While the early days of the nation of America is seeped with Christianity, the West has also had an illustrious relationship with Buddhism. Western Buddhism and especially American Buddhisms has grown exponentially since the 1960s. One of the benefits of American Buddhism is the inclusion, reintegration of Women Religious. One of the most known Buddhist nuns is that of Pema Chödrön.
Pema Chödrön was born Deirdre Blomfield-Brown in 1936 in New York City to Catholic Parents. She would receive her English Literature Degree from Sarah Lawerence College and a Master’s in Elementary Education from University of California, Berkeley. She would be an elementary teacher for many years in New Mexico and California. Deirdre was married and divorced twice. She has two children and three grandchildren. In the 1970s. Deirdre would start to study and practice Buddhism under Lama Chime Rinpoche. This would be the start of her journey to become Pema Chödrön. Under the guidance and practice of Chögyam Trungpa, Deidre was given a new name, Pema Chödrön which means ‘lotus torch of the dharma’ when she took the refuge vows.
Pema would become a novice nun and studied under Rangjung Rigpe Dorje who was the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa until his death in 1981. That same year Pema would become the first American woman to be fully ordained in the Vajrayana Tradition. After her ordination, she was established within the Boulder Shambhala Center as their director. In 1984, she would move to Nova Scotia, Canada to become part of the Gampo Abbey. Gampo Abbey was the first Tibetan Monastery in North America for Western men and women. She would become the Abbey’s director in 1986.
Pema, while growing and leading the Gampo Abbey, also started her journey as a published author. In 1991, her first book “The Wisdom of No Escape and the Path of Loving Kindness” which would go on to great success. Her most recent book, published in 2022, “How We Live is How We Die” is a poignant and powerful. She has published over 20 books, been invited as a guest speaker across the world, and is a significant voice in growing Buddhist Dharma.
Pema describes herself as “an American Buddhist, teacher, author, nun, and mother.” In that order! Pema is known beyond American Buddhist circles as a valued and treasured Dharma teacher and voice. Her work continues to light the lamp for wisdom and enlightenment. Pema has spent a lifetime writing about finding peace in suffering and hardship. Lion’s Roar states that
“she has helped us discover how difficulty and uncertainty can be opportunities for awakening.”
Pema’s full ordination became a watershed moment for Buddhism, which saw other women, across the globe, seek paths towards full ordination within all major Buddhist traditions.
In recent years she has withdrawn from the teaching position within the Shambhala Buddhist community in 2020. Her withdrawal was in support of recent sexual misconduct reports of leaders and the lack of accountability and actions of the board.
This year, Pema will be celebrating her 89th year and she continues to inspire, teach, and lead.
Additional Resources
Shambhala Publications Author Page
Boucher, Sandy. Turning the Wheel: American Women Creating the New Buddhism. Beacon Press, 1993.
Cahill, Susan Neunzig. Wise Women: Over Two Thousand Years of Spiritual Writing by Women. W.W. Norton, 1997.
Coleman, James William. The New Buddhism. Oxford University Press, USA, 2002.
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This is an enlightening essay detailing the work of an amazing woman with many details I did not know – I have not watched the videos but I will. Thank you… Her work speaks to the reality of these times.
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I’m so happy you are highlighting women’s stories her at FAR. Pema Chodron wrote a book that I find very helpful in these uncertain times. Comfortable With Uncertainty. Even in times that feel certain, there really are no promises and how we deal with that is such an important part of living well. Thank you.
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Thank you, Anjeanette, for this post. We so need to learn more about the folks in the world standing up for what is good and right. It lifted my spirits this morning!
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Thank-you for this biographical reflection on Pema Chodron’s life and achievements. This paragraph, below, drew my attention:
“In recent years she has withdrawn from the teaching position within the Shambhala Buddhist community in 2020. Her withdrawal was in support of recent sexual misconduct reports of leaders and the lack of accountability and actions of the board.”
I clicked on the link you provided (thank-you!) and read the report on unresolved allegations of sexual abuse in the Shambala association. The top lama stood credibly accused and then was re-integrated into active service, including leading an ordination ceremony. This occasioned Pema’s resignation from active participation in Shambala teaching, although apparently not her resignation from the organization. Pema is quoted in the linked article as reacting with disbelief when a woman confided to her about sexual abuse. Pema is quoted as not only expressing disbelief but actively blaming the victim, saying that if anything did happen she thought the woman wanted it or enjoyed it. This is lamentable and Pema has since apologized.
I’m reminded of the VERY important book by June Campbell called, Traveller in Space; In Search of Female Identity in Tibetan Buddhism (London: Athlone Press, 1996), which provides an extensive and intimately informed discussion of the hidden sexual practices of male Tibetan religious leaders. Campbell herself was drawn into the role of a dakini and seeks not just to expose the sexual objectification of women in that tradition but provides a very thoughtful and searching reflection on the historical depths of this rigidly patriarchal religious practice and the hundreds of years in which such exploitation of female sexuality has culturally flourished and also obliterated feminine subjectivity.
Those of us who turn to Eastern mysticism and meditative practices need to keep in mind that escaping Western religious patriarchy does not entail actually escaping patriarchy. While much can be learned from Buddhism, there’s an historical accretion of misogyny that should never be overlooked. Pema started out life as a Catholic — a deeply patriarchal religion if ever there was one — and then landed in the midst of another deeply patriarchal religion.
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Dear Anjeanette! Pema Chodron’s work, When Things Fall Apart, not only entered my life and enlarged, enriched/s it at a most grave time, it is a work I have gifted to many. Sage, Wisdom-Keeper, Mentor, and ever Student as we each are, she is a gift of how being present and choosing to voice: via word and silence alike highlight that ever-becoming is our invitation for both justice and joy. With and because of Community. Marina Cantacuzino the Foundress of The Forgiveness Project, dear kindred and ally, introduced me to When Things Fall Apart, and each day these womyn’s words invite Sawbonna. As does your writing HERe.
Abundant Gratitude,
Margot/Raven Speaks.
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