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 – Her Eminence Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo Rinpoche 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 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.

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.”

Download the following free pdf teachings by Jetsunma for viewing, printing, or for a mobile device/reader (pdf format):

• The Four Immeasurables
• Turn Adversity into Felicity
• Why I Chose Buddhism
• True Motivation for Kindness

Here are more ways to connect with teachings by Jetsunma

• KPC Youtube Channel,
• Jetsunma’s own blog: Tibetan Buddhist Altar
• Podcast: Buddhism for Beginners (or just ask Alexa or Siri – Play Buddhism for Beginners podcast)
• Recordings of Jetsunma’s teachings, and visiting teachers are available in mp3 on Palyul Productions.