Pema Chödrön

Pema Chödrön, born Deirdre Blomfield-Brown in 1936, is a renowned American Tibetan Buddhist nun and teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist lineage. Formerly an elementary school teacher, she ordained as a novice nun in 1974. A devoted student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, she became a full bhikshuni in 1981. Pema is the first American woman to become fully ordained in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Her teachings focus on facing life's challenges with compassion and understanding. She is the author of several best-selling books, including "When Things Fall Apart" and "The Places That Scare You," offering practical insights and meditation guidance.