Her Eminence Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo, is the founder and Spiritual Director of Kunzang Palyul Chöling Buddhist temple. In 1987, His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, the head of the Palyul lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, surprised the world by recognizing Alyce Zeoli, an American woman from Brooklyn, NY, as a tulku, or reincarnate teacher in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Given the name “Ahkon Norbu Lhamo” and the title “Jetsunma,” an honorific associated with Tara, the female Buddha, her enthronement marked the first time a Western woman had been acknowledged in this way.

His Holiness authorized Jetsunma to teach Dharma in America directly from her own realization. She has taught extensively on compassion, meditation, the nature of mind and the importance of relying on a spiritual master. Jetsunma’s down-to-earth style makes ancient spiritual concepts immediately and directly available to modern western students.

On September 24, 1988, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo became the first western woman to be both recognized as a “tulku” or reincarnate Lama, and enthroned as a Lineage Holder. His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, along with Ven. Gyatrul Rinpoche, Chojji Rinpoche, and Lama Jampa Rinpoche, were present for the ceremony. It took place during the three month Rinchen Terdzod Empowerments, occuring for the first time in the west. The event was also attended by various national and international media.