MONKS AND NUNS OF THE FPMT

VEN. TENZIN JANGSEM is the manager of Khachoe Ghakyil Nunnery, sister monastery of Kopan in Kathmandu, Nepal. She and 10 other nuns are on a year’s tour of the USA, performing traditional monastery dances and making sand mandalas. Ven. Jangsem spoke to Mandala in September.

I became a nun when I was about 19. I’m 33 now. I’m from southern Tibet, from a farming family.

How did you get interested in becoming a nun?

I had an aunt who was a nun. When she visited my sister, she inspired her to become a nun and taught that that was the best way life could be spent, the best way to create benefit for herself and all the others around her.

Was it a good way to get an education?

Yes, I was aware that I would get a very good Dharma education.

After joining the nunnery, were you happy that you went there?

I’m very happy with all the opportunities I have come across in my Dharma education. I’ve been very blessed by my past karma, particularly in having met Lama Zopa Rinpoche and all my spiritual teachers.

Did you meet Rinpoche before going to the nunnery?

I went with my aunt to Solu Khumbu in December 1979. In May of the following year, Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa came. My parents did not particularly want me to go. The visit was very far away, but I insisted on making the trip with my aunt to become a nun. When Lama Yeshe heard that, he was very happy and said, “That’s very good.” He said that I should study at Kopan, and he would take care of my food and accommodation. I took ordination with Lama Zopa Rinpoche and made my way down to Kopan.

How long have the nuns been touring the US?

We came on March 17, and the first event was on March 23.

What are your impressions after being in the West for the first time?

The US is very clean, and there are more rules and regulations, especially on the roads. I am amazed by the shopping centers and surprised by the people’s interest in Buddhism. I am happy that there are so many people supporting the Tibetan cause.

What is your impression of why so many Americans are interested in Buddhism?

Because of the Buddhist path to inner happiness and the altruistic aspiration that the path has.

Is there anything in the West that you can take back to the East?

I want to improve my English when I get back. Also, we could emphasize the importance of personal and environmental cleanliness more as they do in the West.

Do you feel that you are missing anything by living in the nunnery?

No. Nothing is missing. Such thoughts do not come up. I am very happy with my life, particularly in having Lama Zopa and spiritual guides in my life.

What part of your performance have people most responded to?

The skit from Milarepa is the most important because of the way one of the nuns moves her hips.

Is there an incident that the nuns found memorable?

There is nothing in particular, but the response of people has been quite amazing. People have been very generous and receptive to the tour and the presentation of the performance.