Jetsunma’s Teachings

When the Buddha’s teachings are first introduced to a new culture, two kinds of translators are needed: those who can translate the words, and those who can transfer the meaning. For nearly three decades, American-born Lama – Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo has been transferring the meaning of Buddhism for thousands in the English-speaking world. She is cherished for the clarity, warm humor, and immediate practicality she brings to even the most subtle aspects of the Buddhist path.

When Holiness Penor Rinpoche Met Jetsunma

When His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, 11th Throneholder of the Palyul Lineage, first met Jetsunma in 1985, he examined the content of the teachings she was giving, which were entirely based on her previous twelve years of solitary meditation. He declared that even without formal Buddhist study, she was naturally teaching the full breadth of Mahayana Buddhism. He further explained that her ability to do so must have resulted from accomplishing her practice very well in previous lifetimes and strongly encouraged her to continue teaching. In 1988, Jetsunma was enthroned as a Palyul Lineage Holder by His Holiness Penor Rinpoche.

H.E. Jetsunma Akkon Lhamo Rinpoche with H.H. Penor Rinpoche

Jetsunma teaches from the depth of her experience. She explores the classic Buddhist themes of renunciation (which she refers to as “leaving the party”); cultivating impartial compassion for all beings; understanding how everything we experience arises from cause and effect relationships (karma), and realizing the true nature of oneself and one’s environment beyond limiting concepts. She teaches in a highly personal way that leads Westerners to really “get it.”

Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo smiling with Dakini Crown

Jetsunma is wearing a Dakini crown representing her transformation of the five aspects of self-hood into the five transcendental insights of a Buddha. This crown was given to her by H.H. Penor Rinpoche during her enthronement as a Palyul Lineage Holder in 1988.