Introduction
Jamyang Choling Institute (JCI) runs as a nunnery for the benefit of the Tibetan Buddhist community.
It was founded in 1989 by Venerable Bhikshuni Karma Lekshe Tsomo (an American Buddhist nun). She had a vision of educating Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhist nuns and lay women who would otherwise have little opportunity to receive formal schooling or spiritual education.
The Institute offers and promotes innovative education and, as such, enables nuns to serve as teachers, spiritual mentors, or community workers.
After 13 years of dedicated hard work for the Institute, Director Ven. Karma Lekshe Tsomo la retired in 2000, and she handed over her responsibility to the institute itself.
JCI has grown to currently accommodate 145 students and 5 teachers. The students range in age from 12 to 65 and come from various parts of the Himalayan region - Kinnaur, Lahaul, Spiti, Ladakh, Zanskar, Garhwal, Bhutan, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nepal and Tibet. There are also some international students. The Institute has a program that requires over 17 years of intense study to complete and is equivalent to the program of study required for a Master degree in Buddhist philosophy. The program not only covers Buddhist philosophy but also includes courses in meditation, Tibetan, English, Hindi, computer and administration skills.
