Ani Zangmo

My first taste of Tibetan Buddhism was Cave in the Snow, the story of Tenzin Palmo’s life and retreat. Soon after this she gave a public talk in Melbourne which I attended. I took refuge with her that day and have never looked back. It was 2000 and I was 34 years old.
Pema Chodron was my next big influence. The teachings in her books inspired me to go to Gampo Abbey where I spent 9 months, took temporary ordination, received monastic training and met a number of teachers.

On my return from the Abbey, I began working for Traleg Rinpoche in any way that was needed. I have had the good fortune to study with Traleg Rinpoche, Mingyur Rinpoche and have been a student of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche since 2009.
Completing a 3-year retreat at Vajradhara Gonpa (2009-2012) was the most challenging and wonderful thing I have ever done. Post retreat I made the aspiration to support people with their practice and retreats. One of the questions commonly asked is how practice and life can be fully integrated. This is something I am constantly playing with and supporting others to explore.

I have been a nun since 2004, practice with SI Melbourne and since covid, have been involved with the SI online practice community. My home is in Badger Creek in the Yarra Valley with dear little Tashi cat and Ruben rascal, a wiry haired jack russell. I support myself doing Somatic Shiatsu bodywork sessions and running Movement and Meditation classes. Retreat catering seems to be a thing of the past but is one of my loves. I have been involved with the Buddhist Council of Victoria’s spiritual care program providing support to individuals who are dying and their families, also with Social Health Australia supporting those who are aging and at risk of isolation.

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