Ani Palmo

Cleveland, OH

Raised in a Catholic family, Ani Palmo spent years searching for a spiritual path that was grounded in reason, personal experience, and genuine transformation. Her journey through Zen, Vipassana, and eventually Tibetan Buddhism revealed a practice that didn't ask for blind faith, but invited inquiry, compassion, and direct experience. Today, as the director and resident teacher of Songtsen Gampo Buddhist Center, she shares how meditation, emptiness, bodhichitta, and the Vajrayana path have transformed her understanding of suffering, relationships, death, and the purpose of human life. Through decades of practice, Ani Palmo demonstrates that Buddhism is not about escaping the world, but learning to meet it with wisdom, patience, and an open heart.

Experience

30 Plus Years

Tradition

Vajrayana

Background

Ani Palmo, the director and resident teacher of Song San Gampo Buddhist Center in Lakewood, Ohio, shares her spiritual journey from a Catholic upbringing to discovering Tibetan Buddhism. Growing up in Garfield Heights, a suburb of Cleveland, Ani Palmo navigated her Catholic education with a sense of dissatisfaction, grappling with the teachings and treatment of women within the faith.

Her exploration led her through various spiritual traditions, including New Age practices and Zen Buddhism in Japan, but she found them lacking in depth and spiritual fulfillment. It was during a retreat in Southern Thailand that she encountered Theravada Buddhism, which resonated deeply with her, offering a methodical approach to developing inner qualities.

However, it was a chance encounter with Sogyal Rinpoche in California and subsequent exposure to Vajrayana Buddhism in France that redirected her path. Inspired by the wisdom and compassion of Tibetan Buddhist masters, including the Dalai Lama, Ani Palmo embraced the Vajrayana tradition, despite initial reservations.

Her journey culminated in a spontaneous decision to embark on a three-year retreat at Chanteloube, France, under the guidance of respected teachers. Despite feeling unprepared, Ani Palmo’s dedication and openness led her to embrace this intensive practice, marking a significant turning point in her spiritual journey.

Throughout her narrative, Ani Palmo reflects on the importance of authenticity, openness, and a methodical approach to spiritual practice. Her journey underscores the transformative power of Buddhism and the profound impact of encountering genuine spiritual masters.

For privacy reasons Vimeo needs your permission to be loaded.