Lama entered the traditional 3 year, 3 month, 3 week retreat for the Karma Kaygu School of Tibetan Buddhism at Karme’ Ling Retreat Centre located in Delhi NY in 2004. This traditional retreat has not changed in mean or method for over a thousand years. During retreat Lama Khandro held monastic vows and was cloistered in study and contemplation. In retreat she was found to have an aptitude for ritual and traditional arts. She received the title of Lama (teacher) after successfully completing retreat in 2008.
After returning to Jacksonville Lama Tsultrim Khandro was appointed Karma Thegsum Choling’s spiritual director and resident Lama. She completed Clinical Pastoral Education in hospital chaplaincy and is regularly called to serve in hospitals.
Lama Khandro holds a seat on the Interfaith Council of Jacksonville. She has participated in several community service events including the Buddhist consecration of the National Cemetery in Jacksonville and World AIDS Week memorial events. Lama has been a frequent speaker in college classrooms, and has hosted and instructed visiting classroom groups at the KTC Jacksonville center.
Lama Tsultrim Khandro is only one of a handfull of American women Buddhist Lamas teaching in North America. Lama is qualified to perform weddings, partnership unions, funerals, home blessings, animal blessings and other pastoral rituals for the Buddhist community. She is known for her realistic approach, down-to-earth teaching style, and compassion for all living beings.
