Geshema Tsering Chodon, a fully trained Buddhist scholar and nun of our institute. Geshema Tsering chodon was born in Ldumra Khardong village, Ladakh, India, to her parents Tsewang Dolma and Phunchok Tashi, who are both farmers.
She attended school in her local area until completing class 8.
At the age of 18, in 2003, she travelled to Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, with her uncle who brought her to join Jamyang Choling Nunnery in order to pursue monastic life and undertake the study of Buddhist philosophy.
On 10 April 2004, she received novice ordination from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama marking the beginning of her monastic life and formal academic training. During her first year at Jamyang choling, she undertook foundational studies including Tibetan handwriting, memorization practices, and introductory monastic education. She than progressed to the Buddhist philosophical curriculum. Over the course of 17 years,
Geshe -ma Tsering Chodon engaged in extensive study of the five Great canonical Texts of Buddhist philosophy, including.
- Collected Topics (Dura)
- Perfection of Wisdom (Prajnaparamita)
- Middle way Philosophy (Madhyamaka)
- Valid cognition (Pramana)
- Abhidharma(Higher knowledge)
- Vinaye (Monastic Discipline) Alongside these philosophical studies,she also undertook studies in Tibetan grammar, English language, and related academic subject.
From 2022 to 2025, Geshe -ma Tsering Chodon, together with nine of her class mate, undertook the rigorous Geshe -ma examination, the highest level of scholarly qualification available to Buddhist nuns within the Tibetan monastic education system. These examinations involve several years of advanced study, written assessments, and formal debate on the five Great Texts.
On 4 November 2025, at the sacred site of Bodhgaya, India, she participated in the final Geshe -ma debate examination.
On 6November 2025, she successfully graduated and was formally awarded the prestigious Geshe -ma Degree, recognising her many years of dedication to Buddhist study, contemplation, and philosophical training.
The Geshe -ma Degree represents the highest academic qualification available to Buddhist nuns in the Tibetan monastic tradition and reflects profound commitment to Buddhist scholarship and practice.
