Thosamling is a Rime nunnery, drawing inspiration from all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and where all four Tibetan Buddhist Lineages are respected and represented in our practice and study.

Nonsectarian practitioners develop proficiency in one of the schools of Kagyu, Nyingma, Sakya or Geluk and then enhance their spiritual practice by seeking out and developing knowledge from the other schools. The various practices and lineages are not diluted or mixed. Rather, this non-sectarian approach is recognition of the profoundness of each lineage and tradition.

Thosamling is one of the few places in the world where nuns from a variety of international backgrounds live together. Rather than belonging to the culture of a particular country, our nuns are asked to develop their own unique community culture. At Thosamling we have welcomed nuns from all parts of the world. Living among women from such diverse backgrounds and lifestyles is a wonderful way to learn from others and enrich one’s life.

Living in a community is especially important for newly ordained nuns. Living together in a monastic setting will help you to be supported by other Sangha members. But also for nuns who have been ordained for years, living together in a community is a very supportive and caring experience and helps deepen practices. Living according to the Vinaya and the rules of Thosamling is a great opportunity to take in the Buddha Dharma and apply it all our daily practice.

For all nuns, whether newly ordained or more experienced, living in community at Thosamling means you are free from mundane daily societal tasks such as shopping, cooking, exchanging gas bottles and the like – all of which take time away from practice and study.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has supported Thosamling from the very beginning, providing funding and the name for Thosamling. Since his visit in May 2009, His Holiness has been sending nuns newly ordained by him to Thosamling for practice and study for at least one year if they do not already have a “home” nunnery or community center.

For more information about what is required in terms of time, commitment, practices, and your contribution to the nunnery, or to reserve a room, contact us at: [email protected]

Because being a nun requires unique knowledge and skills, Thosamling provides training for nuns to learn a variety of practices. Training in Vinaya, pujas, rituals, tsa-tsa making and other areas of practice is provided by Geshe Tsewang Nyima, senior nuns, nuns with particular specialty or training, and a variety of visiting Sangha.

Whether nuns are looking for solid grounding to sustain or further their own practice or they seek the tools they need to enter a Tibetan Nunnery’s study program, Thosamling is an excellent place to start.

The living conditions for nuns at Thosamling are simple and comfortable. We understand that for new nuns it takes time to adjust to communal living and for this reason each nun is provided with her own, single room.

Although nuns at Thosamling are accommodated within their own residence building and eat their meals with Geshe-la in the Sangha dining room, they share the other communal areas of the nunnery with laywomen.

As part of living in a community the nuns have to share some work in the nunnery. This is about 1 to 2 hours a day.

Once a year we organize little pilgrimage tours with the nuns throughout Kangra or Spiti, Lahaul valley and other areas. There are many holy places for Buddhists to visit and it is a great opportunity to do this together.

Study programs are organized throughout the year. Dharma programs and visiting teachers from all four Tibetan schools (Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Geluk) will give teachings throughout the year. We offer ongoing Tibetan Language programs for those who want to study Tibetan; several levels are presented.