Wisdom Dharma Chat | Ani Choying Drolma
July 23, 2025
In this episode of Wisdom Dharma Chats, host Daniel Aitken welcomes Ani Choying Drolma, a Buddhist nun, renowned musician, and humanitarian. Ani-la and Daniel start out discussing the profound influence of her guru, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, on her life. She shares personal stories about her time in a nunnery, learning to sing from both Rinpoche and his wife, and how this time shaped her musical and spiritual path. They explore the concept of the “power of presence” in music and daily life, and the idea that personal challenges can serve as foundations for growth and self-discovery. Ani-la shares a powerful anecdote regarding Rinpoche teaching her to be compassionate towards her abusive father, and provides insights into managing anger, judgment, and developing compassion. An artist, activist, and teacher, Ani-la reminds us what’s possible when the Dharma is expressed not only through words, but through action, melody, and deep, unwavering care.
Show Links:
- Ani-la’s Wisdom Podcast episode, A Voice for Nepalese Buddhist Nuns
- Ani-la’s website, where you can learn more about her touring schedule and check back for when her book, Singing for Freedom, is available again.
- Watch The Sounds of Liberation—a three-hour-long concert featuring Ani-la, Manose, Lama Tenzin Sangpo, and Krishna Das. Exclusively available to All-Access and In-Depth members of the Wisdom Experience.
- Watch a 5-minute video of Ani-la and her team’s journey from Bagang Gomba to Tongshong Phuk Cave on her Facebook page.
Meet Our Guest
Ani Choying Drolma
Ani Choying Drolma is a Nepalese Buddhist nun renowned for her numerous humanitarian efforts, including the education of young girls, care of older people, and providing medical services for the underprivileged and dispossessed. Her efforts have been constantly praised and emulated, and her autobiography, Singing for Freedom, has been published in eleven languages and is listed as an international bestseller.
To support her many charitable activities, Ani performs worldwide singing traditional and modernized Buddhist chants as well as Nepali and Tibetan songs. She has performed for countless fans. She is a charming, attractive, vibrant, and eloquent performer, admired by fans in Nepal and throughout the world. The haunting melodies of her ancient songs and hymns have been passed from master to pupil for many centuries.
Ani believes that, if given equal opportunities, nuns have the potential to make the world a better place. One of her great and early accomplishments was the creation of the Arya Tara School, which opened in 2000. The school aims to equip nuns with the abilities and skills necessary to professionally serve their communities in a humanitarian capacity. Arya Tara School helps young nuns harness their compassion in effective, meaningful ways. “Traditionally,” says Ani, “women’s education is neglected in Asia. Most of the girls at my nunnery are from rural areas where women are expected just to cook, clean, and bear children. Many cannot write their own names.” The school educates them in literacy, math, and science, as well as medical and nursing skills and Buddhist philosophy.
In 1997, Ani began performing and recording her music for audiences around the world. She was discovered by a young American guitarist named Steve Tibbets, who heard her chanting. Upon returning to Nepal, he recorded her and subsequently added accompaniment; the result was the best-selling album called Cho. Since then, she has gone on to record multiple CDs and gained international fame and popularity.
