by Maria Vaghi
Cave in the Snow: The Life of Meditation and Discovery of Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo.
In the pages of Cave in the Snow, a masterfully written book by Vicki Mackenzie, the extraordinary story of Tenzin Palmo is told. Born in England, she chose to dedicate her life to Buddhist practice. Calling it a biography would be an understatement, as readers find themselves immersed in a compelling mix of determination, devotion, and profound spiritual transformation.
Tenzin Palmo, born Diane Perry, felt a pull towards spirituality from a young age, coupled with a sense of dissatisfaction with ordinary life. At twenty, she decided to go to India, where she met her teacher, the venerable Khamtrul Rinpoche, who ordained her as a Buddhist nun in 1964.
Tenzin Palmo embarked on an incredible journey: she undertook a twelve-year retreat in a secluded cave in the Himalayan mountains. At over 4,000 meters above sea level, she dedicated herself to spiritual practice and deep meditation.
The harsh trials she faced were numerous and included physical endurance challenges: extreme weather conditions, health problems, and absolute isolation. In parallel, however, she experienced profound spiritual realization. She never wavered in her determination and commitment to Buddhist practice.
Throughout the narrative, one comes to know the physical and mental strength of this woman, alongside her deep wisdom and great compassion, qualities that matured in her during the long period spent in the cave.
Her journey also became an opportunity to reflect on gender disparities within the Buddhist tradition, prompting her to create greater opportunities for women. After her retreat, she founded the Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery, a monastery dedicated to the training of young Tibetan nuns. It offers education and resources to deeply study and practice Buddhism.
This Focus on is about non-ordinary states of consciousness, and Tenzin Palmo’s story—her ability to overcome adversity and achieve profound spiritual realization—naturally includes her skill in achieving deep absorption states that are truly extraordinary.
More generally, her life offers a universal message of hope and inner strength. This book is not just a testimony to her extraordinary life but also a stimulus and an invitation to explore one’s spiritual potential.
It is difficult not to be touched by this reading. In telling Tenzin Palmo’s story, author Vicki Mackenzie conveys the intimate nature of Buddhist practice and communicates the importance of listening to the spiritual call that may arise in each of us.
We are pleased to remind readers that a copy of Cave in the Snow is available in the library of the Lama Tzong Khapa Institute in Pomaia, as it is not easy to find nowadays.
