Tomorrow, March 8 is a day to celebrate women, but in truth, every day is an opportunity to recognize the immeasurable strength, wisdom, and compassion we bring into the world. From a Buddhist perspective, the feminine principle represents deep wisdom—prajñā—that cuts through illusion and nurtures all beings with boundless compassion. In my meditation classes I always encourage my students to expand their view into the unborn, spacious, inclusive mind. Being guided makes it easier to focus and actually get in to a regular practice. And those who have attended my workshops say that the classes afterwards are something entirely different.
The feminine qualities, beyond gender identity, include the qualities of patience, resilience, and emotional wisdom, showing the world how true strength arises not from domination but from understanding and interconnectedness.
Across time and traditions, we have embodied this wisdom in countless ways. The great female practitioners of the past—Mahapajapati Gotami, the first Buddhist nun and foster mother of the Buddha; Yeshe Tsogyal, the mother of Tibetan Buddhism; Machig Labdrön, who pioneered the profound Chöd practice—stood as beacons of resilience and realization. These women transcended societal limitations, demonstrating that the path to awakening is open to all, regardless of gender or status. They remind us that spiritual accomplishment is not about external recognition but the depth of realization cultivated within.
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We are often the unseen force of transformation in families, communities, and societies. Our ability to hold space, to listen deeply, and to act from a place of wisdom shapes the world in ways often overlooked. Whether as caregivers, teachers, healers, or leaders, we weave together the fabric of our collective existence. In Buddhist teachings, the path of the bodhisattva—one who dedicates their life to the benefit of all beings—is often embodied by those who selflessly serve, offering compassion without seeking acknowledgment.
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Despite historical and cultural challenges, we have continually risen to lead, teach, and inspire. In many Buddhist traditions, female monastics and lay practitioners have had to push against barriers to gain recognition. In the aftermath of having jumped ship and entered new territory as a Buddhist nun, I was facing cold facts concerning what can be expected in our day and age for a life as a western Buddhist monastic. We take ordination for life, only to realize that the social context needed for growth and learning is often absent. The structures that should support us are lacking, leaving us to navigate our path with limited guidance. We are all of course on individual journeys, with different ups and downs. Still, in general, we share the inevitable cultural clashes, gender inequality, the lack of sufficient support, home base, and many times even a basic monastic training.
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Many lives run parallel to mine, who can bear witness to this occurrence. Most of us come to live on the edge of all societies and institutions, where we have to sustain ourselves on all levels very creatively. At the same time, our own, as well as others expectations of what we are supposed to both absorb and uphold concerning the Buddha’s wisdom teachings, become both too high and too low. It surely is a noble pursuit, but one that currently finds itself badly limping in countries that lack a settled presence of Buddhist culture. Today, more of us are stepping into roles of spiritual leadership, reclaiming our rightful place as teachers and lineage holders. This shift is not only necessary but vital for a more balanced and compassionate world.
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May this day serve as a reminder of the sacred feminine in all of us, regardless of gender. May we honor the wisdom and compassion that we bring, not just today, but always. And may we continue to support, uplift, and celebrate each other in our shared journey toward awakening. The more we recognize and empower the feminine qualities of wisdom and compassion, the more we cultivate a world rooted in genuine harmony and understanding vs one in domination.
Yours in the Dharma,
Lama Chimey
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Lama Chimey 