“Life is a journey, not the destination.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
Introduction/Summary
Looking back on the year 2025, as New Year 2026 quickly approaches, it has been a “jam-packed” 365 days full of Dharma creativity, research, translations, solo female travel pilgrimage, musical and video reels, political and historical observations, attending international Buddhist events in Vietnam and India as a guest speaker, including being an international guest speaker at the VESAK day event in Hoh Chih Minh City (May 2025). As well as my third visit to the sacred Vajrayana land of Bhutan for the first mass Kālacakra empowerment there, given by Je Khenpo in November 2025.
In Bhutan, I also met for the first time the female tulku Dorje Phagmo Rinpoche, who spontaneously gifted me the most beautiful Dorje Phagmo artwork I have ever seen or had! As well as a private two hour meeting with the amazing 80 year old Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo in a break between the full ordination of the nuns there by Je Khenpo.
Although there were a few “opinion articles”, the vast majority of output was new research, translations, transcripts, video reels and musical “creations”. In terms of overall numbers, on average there were around four new “creations” published per week. In total two hundred and two! Although not as prolific as previous years, still not bad for a sole female author-translator-practitioner, especially while being undermined and attacked by various “Buddhists”, is it? There are so many that when trying to review and look back on it, is mentally overwhelming even for me, the creator-author ha ha ha. For a month-by-month summary of the year’s output see below. It only mentions some highlights and not ALL that was published. Each month in 2025 can also be clicked on the website in the side-panel Archives section.
One of the main highlights (for me at least!) was meeting and making a profound Vajrayana connection with a new teacher (this lifetime) too, HE 9th Gyalton Rinpoche. Even though some petty and narrow-minded immature laypeople in administration roles, actively tried to block it by spreading lies and gossip and intent on destroying my forming any positive connections with him or anyone else. I still look back on that time as precious, blessed and blissful indeed!
Pilgrimage and travel articles included places such Bodh Gaya, India, Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, Vienna, Berlin, Prague, Chengdu, China, Belgium, Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Thimphu, Bhutan.
Thus, it was mix of highs and lows (mainly highs) but never a day without something to learn and grow from, to practice and study Dharma and new original content shared for free for the benefit of all. That remained consistent and steady, like a diamond vajra! Ha ha ha
E-books and translations
Several new free e-books for download were published, such as Kālacakra Lineages and History, 17th Karmapa’s compiled teachings on Life of Atisha, and a compiled collection of my research and translations on Noble Tārā.
Also, original English translations of 17th Karmapa’s new texts such as the Four-fold Mandala Offering to Noble Tārā.
Videos, reels and new music
There were also new musical mantra recordings of Red Tārā, the six syllable Mani mantra with Tonglen meditation, a rendition of one of Yeshe Tsogyel’s songs, Longing for Meaning with English subtitles, a musical tribute to the 17th Karmapa: Blissful Dancing in the Lotus Heart (Karmapa Khyenno), and a No video podcasts this year, as lots of travelling and other activities and practice.
However, there were lots of new “Buddhism in a Nutshell” reels on Dharma topics, such as the five main Buddhist precepts, Vajrayana root downfalls, and “What is a Khandro (Ḍākinī) in Buddhism?, see here.
New website
Most-read/visited
The most-read articles were the “Dharma drama”/politics ones about the Schechen Monastery sacking of Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi, the sacking of Kalu Rinpoche from his monastery, and my own testimony as a survivor of lama misconduct and what consent means in a consort relation. These were closely followed by:
- LADY BUDDHA OF COMPASSION AND THE MARBLE MOUNTAINS: The Tallest Lady Avalokiteshvara statue in Indo-China and the nearby Marble Mountains, pagodas and caves (Vietnam Pilgrimage I)
- Vajrayoginī
- VICTORIOUS CROWN QUEEN, USHNISHA VIJAYA: DHARANI MANTRA THAT LENGTHENS LIFE-SPAN AND PROTECTS FROM ENTERING LOWER REALMS (8th Garchen Rinpoche teaching 2016)
- Lion-Faced Ḍākinī
- DAKINI SCRIPT (Khandro Da-yig): Mysterious Symbolic Key to Hidden Treasures
- THE SWEET SACRED TOOTH OF KANDY: Buddha’s tooth relic temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Last but not least a HUGE thanks to the sponsors/donors who made this work and travel possible this year, who share the merit of the work and activities done. In particular, one of the most generous sponsors, D, whose kindness not only in terms of money but verbal encouragement has been (and is) immeasurably generous and kind.
If you enjoy the website and work, it is all freely downloadable to all (unless there are restrictions on the content), so please use this New Year time to make a donation and show your support and share the merit!
Music? I Shift Energy by I am Imperatrix, Yesterday Once More by The Carpenters, In My Life by the Beatles.
Compiled by Adele Tomlin, 31st December 2025.
Month-by-month summary: Adele Tomlin/Dakini Translations
January 2025: 16 articles
In January, I attended the Kagyu Monlam Thailand, Chiang Mai, and also the Kagyu Monlam Bodh Gaya. Other new research and translations were translations and transcripts of the 17th Karmapa’s teachings for the Monlam, a new Chinese section of the website, and raising questions about the CTA and their (lack) of assistance to the 17th Karmapa and more.
There were some new E-Books: “Kālacakra Lineages, History and Philosophy: Contemporary Research and Translations” and a compilation of the 17th Karmapa’s teachings on Gyalwang Yangonpa’s Seven Pointing Out Instructions and short commentary by the 8th Karmapa, Mikyo Dorje(based on the original Tibetan).
Also, a new reel and article on WOMAN AS WISDOM: The importance of not denigrating/insulting women in Buddhist Vajrayana (root Vajrayana downfalls I)
February 2025: 25 articles
In February 2025, there were Losar celebrations and greetings from Bodh Gaya, with report on the Kagyu Monlam and 3rd Bokar Rinpoche’s empowerment there.
As well as various translations and research on the 17th Karmapa’s teachings on the Life of Atisha, and at the Kagyu Monlam, an article on “Not Lies: Three Roots Combined” text of the 3rd Karmapa: Origin, history and practice of the Three Roots Combined, 3rd Karmapa to 9th Karmapas, Treasure revealer, Choje Lingpa and 17th Karmapa’s revival of the Karma Kagyu tradition.
Also a report and transcript of HE 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche’s teachings on Pointing out the Three Kayas by the 3rd Karmapa, and a report and research on his five deity Jinasagara/Gyalwa Gyamtso empowerment.
Pilgrimage reports included this one to GREEN TĀRĀ TEMPLE AND DRUGPA KAGYU IN BODH GAYA: Green Tārā statue and 21 Tārā temple, Drugpa Kagyu Ngawang Thubten Choling Zhabdrung Monastery and 2nd Drugpa Kagyu Monlam Chenmo (Bodh Gaya pilgrimage IV)
Also, translations and research on Red Tārā inspired by the 17th Karmapa’s new texts on Tārā in the Karma Kagyu tradition.
March 2025: 59 articles
March 2025 was a prolific month of 59 new articles on the website consisting of several new original translations first based on a new original text by the 17th Karmapa on the Four-fold Mandala Offering to Noble Tārā in the Karma Kagyu tradition. As well as NEW TRANSLATION: “FIVE-DEITY TĀRĀ” OF FIRST KARMAPA. An introductory commentary on the origin, general and specific traditions and lineage of five-deity Tārā and a new sādhana composed by 17th Gyalwang Karmapa (2025)
Then, a New E-Book: “Life of Atisha” by 17th Gyalwang Karmapa (compiled teachings, 2023 and 2025)
I was also an online guest speaker at the launch of Niraj Kumar’s Kalacakra book Volume II, held in Delhi with other eminent academic speakers, and gave an online presentation for the New Delhi JNU conference: The Importance of the Ancient Indian Principle of Ahiṃsā (non-violence) and not eating animals in the 21st Century (Talk given for New Delhi JNU conference) and the issue of people killing and eating animals for pleasure and business at sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites
More transcripts and reports on the 17th Karmapa’s teachings on Fifty Verses of a Guru, on the essential qualities of a student and teacher.
New music composition and video THE FACE AND SOUNDS OF TĀRĀ.
Also, an article (or two) on the continuing absence of the 17th Karmapa in public at Karma Kagyu events in Bodh Gaya and Thailand, and yet a private event held (with several unknown laywomen present) in the heart of commercial and consumerist Bangkok. As well expressing my concerns about the sexist use of “unknown” female “dollybird” MCs at past Marme Monlam “concerts” with worldly pop singers in Bodh Gaya and NYC 2018, when previous years had male khenpos/monks.
Plus a new website section on Buddhism, history and politics: new website section and the connection between Dharma and politics
April 2025: 22 articles
April 2025 was focused mainly on the 17th Karmapa’s teachings on Fifty Verses on the Guru, with several transcripts and reports and specially created video clips with original English translated subtitles.
May 2025: 11 articles
May 2025 was the month I went to Vietnam for a second time (the first was in 2023), to attend as invited delegate speaker at the international VESAK day event, with flights and five star accommodation paid for by the Vietnamese hosts!
While in Vietnam, I also wrote some more pilgrimage articles, but met and made a new, blissful and intense connection with HE 9th Gyalton Rinpoche while attending his teaching the Discovering Buddhism within Course I in Hanoi.
I also wrote some more “political ponderings” on the dollybird phenomenon in Tibetan Buddhist culture and communities, the enabling of lama misconduct in Europe, as well as a new article on the masses of stolen texts of other lineages kept under lock and key at Drepung Monastery, Lhasa for three centuries.
There was also a report/translation on THE CHAKRASAMVARA (DEMCHOK: WHEEL OF BLISS) FOR GUIDING THE DECEASED (LHO-GO) RITUAL: New composition by 17th Gyalwang Karmapa and more transcripts of the 17th Karmapa’s teaching on the Fifty Verses on the Guru, including one on how the renowned Kagyu yogi, Rechungpa was physically attacked by his consort but did not respond back.
June 2025: 12 articles
June was the month I followed HE 9th Gyalton Rinpoche around Taiwan (and visited there for the first time), to attend several of his teachings and empowerments there in Tapei, Taichung and Khaohsiung. Ending in a long-life ceremony and offering in Taipei for the 17th Karmapa’s birthday.
Published my new English translation of the Introduction of TREE OF IMMORTAL NECTAR: The “Three Roots Unified/Abandoning Lies” Long-Life Karma Kagyu practice. Translated introduction of the first in the trilogy of commentary and sadhanas by the 17th Karmapa (Three Roots I)
Saga Dawa day was also commemorated and a report written “FOOTPRINT DEEPER AND VASTER THAN AN OCEAN”: PRAISING THE BUDDHA as well as a visit to Fo Guang Zhan, a sacred Buddhist temple in Taiwan.
I also reported on a shocking incident on social media, of an Alleged hacking/impersonation regarding serious domestic violence case of the 14th Dalai Lama’s nephew and secretary, Tenzin Taglha exposed by his wife, with accusations of enabling by senior Tibetan exile figures, including the 14th Dalai Lama
New video clips of the 17th Karmapa’s teachings were created (with English subtitle translation by myself) including The crucial difference between respect, faith and devotion – 17th Karmapa (video clip, Day 11, Fifty Verses on Guru, 2025)
As well as another transcript on the 17th Karmapa’s teaching on Fifty Verses on the Guru about treating the guru’s objects and wealth with respect, and how to behave purely and respectfully with one’s body, speech and mind conduct when in the guru’s presence and hearing, and the difference between having only faith and real devotion.
July 2025: 11 articles
In July 2025, I attended the Taiwan Kagyu Monlam in Taipei, and wrote reports on the 17th Karmapa’s live online speech, ttended a special event held for the 17th Karmapa’s birthday by HE 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche, and transcribed the 17th Karmapa’s speeches on his birthday.
While still in Taiwan, I did a little translation and research, such as “Heartfelt inspiration for the Kagyu Masters” – Translated verses by 8th Karmapa, Mikyo Dorje
I also attended more events in Taiwan, such as the KAGYU PROTECTOR RITUAL AND 71st BIRTHDAY COMMEMORATION WITH HE 12TH GYALTSAB RINPOCHE: Birthday commemoration protector puja, and 1st Karmapa’s five-deity Tārā empowerment with HE 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche (5-6 July, Taipei Taiwan 2025)/
Also, a report on 3rd Bokar Rinpoche’s Avalokiteshvara empowerment, during the Taiwan Kagyu Monlam. Followed by a new musical mantra and meditation composition inspired by that empowerment, on Tonglen practice and the six syllable Mani mantra.
And a reel and article on what is merit in Buddhism and why it is important,
August 2025: 5 articles
August 2025 was the “least productive” month as I was was in Europe, following 9th Gyalton Rinpoche teachings there. Much of the month was spent dealing with hostility and aggression by a few people there, such as being heartlessly barred from attending his Avalokiteshvara empowerment by an administrator I had never met or spoken to before and her refusing to return the registration payment fee.
However, I was able to attend Rinpoche’s teachings in Berlin, with a very blissful three hour sightseeing small group walk around Berlin (see photo) and wrote a report on it. This again was marred by an administrator deciding on the basis of gossip to demand I leave the centre but fortunately did not follow through on it.
Then I attended the Prague Discovering Buddhism course and wrote a report on it, even though new rules had been created by some people to try and “screen me out” due to reasons of personal dislike/aversion about my work and writing (about the Gelugpas and lama misconduct). However, despite Jampa and Titi’s best efforts to stop me attending, Gyalton Rinpoche advised them they should let me attend, otherwise they would have to ask others who had registered before the new rule not to attend too.
September 2025
Due to the levels of hostility there by people I had never met, and administrators of the DBW course, Jampa and Titi mainly, as well as being actively deceived by Lama Sangyay of a French Karma Kagyu centre, where Gyalton Rinpoche was teaching next, saying there were no rooms available when there were, I headed off (rather disappointed and heart-broken and being magnetised) to Chengdu, China to attend an academic conference on Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhism.
In September 2025, after about ten days in Chengdu, I was heavily magnetised to come back to Europe again, to attend 9th Gyalton Rinpoche’s ongoing teachings in Belgium. First Brussels, where he taught on the 3rd Karmapa’s important text on Buddha Nature, and then in rural Beaumont. I wrote two reports on these teaching events. “EMBODYING THE ESSENCE” WITH LOVE, TIME, PRESENCE AND STABILITY: “One Gone to Bliss” Buddha Nature experiential teachings on text by 3rd Karmapa by 9th Gyalton Rinpoche in Belgium (Part I: 11-12 September 2025)
Sadly, in Beaumont, I was again deliberately targeted by people at the event for bullying and humiliation, after they told me they had been requested to do so by administrator people unknown to me who had some kind of personal grudge and wanted to keep me physically apart from Rinpoche, as if he needed bodyguards. Nonetheless, I was able to attend the teachings and took refuge publicly with Rinpoche, receiving a new Dharma name too! See: THE CREATION STAGE AND PURE PERCEPTION IN VAJRAYANA: Taking refuge vows and getting a new refuge name, instructions on pure perception and the creation stage, and deliberately harassed/targeted by total strangers revealed as part of a general smear campaign to disrupt my connection with the teacher (Beaumont, Belgium Part II, 9th Gyalton Rinpoche)
October 2025: 13 articles
In October, I published my summary about the various (yet persistent pattern) of bullying and harassment incidents in Vietnam and Europe by administrators without any discussion with myself or Gyalton Rinpoche in terms of actions taken by a few administrators.
There was also a new translation: No Regrets: “New Melody (Yangchen Sarma)”’s Reflections: Verses by the 8th Karmapa, Mikyo Dorje (tr. Adele Tomlin), as well as a transcript and research article on the 8th Tai Situpa’s White Tārā and 9th Gyalton Rinpoche’s explanation of the text.
A new video reel and article on THE CREATIVE POWER, BLISS AND WISDOM OF A WOMAN’S BODY: Why are wisdom, love and compassion exemplified by a woman’s body/form in Buddhism?
I also wrote some articles on the sale of precious Tibetan Buddhist artworks by private art collectors, such as UIlrich Von Schroeder and posed the question as to returning these works to origin. The participation of the 5th Dalai Lama using tantric rituals to kill and maim ordinary beings during the Mongolian takeover of Tibet, and Documenting the ruins of two 14th Century Karma Kagyu monasteries, destroyed or taken over by Mongolian-Gelugpa sectarians.
As well as an analysis/opinion article about the all male line-up for the Bhutan Global Peace Prayer event!
November 2025: 12 articles
November 2025 I travelled to Bhutan for the third time and attended the magnificent Kālacakra empowerment there given by Je Khenpo. A series of reports and research articles were published on the event, a transcript of Day One of Je Khenpo’s teaching, and about places visited in Thimphu, such as visiting the Buddha’s bone relics at Tashi Chodzong.
I also met and wrote a report about the animal rights and vegan activities of Bhutanese lama, Kunzang Dorjee Rinpoche and his vegan monastery and Jangsa Animal Life-Saving Trust. This led to another article on how even though slaughterhouses are banned in Bhutan, meat is eaten everywhere there, with meat imported from India.
The visit ended with an amazing meeting and gift from Dorje Phagmo Rinpoche of a Dorje Phagmo/Varjavarahi thanka artwork and making some short video teaching reels of her speaking about what a Khandro/Dakini is, and my own reel on Who is Vajravarahi?
There was also a private two hour meeting with the amazing 80 year old Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo in a break between the full ordination of the nuns there by Je Khenpo, which I reported on here.
A new website section on Bhutan was created, to house the various research articles.
There were also opinion articles on the stolen and invisible female lineages of the “Northern Treasure” by the 5th Dalai Lama and Gelugpas from the 17th Century onwards, serious reports of abuse by retreat lamas at Holy Isle, Samye Ling, Scotland and more.
December 2025: 11 articles
In December 2025, I went to Thailand, and produced some new research and translations, including a new website on the Karmapas’ Collected Works and a new website section to house the reports and translations connected to 9th Gyalton Rinpoche.
A new petition was also launched to stop animal cruelty and slaughter in and around sacred Buddhist sites in India and Asia, such as the Bodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya, and more!