This interview with Venerable Jigme (also known as Elly van der Pas) reveals the extraordinary journey of a woman who went from working as a technician at a post office to taking monastic vows and closely working with Geshe Michael Roach. Her story is not just a spiritual path but also a tale of personal transformation, marked by powerful encounters and unexpected turns.
First Mention of Geshe Michael
“I already knew about him before we met in person. That was before the internet — there were electronic bulletin boards back then.”
Jigme first learned about Geshe Michael in the late 1980s through a short article in Whole Earth Review. Although she wasn’t a Buddhist at the time, the mention of preserving ancient texts through the ACIP project caught her attention.
🔗 Watch the second part of the interview here:
Awakening and the Path to Monastic Life
“Everything changed after the interview with the Dalai Lama. I thought, ‘This is what I want to do.’”
A turning point came when Jigme traveled to India and met His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1989. This encounter shifted her entire life. Soon after, she quit her job to attend retreat and eventually took ordination as a nun.
A Near-Death Experience
“I almost died. My liver failed, I lost my memory, and couldn’t walk.”
During an intense retreat, Jigme suffered from severe liver failure. Her recovery was supported by her spiritual teachers and retreat centers. Later, she was invited to stay at an FPMT retreat center in California, where she was unexpectedly chosen to be the editor of their newsletter.
Meeting Geshe Michael for the First Time
“Someone just pointed him out to me. I said ‘Hi,’ he said ‘Hi,’ that was it.”
Jigme first met Geshe Michael in the early 90s, just before the ACI courses began. Although their initial meeting was brief, she soon began listening to his recorded teachings, which deeply impressed her.
Working and Studying Alongside Her Teacher
“I listened to his voice so much I could tell if he was smiling just by how he spoke.”
When Geshe Michael later invited her to work with him, it marked the beginning of a long collaboration. She helped organize courses, write articles, raise funds, and accompanied him when he received his Geshe degree at Sera Monastery in South India.
A Teacher Unlike Any Other
“He wasn’t like other monks. He spoke Russian, traveled to Mongolia, had tiny tattoos… I even thought maybe he was a spy.”
Geshe Michael’s combination of monastic life and business activity surprised even his close students. His teaching style — logical, deep, and humorous — captivated many. He was well respected in the monastery, especially for his efforts in restoring lost texts and supporting students.
The Creation of “Three Jewels” and the Three-Year Retreat
“He said: ‘This place has to be like paradise for her’ — and they created ‘Three Jewels.’”
Jigme witnessed the birth of the “Three Jewels” center in New York. Later, Geshe Michael announced his plan for a three-year retreat in Arizona. This became a new chapter for both him and his students.
Conclusion
Jigme’s story is a testimony to how profoundly life can change once one steps onto a spiritual path. Her experience is filled with devotion, resilience, and an incredible weave of destinies that continues to inspire people around the world.
