BIO Pema Chödrön

Pema Chödrön is an American Tibetan Buddhist nun, meditation teacher, and internationally acclaimed author. Widely recognized as one of the most influential voices in contemporary Buddhism, she has dedicated her life to making Buddhist wisdom accessible and relevant to the challenges of modern life.

Before entering monastic life, Pema pursued a career in education, earning degrees in English Literature and Elementary Education and teaching in schools for many years. Her spiritual path led her to study Tibetan Buddhism under several respected teachers, including Lama Chime Rinpoche. In 1972, she met her root teacher, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, whose guidance profoundly shaped her understanding and practice of the Dharma. She was ordained as a Buddhist nun in the Tibetan tradition in 1974 under His Holiness the Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa.

Over the decades, Pema has taught meditation, retreats, and workshops across North America, Europe, and Australia, helping countless people apply Buddhist teachings to everyday life. She has been closely associated with Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia, Canada, the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery established for Western students.

Through her bestselling books and teachings, Pema Chödrön has inspired millions worldwide with her practical, compassionate, and deeply human approach to personal transformation. Her work encourages people to meet uncertainty, fear, and change with courage, openness, and kindness, discovering inner resilience and wisdom in the midst of life’s challenges.