Oxford University Press Himalayan Hermitess: The Life of a Tibetan Buddhist Nun

Discover a rare piece of spiritual history with Himalayan Hermitess: The Life of a Tibetan Buddhist Nun. Published by Oxford University Press, this book tells the remarkable story of Orgyan Chokyi (1675-1729), a woman who lived in the high Dolpo region of the Nepal Himalayas. Despite being illiterate and forbidden by her master to write her own history, she received divine inspiration to compose this engaging spiritual autobiography. As the oldest of only four Tibetan autobiographies written by women, this text offers a unique look into the life of a pre-modern Buddhist woman. It stands as a significant work within the Tibetan literary tradition and Buddhist literature as a whole. Translated by Kurtis Schaeffer, this edition provides an authentic window into a life of devotion and resilience in one of the highest inhabited regions on Earth. This book is an essential addition for readers interested in historical biographies, religious studies, and the voices of women in ancient traditions.