Celebrating Nine Decades of
Join renowned teacher Pema Chödrön on a yearlong journey in her 90th year with four intimate and interactive online dialogues set around the four seasons, embracing the ever-changing landscape of our human experience.
Despite wishing to primarily retire from teaching and spend the rest of her life in retreat, at the urging of one of her teachers, Pema has graciously agreed to share her wisdom through this online format to continue to benefit students around the world.
What makes this series truly special is its interactive Q&A format—Pema’s preferred method of teaching. Rather than traditional lectures, these sessions embrace the reciprocal nature of dharma transmission. Pema thrives on hearing directly from practitioners, responding to real questions from real lives, and allowing her responses to emerge organically, remain topical, and speak to what’s actually happening in our world and in our hearts.
As we celebrate Pema’s ninth decade in 2026, this series offers a beautiful opportunity to engage directly with one of the most influential teachers of our time, a true gift of accessible wisdom for practitioners worldwide, which is so deeply needed in our time.
Whether you’re new to meditation or a longtime student, these seasonal teachings promise to meet you where you are, offering practical guidance and lessons for meeting the world with courage and presence.
Join us for this opportunity to learn from a true dharma treasure.
Celebrating Nine Decades of
Join renowned teacher Pema Chödrön on a yearlong journey in her 90th year with four intimate and interactive online dialogues set around the four seasons, embracing the ever-changing landscape of our human experience.
Despite wishing to primarily retire from teaching and spend the rest of her life in retreat, at the urging of one of her teachers, Pema has graciously agreed to share her wisdom through this online format to continue to benefit students around the world.
What makes this series truly special is its interactive Q&A format—Pema’s preferred method of teaching. Rather than traditional lectures, these sessions embrace the reciprocal nature of dharma transmission. Pema thrives on hearing directly from practitioners, responding to real questions from real lives, and allowing her responses to emerge organically, remain topical, and speak to what’s actually happening in our world and in our hearts.
As we celebrate Pema’s ninth decade in 2026, this series offers a beautiful opportunity to engage directly with one of the most influential teachers of our time, a true gift of accessible wisdom for practitioners worldwide, which is so deeply needed in our time.
Whether you’re new to meditation or a longtime student, these seasonal teachings promise to meet you where you are, offering practical guidance and lessons for meeting the world with courage and presence.
Join us for this opportunity to learn from a true dharma treasure.
Celebrating Nine Decades of
Join renowned teacher Pema Chödrön on a yearlong journey in her 90th year with four intimate and interactive online dialogues set around the four seasons, embracing the ever-changing landscape of our human experience.
Despite wishing to primarily retire from teaching and spend the rest of her life in retreat, at the urging of one of her teachers, Pema has graciously agreed to share her wisdom through this online format to continue to benefit students around the world.
What makes this series truly special is its interactive Q&A format—Pema’s preferred method of teaching. Rather than traditional lectures, these sessions embrace the reciprocal nature of dharma transmission. Pema thrives on hearing directly from practitioners, responding to real questions from real lives, and allowing her responses to emerge organically, remain topical, and speak to what’s actually happening in our world and in our hearts.
As we celebrate Pema’s ninth decade in 2026, this series offers a beautiful opportunity to engage directly with one of the most influential teachers of our time, a true gift of accessible wisdom for practitioners worldwide, which is so deeply needed in our time.
Whether you’re new to meditation or a longtime student, these seasonal teachings promise to meet you where you are, offering practical guidance and lessons for meeting the world with courage and presence.
Join us for this opportunity to learn from a true dharma treasure.
Live calls that start with guided practice led by Tim Olmsted, Ani Pema’s longtime teaching partner and friend, followed by an hour of Question and Answer time directly with Pema.
In addition to the live calls, there will be monthly inspirational content (featuring select readings, video, and audio clips drawn from Pema’s collection of work, along with reflection questions) integral to her teachings that form the basis of a more mindful and less reactive life.
Can’t join the entire year?
CLICK HERE to purchase an individual call for $49.
Live calls that start with guided practice led by Tim Olmsted, Ani Pema’s longtime teaching partner and friend, followed by an hour of Question and Answer time directly with Pema.
In addition to the live calls, there will be monthly inspirational content (featuring select readings, video, and audio clips drawn from Pema’s collection of work, along with reflection questions) integral to her teachings that form the basis of a more mindful and less reactive life.
Can’t join the entire year?
CLICK HERE to purchase an individual call for $49.
Birth and Childhood on the Farm (1936-1940s)
In July 14, 1936, Deirdre Blomfield-Brown (later to be known as Pema Chödrön) was born in New York City. Although raised in a Catholic household, Pema has stated that her spiritual life didn’t begin until she attended boarding school. Nonetheless, growing up on a farm provided an early foundation in the solace of simplicity as the natural landscape quietly shaped her heart-mind long before entering monastic life.
High School Years (1950s)
Before she became Pema Chödrön, Deirdre grew up in New Jersey and was known as “Dede.” In her high school yearbook, she was remembered for her warmth, humor, and love of music and dance. This glimpse of her youth shows the early spark of the vibrant, compassionate woman who would one day become a beloved Buddhist teacher.
Young Mother & School Teacher (1960s)
In her 20s and early 30s, Deirdre led a vibrant life as a wife, mother of two, and an elementary school teacher. This playful photo reveals her sense of humor and vitality—qualities that would later carry into her teachings. Though her outer life seemed full, it was during this period that deeper questions began to stir within her, setting the stage for the transformative path ahead.
With Her Children and Early Connections to Tibetan Buddhism (early 70s)
After her second marriage ended, Deirdre was raising her two children on her own. Balancing family life with the seeds of a new spiritual calling, she set out on the path. In her mid-30s, she encountered Lama Chime during her travels in the French Alps. While studying with him in London in 1972, she met her root guru, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Encouraged by Lama Chime, she returned to the United States to study with Trungpa in 1974, where she continued to train with him until his passing in 1987.
Early Ordination and Sangha Life (1974–1981)
In 1974, Pema became a novice nun. She later received ordination from His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa in 1981. These pivotal moments in her path demonstrated immense cultural shifts in the tradition, as Pema was one of the first American women in the Vajrayana tradition to take these vows.
Gampo Abbey and Thrangu Rinpoche (1984)
When Pema first arrived at Gampo Abbey in 1984, it was headed by her late teacher, Thrangu Rinpoche, the first abbot of the monastery. Over several years, his guidance shaped the heart of her practice. Known for his compassion and clarity, Thrangu Rinpoche encouraged Pema to embrace her unique voice as a Western nun and teacher. This period marked her steady commitment to transmitting Tibetan Buddhist wisdom in a way that is accessible and alive for Western students.
The Wisdom of No Escape: Early Teachings (1993)
In 1993, Pema’s first book, The Wisdom of No Escape, was published, signaling the beginning of a long and fruitful life as a teacher and author. Today, Pema has published over 20 books and has recorded countless hours of teachings, including online courses and audiobooks.
With Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche (early ’90s)
After the passing of Trungpa Rinpoche in 1987, Pema began receiving guidance from Buddhist teacher and artist Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, head teacher of the Mangala Shri Bhuti (MSB) sangha in Boulder, Colorado. To this day, Pema remains a vital aspect of the MSB community where she teaches annually and joins retreatants in practice while in residence at Samten Ling, MSB’s retreat center in Colorado.
Abbess of Gampo Abbey (2023)
Two years after the passing of Thrangu Rinpoche in 2023, Pema was appointed the Abbess of Gampo Abbey. With over forty years of leading the community as Principal Teacher, there was no better leader to serve as Abbess than Pema Chödrön. Today, Pema continues to guide monastics and lay people along their path, including the annual Yarne Winter Retreat, consisting of 45 days of practice and teachings.
A Life Celebrated (2025)
Surrounded by her students and community during Mangala Shri Bhuti’s Nyingma Summer Seminar, Pema received a cake for her 89th birthday with the same humility and presence that she brings to her teachings. This moment highlighted not only her longevity but also the love and respect of those touched by her wisdom and compassion.
A Life of Teaching (present day)
Pema continues to radiate the same clarity and kindness that has guided students worldwide for decades. From her seat at Gampo Abbey and through her many publications, courses, and online material, she continues to offer timeless guidance on meeting life’s difficulties with openness, courage, and compassion.
Birth and Childhood on the Farm (1936-1940s)
In July 14, 1936, Deirdre Blomfield-Brown (later to be known as Pema Chödrön) was born in New York City. Although raised in a Catholic household, Pema has stated that her spiritual life didn’t begin until she attended boarding school. Nonetheless, growing up on a farm provided an early foundation in the solace of simplicity as the natural landscape quietly shaped her heart-mind long before entering monastic life.
High School Years (1950s)
Before she became Pema Chödrön, Deirdre grew up in New Jersey and was known as “Dede.” In her high school yearbook, she was remembered for her warmth, humor, and love of music and dance. This glimpse of her youth shows the early spark of the vibrant, compassionate woman who would one day become a beloved Buddhist teacher.
Young Mother & School Teacher (1960s)
In her 20s and early 30s, Deirdre led a vibrant life as a wife, mother of two, and an elementary school teacher. This playful photo reveals her sense of humor and vitality—qualities that would later carry into her teachings. Though her outer life seemed full, it was during this period that deeper questions began to stir within her, setting the stage for the transformative path ahead.
With Her Children and Early Connections to Tibetan Buddhism (early 70s)
After her second marriage ended, Deirdre was raising her two children on her own. Balancing family life with the seeds of a new spiritual calling, she set out on the path. In her mid-30s, she encountered Lama Chime during her travels in the French Alps. While studying with him in London in 1972, she met her root guru, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Encouraged by Lama Chime, she returned to the United States to study with Trungpa in 1974, where she continued to train with him until his passing in 1987.
Early Ordination and Sangha Life (1974–1981)
In 1974, Pema became a novice nun. She later received ordination from His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa in 1981. These pivotal moments in her path demonstrated immense cultural shifts in the tradition, as Pema was one of the first American women in the Vajrayana tradition to take these vows.
Gampo Abbey and Thrangu Rinpoche (1984)
When Pema first arrived at Gampo Abbey in 1984, it was headed by her late teacher, Thrangu Rinpoche, the first abbot of the monastery. Over several years, his guidance shaped the heart of her practice. Known for his compassion and clarity, Thrangu Rinpoche encouraged Pema to embrace her unique voice as a Western nun and teacher. This period marked her steady commitment to transmitting Tibetan Buddhist wisdom in a way that is accessible and alive for Western students.
The Wisdom of No Escape: Early Teachings (1993)
In 1993, Pema’s first book, The Wisdom of No Escape, was published, signaling the beginning of a long and fruitful life as a teacher and author. Today, Pema has published over 20 books and has recorded countless hours of teachings, including online courses and audiobooks.
With Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche (early ’90s)
After the passing of Trungpa Rinpoche in 1987, Pema began receiving guidance from Buddhist teacher and artist Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, head teacher of the Mangala Shri Bhuti (MSB) sangha in Boulder, Colorado. To this day, Pema remains a vital aspect of the MSB community where she teaches annually and joins retreatants in practice while in residence at Samten Ling, MSB’s retreat center in Colorado.
Abbess of Gampo Abbey (2023)
Two years after the passing of Thrangu Rinpoche in 2023, Pema was appointed the Abbess of Gampo Abbey. With over forty years of leading the community as Principal Teacher, there was no better leader to serve as Abbess than Pema Chödrön. Today, Pema continues to guide monastics and lay people along their path, including the annual Yarne Winter Retreat, consisting of 45 days of practice and teachings.
A Life Celebrated (2025)
Surrounded by her students and community during Mangala Shri Bhuti’s Nyingma Summer Seminar, Pema received a cake for her 89th birthday with the same humility and presence that she brings to her teachings. This moment highlighted not only her longevity but also the love and respect of those touched by her wisdom and compassion.
A Life of Teaching (present day)
Pema continues to radiate the same clarity and kindness that has guided students worldwide for decades. From her seat at Gampo Abbey and through her many publications, courses, and online material, she continues to offer timeless guidance on meeting life’s difficulties with openness, courage, and compassion.
Four Live Zoom Q&A Sessions
Spread throughout the year, delving into her most essential teachings. Each call will begin with a 30-minute intro teaching/guided meditation session led by Tim Olmsted.
Monthly Inspiration
Bonus book, audio, and video excerpts, along with reflections on the content, delivered to your inbox each month throughout 2026.
Additional Q&A Calls
Three one-hour live Zoom Q&A calls with Tim Olmsted, Pema’s longtime trusted co-teacher for many events.
Lifetime Access
Can’t make it live or want to rewatch a session? You’ll have lifetime access to video and audio recordings.
Four Live Zoom Q&A Sessions
Spread throughout the year, delving into her most essential teachings. Each call will begin with a 30-minute intro teaching/guided meditation session led by Tim Olmsted.
Monthly Inspiration
Bonus book, audio, and video excerpts, along with reflections on the content, delivered to your inbox each month throughout 2026.
Additional Q&A Calls
Three one-hour live Zoom Q&A calls with Tim Olmsted, Pema’s longtime trusted co-teacher for many events.
Lifetime Access
Can’t make it live or want to rewatch a session? You’ll have lifetime access to video and audio recordings.
Ask Pema
Ask Pema
Registration open for a limited time. Refunds available until January 3rd.
Registration open for a limited time. Refunds available until January 3rd.
50% of all proceeds go to the Pema Chödrön Foundation, which supports and encourages Buddhist monasticism and the Buddhist tradition worldwide, and manifests the Buddhist vision by providing support and assistance to community-based organizations that serve marginalized populations such as distressed families (especially children and teens), abused individuals, the incarcerated, and people in recovery.
We want anyone who is able to benefit from the wisdom expressed in this series to be able to join it. For anyone who cannot afford the series, scholarships are available. Apply here.
50% of all proceeds go to the Pema Chödrön Foundation, which supports and encourages Buddhist monasticism and the Buddhist tradition worldwide, and manifests the Buddhist vision by providing support and assistance to community-based organizations that serve marginalized populations such as distressed families (especially children and teens), abused individuals, the incarcerated, and people in recovery.
We want anyone who is able to benefit from the wisdom expressed in this series to be able to join it. For anyone who cannot afford the series, scholarships are available. Apply here.
Pema Chödrön is a beloved Buddhist teacher, author, nun, and mother. She has inspired millions of people from around the world who have been touched by her example and message of practicing peace in these turbulent times.
She has been teaching and writing extensively for many years, including authoring the best-selling books When Things Fall Apart and The Places That Scare You.
Pema first met her root teacher, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, in 1972. Lama Chime encouraged her to work with Rinpoche, and it was with him that she ultimately made her most profound connection. At the request of the Sixteenth Karmapa, she received the full monastic ordination in the Tibetan lineage of Buddhism in 1981 in Hong Kong. She is resident teacher at Gampo Abbey in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery for Westerners in North America.
Pema Chödrön is a beloved Buddhist teacher, author, nun, and mother. She has inspired millions of people from around the world who have been touched by her example and message of practicing peace in these turbulent times.
She has been teaching and writing extensively for many years, including authoring the best-selling books When Things Fall Apart and The Places That Scare You.
Pema first met her root teacher, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, in 1972. Lama Chime encouraged her to work with Rinpoche, and it was with him that she ultimately made her most profound connection. At the request of the Sixteenth Karmapa, she received the full monastic ordination in the Tibetan lineage of Buddhism in 1981 in Hong Kong. She is resident teacher at Gampo Abbey in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery for Westerners in North America.
Tim Olmsted has been a student of meditation for the past 50 years. For twelve of those years, Tim lived in Nepal, working as a psychotherapist serving the international community. There he studied with many of the greatest Buddhist teachers of our time, principally the renowned meditation master Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. After returning to the United States, Tim and his wife, Glenna, moved to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where he served for three years as the director of Gampo Abbey. They now live in Colorado, where Tim spends his time teaching in his role as a Senior Instructor for Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche’s Tergar Meditation Community. He is also the founder and president of the Pema Chödrön Foundation and resident teacher to the local Buddhist community. And for the past 25 years, Glenna has been Pema’s personal assistant.
Tim Olmsted has been a student of meditation for the past 50 years. For twelve of those years, Tim lived in Nepal, working as a psychotherapist serving the international community. There he studied with many of the greatest Buddhist teachers of our time, principally the renowned meditation master Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. After returning to the United States, Tim and his wife, Glenna, moved to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where he served for three years as the director of Gampo Abbey. They now live in Colorado, where Tim spends his time teaching in his role as a Senior Instructor for Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche’s Tergar Meditation Community. He is also the founder and president of the Pema Chödrön Foundation and resident teacher to the local Buddhist community. And for the past 25 years, Glenna has been Pema’s personal assistant.
How long will I have access to the content?
Your access to the live recordings and other content is unlimited. It will not expire.
Can I sign up for an individual call?
Yes, you can click here to register for a particular call.
Will I have access to the monthly content if I only signed up for an individual call?
No, this additional content is exclusive to those who purchased all four calls.
When are the calls with Pema Chödrön?
The dates and times for the live calls are below:
Winter: Sunday, January 11, 1:00–2:30 p.m. (EST)
Spring: Sunday, April 12, 1:00–2:30 p.m. (EDT)
Summer: Sunday, July 12, 1:00–2:30 p.m. (EDT)
Fall: Sunday, October 11, 1:00–2:30 p.m. (EDT)
Recordings of the calls will be made available for those who are unable to attend live.
When are the calls with Tim Olmsted?
The dates and times for the live calls are below:
Sunday, February 15, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. (EST)
Sunday, May 17, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. (EDT)
Sunday, August 16, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. (EDT)
Recordings of the calls will be made available for those who are unable to attend live.
What is the refund policy?
Please email [email protected] to request a refund. Refunds will not be granted on or after January 3.
If any live sessions cannot be conducted as planned due to unforeseen circumstances, you will be refunded 25% of the purchase price per call that does not take place.
What if I have technical difficulties?
We have a dedicated support person who can help you with any issues you may encounter. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
© Shambhala Publications. All Rights Reserved.
Online class icons created by Fajri rama - Flaticon
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How long will I have access to the content?
Your access to the live recordings and other content is unlimited. It will not expire.
Can I sign up for an individual call?
Yes, you can click here to register for a particular call.
Will I have access to the monthly content if I only signed up for an individual call?
No, this additional content is exclusive to those who purchased all four calls.
When are the calls with Pema Chödrön?
The dates and times for the live calls are below:
Winter: Sunday, January 11, 1:00–2:30 p.m. (EST)
Spring: Sunday, April 12, 1:00–2:30 p.m. (EDT)
Summer: Sunday, July 12, 1:00–2:30 p.m. (EDT)
Fall: Sunday, October 11, 1:00–2:30 p.m. (EDT)
Recordings of the calls will be made available for those who are unable to attend live.
When are the calls with Tim Olmsted?
The dates and times for the live calls are below:
Sunday, February 15, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. (EST)
Sunday, May 17, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. (EDT)
Sunday, August 16, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. (EDT)
Recordings of the calls will be made available for those who are unable to attend live.
What is the refund policy?
Please email [email protected] to request a refund. Refunds will not be granted on or after January 3.
If any live sessions cannot be conducted as planned due to unforeseen circumstances, you will be refunded 25% of the purchase price per call that does not take place.
What if I have technical difficulties?
We have a dedicated support person who can help you with any issues you may encounter. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
© Shambhala Publications. All Rights Reserved.
Online class icons created by Fajri rama - Flaticon
Other icons created by: