The four interview extracts we shared:
- Buddha Nature
In the first video, Jestsunma Tenzin Palmo explains the Mahayana Buddhist term: Buddha Nature. She points out that we live within our dualistic conceptual mind — where there’s an observer and the observed, governed by the ego. But beyond this, there’s a level of pure consciousness — an open, spacious awareness that is our true nature — our Buddha Nature. This pure consciousness is a non-dualistic knowing that connects all beings while our dualistic mind separates us.
She uses the metaphor of clouds and the sky to illustrate this: our thoughts and ego are like clouds, obscuring the clear sky, which represents our true nature of wisdom and compassion. This true nature is innate and doesn’t need cultivation but is obscured by our ego, leading to negativity and ignorance.
- The Mind
In the second clip, Tenzin Palmo explains how we can understand the workings of our mind through mindfulness practices — starting with breath awareness, anchoring attention to the present moment, which quiets the mind and strengthens mindfulness. Then, by observing thoughts without judgment, we realize they are transient and empty, not solid or real. This process helps us develop a witness within, bridging us to a non-dual, primordial awareness — our true nature.Our true nature is pervasive, like space, but often obscured by the ego, which is inherently ignorant. Balancing the ego through meditations on calmness and compassion helps us walk the spiritual path. The ultimate goal is to move beyond ego and duality and dwell in the vivid clarity of our true nature.
- From Dual to Non-Dual
In the third clip, Tenzin Palmo explains that transitioning from duality to non-duality in meditation is difficult because the ego, which seeks this state, actually prevents it. Typically, we are aware of objects like breath or thoughts, but to transcend this, we must drop the object and be aware of awareness itself.She compares this to an eagle soaring effortlessly, alert yet relaxed. This awareness leads to the source of awareness beyond the dualistic mind. However, when the ego grasps this experience, it disappears. Stabilizing this awareness requires practice and maintaining a relaxed yet clear mind, which even great masters take years to perfect.
- Advice on Daily Practice
In the last video we shared, Tenzin Palmo emphasizes the importance of having formal practice time, even if it’s just 10 to 20 minutes daily, to connect with one’s mind and develop mindful awareness. This mindfulness should extend into daily life, maintaining an open, loving heart towards others. She warns against becoming self-conscious or remote through mindfulness, advocating for a spacious, present awareness. Participating in retreats or sitting with a sangha (community) can be beneficial, offering guidance and the supportive energy of group practice.
From the Teacher: Uncovering Buddha Nature
Dharma Video 1: Buddha Nature
Buddha Nature — by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo *
We share the first 5 minutes of this video during our meeting.
Dharma Video 2: The Mind
The Mind — by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo
Dharma Video 3: From Dual to Non-Dual
From Dual to Non-Dual — by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo
Dharma Video 4: Advice on Daily Practice
Advice on Daily Practice — by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo
* Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo was raised in London and became a Buddhist while still in her teens. She met her teacher, the eighth Khamtrul Rinpoche, in India in 1964. She was one of the first Westerners ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun. After studying with her teacher for six years, she went to a small monastery in Lahaul, India, where she practiced more intensely. Seeking better conditions for meditation, she lived in a cave in the mountains in Lahaul for twelve years, after which, in 1988, she went to Italy.
She has taught Dharma internationally and is the founder of Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery in Tashi Jong, India, where she now lives. Her life is the subject of the book Cave in the Snow.
In February 2008, Tenzin Palmo was given the rare title of Jetsunma, which means Venerable Master, by His Holiness the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa, Head of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage in recognition of her spiritual achievements as a nun and her efforts in promoting the status of female practitioners in Tibetan Buddhism.
