Ani Pachen (1933-2002) was a celebrated warrior nun who led the Tibetan resistance against the Chinese. Even though she was imprisoned for 21 years, her determination to fight for her country never faltered.
Ani Pachen (1933-2002) was a celebrated warrior nun who led the Tibetan resistance against the Chinese. Even though she was imprisoned for 21 years, her determination to fight for her country never faltered.
This month, we’re highlighting Women of Resistance. Whether fighting tyranny, oppression, sexism, racism, reproductive control, or any number of other ills, these women created paths for change.
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Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.
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Hello! From Wonder Media Network, I’m Jenny Kaplan and this is Womanica.
This month on Womanica, we’re highlighting women who led extraordinary lives of resistance. Whether fighting tyranny, oppression, sexism, racism, or reproductive control, these women created paths for change.
Today we’re talking about a celebrated warrior nun who led the Tibetan resistance against the Chinese. Even though she was imprisoned for 21 years, her determination to fight for her country never faltered.
Let’s talk about Ani Pachen.
Ani Pachen was born in 1933 in eastern Tibet. Ani Pachen was the only surviving child of the Chieftain of the Lemdha clan. Growing up, she learned how to ride horses and shoot guns, and also became close with her aunt, who was a Buddhist nun.
When Ani Pachen was a teenager, she found out her father had secretly planned an arranged marriage for her. She was distraught at the idea of becoming a wife. So, in the dark of night, she mounted her favorite horse and by the light of the moon journeyed to a monastery. A few days into this trek, her father’s men found her and told her he would call off the engagement. Ani Pachen returned home.
Back at home, she split her time between religion and family duties. She spent six months away at a monastery, training to become a nun – which is where her title, “Ani” comes from. It’s Tibetan for “nun.” But, her father called her home again. China had begun asserting power over Tibet. Chinese troops crossed the border at the Yangtze River. They destroyed monasteries and killed Tibetans. Ani Pachen sat with her father , during war councils, where chieftains decided to fight back.
In 1958, Ani Pachen’s father passed away. She knew then that she couldn’t lead the life of meditation and Buddhist prayer she had wanted. Instead, she needed to rise to the moment. As Chinese troops advanced, she helped lead the armed resistance.
When their home city, Gonjo, was overrun, Ani Pachen and her people fled to the hills. They faced repeated attacks from Chinese troops and eventually, Ani Pachen was captured.
At the age of 25, Ani Pachen began 21 years of imprisonment. She endured psychological and physical torture. She was beaten with sticks and suspended upside down from the ceiling. Her legs were shackled for a year and she was given no food to eat. Her hair began to fall out and she would pass out due to malnourishment.
To get through those brutal years, she held onto her faith. She was determined to complete 100,000 ritual prostrations while she was in solitary confinement.
When Ani Pachen was finally released in 1981, she continued to fight for independence in Tibet. She protested and participated in demonstrations.
In 1988, she faced the risk of being arrested again, and decided to flee the country. She settled in Dharamsala, India, joining supporters of the Dalai Lama.
Until the end of her life, Ani Pachen traveled the world to rally support for Tibetan independence. She often spoke of her resentment of having missed out on her life living most of her youth in prison.
In 2000, she co-wrote her autobiography. She summarized her legacy at the end of the book, saying:
“As for me, the story will go like this: She led her people to fight against the Chinese. She was present at the protests in Lhasa. She worked to save the ancient spiritual teachings. When I die, just my story will be left.”
In 2002, Ani Pachen died of heart failure in her home in Dharamsala.
All month, we’re talking about women of resistance.
For more information, follow us on facebook and instagram @womanicapodcast.
Special thanks to Liz Kaplan, my favorite sister and co-creator.
Talk to you tomorrow!