Tsultrim on the Throne at Zangri Khangmar
Wearing the Hat Designed by Machig Labdron
(Photo by Wendy Garling)

Tsultrim Allione Recognized as an Emanation of Machig Labdron

At Zangri Khangmar, Tibet, the place where Machig Labdrön lived from ages 37 to 99, and where she passed away, the resident Lama, Karma Nyitön Kunkhyab Chökyi Dorje recently said, "I want to make it clear to all of you and there should be no doubt that Tsultrim is an emanation of Machig Labdrön."

The next day, Rinpoche offered Tsultrim a self-arisen golden crystal phurba (ceremonial dagger), the only remaining tsa tsa made from the ashes of Machig's body (a mixture of clay and ash imprinted with an image of Machig dancing), texts of Machig's teachings, a hat with symbolic meaning designed by Machig, and various other treasures.

Besides this experience with the Lama at Zangri, Tsultrim was also independently recognized as an emanation of Machig Labdron by Lama Tsering Wangdu Rinpoche, holder of the lineage of Dampa Sangye.

About the recognition, Tsultrim recently said, "This explains why I have had a life-long connection with Machig's teachings beginning in 1973 learning Chöd and the dreams leading to finding her biography in 1981. As we drove away from Zangri Khangmar I thought, 'Why this recognition, why now, what is the purpose?' I think it is to make this new phase of collecting Machig's lineage more empowered. Recognition allows more energy to flow, and Machig's blessings can manifest more fully. It's a kind of mirroring from the outside, validating our heartfelt intention to reinvigorate and spread Machig's lineage in the West. It also felt very natural. We will keep doing what we have been doing already, but the recognition creates an auspicious interdependence for the teachings."

The Final Procession

About Women of Wisdom by Tsultrim Allione . . .

by Tsultrim Allione

Women of Wisdom explores and celebrates the spiritual potential of all women, as exemplified by the lives of six Tibetan female mystics. These stories of great women who have achieved full illumination, overcoming cultural prejudices and a host of other problems which male practitioners do not encounter, offer a wealth of inspiration to everyone on the spiritual path.

In this revised and expanded edition, Tsultrim Allione's extensive autobiographical preface and introduction speak directly to the difficulties and triumphs of women in the West who pursue a spiritual life as she shares her own stories and experiences.

340 pp., 24 pp. of photos, WOWI
$18.95, Snow Lion special $15.16
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Women of Wisdom offers valuable insights to all those interested in woman's spirituality regardless of background or tradition.

Tsultrim Allione is one of the most widely known contemporary Western women teachers of Buddhism. She received her master's degree from Antioch University in Buddhism/Women's Studies and was among the first Western women ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun. She has been a practicing Buddhist for over thirty years and has taught throughout the world, making great efforts to create teaching methods which facilitate the Western understanding of Buddhism.

She is founder and director of Tara Mandala, a retreat center in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, that has been described as one of the most dynamic new Buddhist centers in North America.

This new edition includes Tsultrim's expanded autobiography covering the last 15 years since the first edition appeared.

"One best books to bring out the riches of the feminine in Buddhism. Filled with inspired stories, Women of Wisdom is truly a classic."—Jack Kornfield

"For anyone interested in exploring new ground regarding either women and religion or Tantric Buddhist lore, this book is a treasure."—Anne C. Klein, Parabola