Khen Lop Chos Sum

At the Institute, we seek to preserve the roots of the Nyingma lineage. The founding fathers, known as the Khen Lop Chos Sum, of this rich lineage of Tibetan Buddhism are:

• Khenpo Shantarakshita;
• Lopon Pema Jungney (also known as the Lotus-Born, Padmasambhava, and Guru Rinpoche); and
• King Trisong Deutsan.

To meet this goal, Tarthang Rinpoche founded the Khen Lop Chos Sum Foundation in 2013. The Foundation supports the scholarship and training of khenpos, lopons, and students in the early eighth-century transmission.  To concretely support these efforts, SINI offers student residents opportunities to speak and write on the teachings. In this way, students integrate by sharing their knowledge with peers and the public. SINI scholars publish original essays on the importance and value of the founders of Tibetan Buddhism.

“Contemplation is intended to free us from the pressures of self-image and obligations, from ego and emotions, and from the limitation and distortion that result from conceptualization. The aim is to allow mind to rest on neutral ground, free from assumptions, and associations that support self-oriented views.” — Tarthang Tulku