The Geshema is Born

For the Buddha, establishing a community of nuns was a radical experiment for its time. Over the centuries Buddhist religious life was available to women and many historical events mention highly accomplished nuns. But the highest monastic qualifications were denied to them. His Holiness The Dalai Lama worked for decades along with the nuns in Tibetan Buddhism to empower and enable them to finally receive the same education and degree as the monks. In achieving this the nuns impact the potential of women across all faiths and foreground the wisdom and uniqueness of the feminine experience. The film traces the journey of an exceptional nun, Namdol Phuntsok, the first woman ever to be awarded the highest degree in Tibetan philosophy - the Geshema degree which stands for the ‘knower of virtue’.

• 30th November 2020