunma’s life 00:06:58 Who inspires Jetsunma t 00:09:00 About her family 00:10:40 On being the reincarnation of Khandro Tare Llamo 00:12:43 Her first retreat at 14 years old 00:14:25 Being the first Jetsunma to do the Phurba Cham 00:15:50 Qualities of a meaningful life 00:17:52 Advice for taking care of one’s mind 00:19:45 Jetsunma’s life aspirations 00:20:20 Closing images and Tara’s Song at Dawn ~   Melodius offering: Tara’s Song at Dawn by Dechen Wangmo   ~   Podcast website & transcripts https://oliviaclementine.com/podcasts   Submit your music to Love & Liberation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScv8PanRA-TLoo-PVbfhpH6mlMslpuKad3PqQH8cgkMHGz1YQ/viewform

Watch the interview here: https://youtu.be/Yuwtnf8JtrA ~ Today we have a brief conversation at a cafe in Kathmandu about some of the common obstacles and questions that Jetsunma’s students often share with her. Jetsunma then shares clarification on meeting these challenges and curiosities. This is part of our new weekly season schedule of publishing shorter conversations in between our more extended episodes.  Time notes: 00:01:30 How to perceive ngondro practice 00:04:20 Knowing where you are on the path and blending life with practice 00:08:00 On shamatha, vipassana and dzogchen. 00:12:45 The four noble truths as a universal method   ~   Jetsunma Jamyang Yeshe Palmo is a Buddhist teacher and retreat master. She spent nine years in a monastic university studying all of the major subjects of Buddhism. Following her studies she spent nine years in a closed practice retreat. She also spent two years studying psychology and Western philosophy. Jetsunma is the vajra master of the study and practice centers of Kusum Khandro Ling retreat and nunneries and teaches worldwide.   ~   Podcast website & transcripts https://oliviaclementine.com/podcasts   Have your music played on Love & Liberation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScv8PanRA-TLoo-PVbfhpH6mlMslpuKad3PqQH8cgkMHGz1YQ/viewform

00:01:30 The mandala principle 00:04:32 Enlightened organizing principle of the universe 00:09:45 Mandalas for practice 00:16:12 Vajrakilaya mandala 00:19:25 Field of blessing 00:21:22 Lama Dawa and Guru Rinpoche Prophecies 00:24:18 Lama Dawa mirror divining the locations for Vajrakilaya mandalas. 00:27:16 Elements as vehicles for blessings 00:31:00 Subtle and physical aspects of elements 00:35:00 Disrupting and repairing subtle realms of existence 00:46:00 Building and empowering the Vajrakilaya mandalas 00:51:00 Working up to practicing Vajrakilaya 00:56:00 Qualities of the phurba 00:57:28 When to begin wrathful practices 01:04:00 Not making plans 01:06:00 The story of Guru Rinpoche and Vajrakilaya in Yanglesho 01:08:00 On Yeshe Tsogyal using Vajrakilaya practice ~ Khandro Kunzang:  https://www.phurbathinleyling.org/khandro-kunzang/   Have your music played on Love & Liberation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScv8PanRA-TLoo-PVbfhpH6mlMslpuKad3PqQH8cgkMHGz1YQ/viewform   Previous episodes with Khandro Kunzang: Cultivating Siddhis, Tukdam, Lineage Protection & Consortship https://oliviaclementine.com/khandro-kunzang-cultivating-siddhis-tukdam-lineage-protection-consortship/   Lineage of Oral Instruction, Real Teachers & Himalayan Yogas of Tsa lung and Tummo https://oliviaclementine.com/khandro-kunzang-the-oral-instruction-lineage-ngagpas-himalayan-yogas-of-tsa-lung-and-tummo/   Elemental Spirits, Vajra Armor & Dharma Marriage https://oliviaclementine.com/khandro-kunzang-elemental-spirits-vajra-armor-dharma-marriage/   Podcast website & transcripts https://oliviaclementine.com/podcasts  

Watch the tour here: https://youtu.be/YX8jJ5-sOzQ ~ Today we meet at the Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute Museum and receive a brief tour from Dr. Kalsang Youdon and Kelsang Chodon. Time notes: 00:00:46 Tibetan medicines and instruments 00:06:17 Tibetan medicine paintings 00:09:16 History of the re-established Men-Tsee-Khang Institute 00:11:23 Astrology: Indigenous Tibetan, elemental, and Kala Chakra astrology.   ~   Men-Tsee-Khang Institute https://mentseekhang.org/   Podcast website & transcripts https://oliviaclementine.com/podcasts   Enjoy these conversations? Please leave a review here. Scroll down to Review & Ratings. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/love-liberation/id1393858607