
Pema Khandro is an internationally renowned teacher and scholar of Buddhist philosophy. Ordained in the Nyingma lineage, enthroned as a tulku, and trained as an academic, her teachings celebrate the dynamic coalescence of tradition and the modern context. She is the founder of Ngakpa International and its three projects: The Buddhist Studies Institute, Dakini Mountain and the Yogic Medicine Institute. In her work as a Buddhist teacher she is an authorized Lama and lineage holder of the Nyingma and Kagyu traditions and was enthroned to carry on the lineage of her predecessor, the first Pema Khandro, an early twentieth century yogini in Eastern Tibet. She has led a vibrant world-wide community since 1999. Through the Buddhist Studies Institute, she also offers a complete curriculum of training in Tibetan meditation and Buddhist Philosophy. She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, a Master’s degree specializing in Tibetan buddhism and she is currently completing her Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies at the University of Virginia. Her scholarly research focuses on the history of Dzogchen and upon Women, Gender and Sexuality in Tibetan Buddhism.
For full bio and website, visit: PemaKhandro.org
Pema Khandro’s Extended Biography
Events with Pema Khandro

April 5, 2023
Vajrayana Training is offered in modules. The courses are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. In web-classes, meeting twice a month, students will discover how to understand the pivotal principles of Tibetan Buddhism, make sense of empowerments, and go deep into understanding oneself, one’s own world, and how to make better sense of one’s own mind. Click here for full curriculum and details – Vajrayana Training. For questions or help with enrollment, please contact Membership@Ngakpa.org.

April 7 - 9, 2023
Teachings Embodying Natural Heroism Course Details Join us for this special event, the Chakrasamvara Empowerment, an initiation into the inner tantra practice of generation stage meditation ~ led by Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche and Lama Pema Khandro. This exceptional program will feature three mornings of instructions, empowerment and meditations of Chakrasamvara. It will be led by Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche who will give the empowerment and Lama Pema Khandro who will give the instructions for practice. We are honored to host the most excellent interpreter, Ina Bieler! The empowerment will be translated into lucid and easy to understand English. What…

April 12, 2023
Vajrayana Training is offered in modules. The courses are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. In web-classes, meeting twice a month, students will discover how to understand the pivotal principles of Tibetan Buddhism, make sense of empowerments, and go deep into understanding oneself, one’s own world, and how to make better sense of one’s own mind. Click here for full curriculum and details – Vajrayana Training. For questions or help with enrollment, please contact Membership@Ngakpa.org.

April 19, 2023
Ngakpa Training The 5 year curriculum of Ngakpa Training offers an in-depth study of Vajrayana Buddhist history, philosophy and practice, focusing on the Inner Tantras of the Nyingma Tradition, also known as MahaYoga, AnuYoga, and Dzogchen. For more information about Ngakpa Training go to https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/ngakpa-training/ Course Format The self-paced modules and quizzes can be taken on your own timing and in linear fashion. Upon passing the quizzes of the self-paced modules, students may enter the live online classes. Live online class meets twice a month online, in addition to reading assignments, practice requirements, oral presentations and debates on Buddhist philosophy.…

May 3, 2023
Vajrayana Training is offered in modules. The courses are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. In web-classes, meeting twice a month, students will discover how to understand the pivotal principles of Tibetan Buddhism, make sense of empowerments, and go deep into understanding oneself, one’s own world, and how to make better sense of one’s own mind. Click here for full curriculum and details – Vajrayana Training. For questions or help with enrollment, please contact Membership@Ngakpa.org.

May 10, 2023
Vajrayana Training is offered in modules. The courses are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. In web-classes, meeting twice a month, students will discover how to understand the pivotal principles of Tibetan Buddhism, make sense of empowerments, and go deep into understanding oneself, one’s own world, and how to make better sense of one’s own mind. Click here for full curriculum and details – Vajrayana Training. For questions or help with enrollment, please contact Membership@Ngakpa.org.

May 17, 2023
Ngakpa Training The 5 year curriculum of Ngakpa Training offers an in-depth study of Vajrayana Buddhist history, philosophy and practice, focusing on the Inner Tantras of the Nyingma Tradition, also known as MahaYoga, AnuYoga, and Dzogchen. For more information about Ngakpa Training go to https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/ngakpa-training/ Course Format The self-paced modules and quizzes can be taken on your own timing and in linear fashion. Upon passing the quizzes of the self-paced modules, students may enter the live online classes. Live online class meets twice a month online, in addition to reading assignments, practice requirements, oral presentations and debates on Buddhist philosophy.…

June 7, 2023
Vajrayana Training is offered in modules. The courses are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. In web-classes, meeting twice a month, students will discover how to understand the pivotal principles of Tibetan Buddhism, make sense of empowerments, and go deep into understanding oneself, one’s own world, and how to make better sense of one’s own mind. Click here for full curriculum and details – Vajrayana Training. For questions or help with enrollment, please contact Membership@Ngakpa.org.

June 14, 2023
Ngakpa Training The 5 year curriculum of Ngakpa Training offers an in-depth study of Vajrayana Buddhist history, philosophy and practice, focusing on the Inner Tantras of the Nyingma Tradition, also known as MahaYoga, AnuYoga, and Dzogchen. For more information about Ngakpa Training go to https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/ngakpa-training/ Course Format The self-paced modules and quizzes can be taken on your own timing and in linear fashion. Upon passing the quizzes of the self-paced modules, students may enter the live online classes. Live online class meets twice a month online, in addition to reading assignments, practice requirements, oral presentations and debates on Buddhist philosophy.…

June 14, 2023
Vajrayana Training is offered in modules. The courses are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. In web-classes, meeting twice a month, students will discover how to understand the pivotal principles of Tibetan Buddhism, make sense of empowerments, and go deep into understanding oneself, one’s own world, and how to make better sense of one’s own mind. Click here for full curriculum and details – Vajrayana Training. For questions or help with enrollment, please contact Membership@Ngakpa.org.

July 5, 2023
Vajrayana Training is offered in modules. The courses are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. In web-classes, meeting twice a month, students will discover how to understand the pivotal principles of Tibetan Buddhism, make sense of empowerments, and go deep into understanding oneself, one’s own world, and how to make better sense of one’s own mind. Click here for full curriculum and details – Vajrayana Training. For questions or help with enrollment, please contact Membership@Ngakpa.org.

July 12, 2023
Vajrayana Training is offered in modules. The courses are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. In web-classes, meeting twice a month, students will discover how to understand the pivotal principles of Tibetan Buddhism, make sense of empowerments, and go deep into understanding oneself, one’s own world, and how to make better sense of one’s own mind. Click here for full curriculum and details – Vajrayana Training. For questions or help with enrollment, please contact Membership@Ngakpa.org.

July 19, 2023
Ngakpa Training The 5 year curriculum of Ngakpa Training offers an in-depth study of Vajrayana Buddhist history, philosophy and practice, focusing on the Inner Tantras of the Nyingma Tradition, also known as MahaYoga, AnuYoga, and Dzogchen. For more information about Ngakpa Training go to https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/ngakpa-training/ Course Format The self-paced modules and quizzes can be taken on your own timing and in linear fashion. Upon passing the quizzes of the self-paced modules, students may enter the live online classes. Live online class meets twice a month online, in addition to reading assignments, practice requirements, oral presentations and debates on Buddhist philosophy.…

August 2, 2023
Vajrayana Training is offered in modules. The courses are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. In web-classes, meeting twice a month, students will discover how to understand the pivotal principles of Tibetan Buddhism, make sense of empowerments, and go deep into understanding oneself, one’s own world, and how to make better sense of one’s own mind. Click here for full curriculum and details – Vajrayana Training. For questions or help with enrollment, please contact Membership@Ngakpa.org.

August 9, 2023
Vajrayana Training is offered in modules. The courses are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. In web-classes, meeting twice a month, students will discover how to understand the pivotal principles of Tibetan Buddhism, make sense of empowerments, and go deep into understanding oneself, one’s own world, and how to make better sense of one’s own mind. Click here for full curriculum and details – Vajrayana Training. For questions or help with enrollment, please contact Membership@Ngakpa.org.

August 16, 2023
Ngakpa Training The 5 year curriculum of Ngakpa Training offers an in-depth study of Vajrayana Buddhist history, philosophy and practice, focusing on the Inner Tantras of the Nyingma Tradition, also known as MahaYoga, AnuYoga, and Dzogchen. For more information about Ngakpa Training go to https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/ngakpa-training/ Course Format The self-paced modules and quizzes can be taken on your own timing and in linear fashion. Upon passing the quizzes of the self-paced modules, students may enter the live online classes. Live online class meets twice a month online, in addition to reading assignments, practice requirements, oral presentations and debates on Buddhist philosophy.…

September 6, 2023
Vajrayana Training is offered in modules. The courses are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. In web-classes, meeting twice a month, students will discover how to understand the pivotal principles of Tibetan Buddhism, make sense of empowerments, and go deep into understanding oneself, one’s own world, and how to make better sense of one’s own mind. Click here for full curriculum and details – Vajrayana Training. For questions or help with enrollment, please contact Membership@Ngakpa.org.

September 13, 2023
Vajrayana Training is offered in modules. The courses are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. In web-classes, meeting twice a month, students will discover how to understand the pivotal principles of Tibetan Buddhism, make sense of empowerments, and go deep into understanding oneself, one’s own world, and how to make better sense of one’s own mind. Click here for full curriculum and details – Vajrayana Training. For questions or help with enrollment, please contact Membership@Ngakpa.org.

September 20, 2023
Ngakpa Training The 5 year curriculum of Ngakpa Training offers an in-depth study of Vajrayana Buddhist history, philosophy and practice, focusing on the Inner Tantras of the Nyingma Tradition, also known as MahaYoga, AnuYoga, and Dzogchen. For more information about Ngakpa Training go to https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/ngakpa-training/ Course Format The self-paced modules and quizzes can be taken on your own timing and in linear fashion. Upon passing the quizzes of the self-paced modules, students may enter the live online classes. Live online class meets twice a month online, in addition to reading assignments, practice requirements, oral presentations and debates on Buddhist philosophy.…

October 4, 2023
Vajrayana Training is offered in modules. The courses are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. In web-classes, meeting twice a month, students will discover how to understand the pivotal principles of Tibetan Buddhism, make sense of empowerments, and go deep into understanding oneself, one’s own world, and how to make better sense of one’s own mind. Click here for full curriculum and details – Vajrayana Training. For questions or help with enrollment, please contact Membership@Ngakpa.org.

October 6 - 8, 2023
Feast of Nectar – Vajra Sangha Retreat Oct 6th-8th. In-person – Location TBA Pre-requisite: Vajra Sangha membership

October 11, 2023
Vajrayana Training is offered in modules. The courses are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. In web-classes, meeting twice a month, students will discover how to understand the pivotal principles of Tibetan Buddhism, make sense of empowerments, and go deep into understanding oneself, one’s own world, and how to make better sense of one’s own mind. Click here for full curriculum and details – Vajrayana Training. For questions or help with enrollment, please contact Membership@Ngakpa.org.

October 18, 2023
Ngakpa Training The 5 year curriculum of Ngakpa Training offers an in-depth study of Vajrayana Buddhist history, philosophy and practice, focusing on the Inner Tantras of the Nyingma Tradition, also known as MahaYoga, AnuYoga, and Dzogchen. For more information about Ngakpa Training go to https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/ngakpa-training/ Course Format The self-paced modules and quizzes can be taken on your own timing and in linear fashion. Upon passing the quizzes of the self-paced modules, students may enter the live online classes. Live online class meets twice a month online, in addition to reading assignments, practice requirements, oral presentations and debates on Buddhist philosophy.…

November 1, 2023
Vajrayana Training is offered in modules. The courses are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. In web-classes, meeting twice a month, students will discover how to understand the pivotal principles of Tibetan Buddhism, make sense of empowerments, and go deep into understanding oneself, one’s own world, and how to make better sense of one’s own mind. Click here for full curriculum and details – Vajrayana Training. For questions or help with enrollment, please contact Membership@Ngakpa.org.

November 8, 2023
Vajrayana Training is offered in modules. The courses are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. In web-classes, meeting twice a month, students will discover how to understand the pivotal principles of Tibetan Buddhism, make sense of empowerments, and go deep into understanding oneself, one’s own world, and how to make better sense of one’s own mind. Click here for full curriculum and details – Vajrayana Training. For questions or help with enrollment, please contact Membership@Ngakpa.org.

November 15, 2023
Ngakpa Training The 5 year curriculum of Ngakpa Training offers an in-depth study of Vajrayana Buddhist history, philosophy and practice, focusing on the Inner Tantras of the Nyingma Tradition, also known as MahaYoga, AnuYoga, and Dzogchen. For more information about Ngakpa Training go to https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/ngakpa-training/ Course Format The self-paced modules and quizzes can be taken on your own timing and in linear fashion. Upon passing the quizzes of the self-paced modules, students may enter the live online classes. Live online class meets twice a month online, in addition to reading assignments, practice requirements, oral presentations and debates on Buddhist philosophy.…

December 1 - 3, 2023
Buddhism & The Environment Dec 1-3rd, 2023: 9am-12pm PST / 12-3pm EST Re-imagine the world and a human being’s place in it through the perspective of twenty-five hundred years of Buddhism. Join Pema Khandro and Buddhist Studies scholars to reconsider earth, the elements, nature and environment within a sense of interdependence, impermanence and an ethic of profound care. TUITION Advanced Enrollment Discount (by 2/4): $175 General Tuition (begins 2/5): $210 50% Discount for Snow Lion Members, Free with All Access Pass *Apply Member Codes at checkout for Membership Discounts Financial Aid Financial aid scholarships are available. The course costs…

December 6, 2023
Vajrayana Training is offered in modules. The courses are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. In web-classes, meeting twice a month, students will discover how to understand the pivotal principles of Tibetan Buddhism, make sense of empowerments, and go deep into understanding oneself, one’s own world, and how to make better sense of one’s own mind. Click here for full curriculum and details – Vajrayana Training. For questions or help with enrollment, please contact Membership@Ngakpa.org.

December 13, 2023
Vajrayana Training is offered in modules. The courses are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. In web-classes, meeting twice a month, students will discover how to understand the pivotal principles of Tibetan Buddhism, make sense of empowerments, and go deep into understanding oneself, one’s own world, and how to make better sense of one’s own mind. Click here for full curriculum and details – Vajrayana Training. For questions or help with enrollment, please contact Membership@Ngakpa.org.

December 20, 2023
Ngakpa Training The 5 year curriculum of Ngakpa Training offers an in-depth study of Vajrayana Buddhist history, philosophy and practice, focusing on the Inner Tantras of the Nyingma Tradition, also known as MahaYoga, AnuYoga, and Dzogchen. For more information about Ngakpa Training go to https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/ngakpa-training/ Course Format The self-paced modules and quizzes can be taken on your own timing and in linear fashion. Upon passing the quizzes of the self-paced modules, students may enter the live online classes. Live online class meets twice a month online, in addition to reading assignments, practice requirements, oral presentations and debates on Buddhist philosophy.…