SINI, founded by Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche in 2007, is a dynamic international institution based in Sarnath, India, serving the educational needs of monastics and laypeople in the Buddhist tradition. Our courses and initiatives bridge traditional and innovative knowledge bases from both East and West. Our team works diligently to illuminate the wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings through contemporary and imaginative approaches. Learn more about our Four Foundational Pillars.
LEARN THE LANGUAGE
Language Courses
The Tibetan language programs at SINI and online have grown into a hub for both the classic and colloquial Tibetan language, and a home for an international community of Tibetan language learners.
DISCOVER THE PLACE OF ORIGIN
Pilgrimages
Pilgrimage offers unique opportunities for spiritual growth, providing space for reflection, community connection, and direct encounter with the places where the Buddha’s teachings first flourished.
MONASTIC INITIATIVES
Monastic Education
Supporting ordained sangha members in connecting with the wider world through comprehensive educational programs. Our specialized offerings include monastic workshops, teacher training certifications, and English for Dharma purposes, strengthening communication skills and outreach capacities.
DIG IN DEEPER
Study Abroad
Immerse yourself in authentic Buddhist learning at the birthplace of the Dharma. Our programs offer direct engagement with traditional teachings, contemporary scholarship, and vibrant monastic communities in sacred Sarnath.
Our Mission is Making Connections
SINI exists to serve the Buddha’s teachings through meaningful outreach and global connection. We are dedicated to building bridges between traditional Buddhist wisdom and contemporary world needs, fostering understanding across cultures, languages, and communities.
Supporting our mission means contributing to compassionate action in the world, helping the Dharma offer wisdom and guidance to communities facing modern challenges while upholding timeless teachings.
MONASTIC INITIATIVES
Preservation of the Dharma
Safeguarding Buddhism’s sacred texts for future generations through innovative translation and preservation projects. Our work includes the groundbreaking Kangyur Karchag Encyclopedia Project, creating accessible summaries of the Buddha’s teachings, and supporting the global distribution of complete Kangyur sets to monasteries worldwide.
Building bridges between ancient wisdom and modern accessibility, ensuring the Buddha’s words remain alive and available for all who seek the path to awakening.
MONASTIC INITIATIVES
Transmission of the Dharma
Facilitating the dynamic transmission of dharma through transformational pilgrimage experiences that bridge ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding. Our work includes the groundbreaking Four Noble Truths Seminar and Pilgrimage, connecting practitioners with the sacred sites where the Buddha’s teachings were first delivered 2,500 years ago, and supporting the global continuity of Buddhist practice through immersive cultural exchanges at Sarnath, Vulture Peak, Nalanda, and Bodhgaya.
THE LATEST NEWS
Sharing the Merit
Our comprehensive news section transforms recent happenings and community developments into thoughtful long-form writing, providing deeper context on our ongoing dharma preservation and transmission work. From program announcements and pilgrimage updates to scholarly achievements and collaborative initiatives, we document the living evolution of our mission through detailed narratives. To stay current with our latest developments, program launches, and community milestones, visit our regularly updated news page for the full stories behind our continuing efforts to build bridges of goodness.