Cave in the Snow

Tenzin Palmo's Quest for Enlightenment

By: Vicki Mackenzie

Narrated by: Georgina Sutton, Vicki Mackenzie, Tenzin Palmo

Includes a bonus track of Tenzin Palmo introducing a retreat.

This is the story of Tenzin Palmo, the daughter of a fishmonger from London's East End who became a Tibetan nun. After meditating for 12 years in a cave 13,000 feet up in the Himalayas, she became a world-renowned spiritual leader and champion of the right of women to achieve spiritual enlightenment.

Diane Perry grew up in London's East End. At the age of 18, however, she read a book on Buddhism and realised that this might fill a long-sensed void in her life.

In 1963, at the age of 20, she went to India, where she eventually entered a monastery. Being the only woman amongst hundreds of monks, she began her battle against the prejudice that has excluded women from enlightenment for thousands of years.

In 1976, she secluded herself in a remote cave 13,000 feet up in the Himalayas, where she stayed for 12 years between the ages of 33 and 45. In this mountain hideaway she faced unimaginable cold, wild animals, floods, snow and rockfalls, grew her own food and slept in a traditional wooden meditation box, three feet square - she never lay down.

In 1988, she emerged from the cave with a determination to build a convent in Northern India to revive the Togdenma lineage, a long-forgotten female spiritual elite. Despite her international teaching schedule, Tenzin Palmo maintains a deep commitment to her nunnery, Dongyu Gatsal Ling, in Himachal Pradesh.

©1999 Bloomsbury Plc (P)2015 Ukemi Productions Ltd

Critic reviews

" Cave in the Snow is full of extraordinary insights. It is a desert island book - one we can't very well live without." ( Tricycle Magazine)

Spiritually enlightening book, a great biography of a great woman.

She is truly inspiring and motivating, she has done something many people cannot dare to achieve.

Wonderful !

Tenzin Palmo my teacher for long time. She has being my inspiration becoming mindful for 20 years studying with her.

Listened to this in Nepal and Bhutan...

Was excellent and probably one of fastest books I have listened to. Couldn't wait to hear what else was happening.

Beyond belief inspiring

As a small Buddhist meditator for 20 years, I was flattened with inspiration by the book on the life of Tenzin Palmo, who spent 12 years in a cave meditating. It is a lovely, clear, fascinating book. It should be interesting for even non-Buddhists, just to see what is possible.

The best book in the last 10 years

So inspiring, absolute treasure. Very well written, fantastic lecture. You can listen it hundred times and will always find jewels 👏❤️👏

Outstanding and magical

loved the insights into mystical Tibetan buddhism, the honesty, the courage of this amazing woman and blown away by the immensity of her dedication and tenacity. a true inspiration and beautifully written.

simply amamzing descriptions of deep states of mind and solitude what a journey

What an amazing journey, must read for all spiritual seekers no matter which path one is following

A Remarkable Endeavour

Who would give up so much to persue her / his dream? Well if you in fact do, than you are truly a successful person. There is no need for massive bank balances to measure success, just the courage and freedom to become yourself. For serious readers, as the story gets deeper and depressing.......It is filled with questions and perhaps many answers on the nature of the mind and it's oneness. Tenzin Palmo's every word is nothing but wisdom.

Best Dharma explanations in chapter 14

Not only is this a wonderfully told story it is also an easy to understand explanation of key Dharma principles explained in a way that is relatable. Recommend for anyone interested in Buddhism

Inspiring and uplifting

This book is equally for people already on the path and for those seeking guidance towards daily practices and teachings that can change one’s course in life by awakening the true self. A must read/listen for those who aspire to self-realization!