Carola Roloff

Born in Holzminden, Germany to a Protestant family, Roloff was active in her local Christian youth group.

Following her ordination, Roloff became active in translation, in the management of the Tibetan Centre in Hamburg, and in campaigning for equal opportunities for nuns.

[4] With the help of her teacher Geshe Thubten, Roloff translated the sojong vows for bhiksunis into English, thereby greatly aiding Western Tibetan nuns in the ritual.

[5] Further aiding the research and study of students around the world, Roloff helped digitise scripture and other Buddhist texts.

As well as campaigning for a change of opinion, she is instrumental in helping to determine how females can best be accommodated, both in the tradition itself and in sanghas (mutually supportive communities).

As well as lecturing and writing on the subject, Roloff conducts research with other monks and nuns to help strengthen their position.

The Vinaya scriptures, for example, show that the Buddha accepted the role of women as nuns in search of enlightenment, and Roloff therefore often quotes this text.