Blogpost by Tenzin Wangmo
Ani Choying Drolma, the “Rock Star Nun” and renowned Tibetan performing artist, spoke at the Tibet Governance Project of the Elliott School on Tuesday, March 29 on “Gender, Faith and Public Performance.”
Drawing on her unique experience as a nun in a non-traditional role, Ani Choying engaged in a frank and candid conversation with an enthralled audience. The issues she raised, ranging from mental illness and gender discrimination to health and spiritual wellbeing, provided insight into the personal journey of a dynamic creative force.
Today Ani Choying is a global public figure engaged with the communities through her various philanthropic work. She has used her talent to create social change in the fields of education, health and women’s empowerment in Nepal. As a Buddhist nun, Ani Choying has been subject to a fair share of criticism which she responds to with understanding and her signature humor.
With clear-minded intention of what matters and how to achieve it, Ani Choying has single handedly forged an unprecedented path for women in contemporary Tibetan Buddhist society. With her free spirit and unapologetic demeanor, she continues to push boundaries and open new spaces for Tibetan women, both in the religious and lay communities.
Ani Choying has combined her natural love for music and spiritual devotion to Buddhist teachings to reach people across the globe while creating social change. Her inspiring journey demonstrates vision, curiosity for learning and the breaking of barriers along the way.
You can hear Ani Choying live in concert this Saturday (April 2nd) at the Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University. Info here.
Ani Choying with Tenzin Wangmo at Machik Office
Ani Choying Drolma is a Buddhist nun and musician from the Nagi Gompa Nunnery in Nepal. She is known in Nepal and throughout the world for bringing many Tibetan Buddhist chants and feast songs to the mainstream audience. She is the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador to Nepal, and has been involved in several humanitarian works including the education of young girls, care of older people, and providing medical services for the underprivileged through Ani Foundation.
Tibet Governance Project 