In commemoration of the 21st anniversary of the enthronement of Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo on September 24, we are presenting testimonials from Jetsunma’s students about her impact on their lives.

I had been searching for some time. Ever since my father-in-law died very young, and my Grandmother, who had taught me to pray, passed away, I had been searching,  I wanted to know where they went.  It didn’t seem to me that this life was the end.  I had been taught that when you’re dead, you’re dead.  But that didn’t bring any comfort at the loss of dearly loved ones.

I had done some volunteer work with Native Americans, and a Native American woman I worked with suggested that I learn to meditate.  She gave me the name and number of a woman who was a student of Jetsunma’s.  I learned that Jetsunma was teaching in Arlington, Virginia where I lived.   I went with my friend Tracey from work to hear Jetsunma speak, and we were both very moved.  I felt a connection to Jetsunma and knew when she invited the audience to her Center in Kensington, Maryland that Tracey and I would go there.

When I entered Jetsunma’s rec. room that evening in Kensington, I felt the most incredible love that I had ever felt in my life.  Needless-to-say I kept going back.  That was 25 years ago.

The blessing of having Jetsunma with her incredible loving kindness and compassion hook me onto the Path has changed my life.  I know that when Jetsunma speaks to us, and we each hear and receive what we need at that time.  There is something that happens, and I can feel something shift inside.  Something changes, and it has been that way ever since I had the blessing of hearing Jetsunma at that very first teaching in Arlington.

I didn’t grow up with a sense of cause and effect, other than to know if I’d been bad I’d be punished.  Through the grace of my Precious Lama’s Teachings, including some very direct instructions and teachings, I have had the blessing of being totally opened up to see what was going on and what I needed to work hard to change.  I know that Jetsunma can see what is happening to each of us, and has the great compassion to tell us what it is we need to change.

 I can’t imagine not being here with my Root Guru’s Sangha, all of us working together in Jetsunma’s Mandala. I am grateful in my heart beyond words to be here with my Precious Root Guru Jetsunma and this Precious Sangha.  This Precious Teacher and this incredible Path have given and continue to give me the foundation of my life, so that I can be of benefit to beings.

Love,

Amita Rene