Lama Ngakmo Chonyi

• Staff

Lama Chonyi (Dr. Betty J. Kramer)  is an uplifting and dedicated teacher currently on a long retreat, deepening her practice and connection to the Dharma. With a distinguished career as a Professor of Social Work and a member of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Kramer is nationally recognized for her expertise in gerontology, particularly in palliative and end-of-life care, grief, and bereavement. Her pioneering research has significantly advanced our understanding of male caregivers, the unique aspects of end-of-life caregiving, and the profound transitions within the caregiving journey.

As a Fellow of the Center for Contemplative Mind in Society, Dr. Kramer developed curricula that emphasize the importance of mindfulness in fostering compassionate and ethically grounded social action. Her 28 years of experience with various forms of meditation and her deep-rooted interest in Eastern perspectives on mental health have guided her practice and teachings in Tibetan Buddhism. She is also the recipient of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) Distinguished Researcher Award in 2008, recognizing her impactful contributions to the field.Ordained since 2004, a lama trainee since 2010, and confirmed with a permanent title in 2020, Lama Chonyi imparts wisdom through teachings such as Buddhist Approaches to End of Life, Grieving Mindfully, Cultivating Mindfulness, and Practical Buddhist Wisdom. As she immerses herself in her retreat, her luminous presence and deep compassion continue to inspire those who seek a mindful and meaningful approach to life and death.

Watch excerpts from Living with the End in Mind below, or watch the full teaching here