Frequently Asked Questions

SINI is short for Sarnath International Nyingma Institute. Founded as a non-profit in California by Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche and built in Sarnath by his daughter Tsering Gellek, the Institute was inaugurated in December 2013. Since then, it has hosted a diverse array of programs, from workshops with 10 participants to annual ceremonies with over 1000 participants. SINI has welcomed high lamas and revered teachers of all Buddhist schools, and collaborated with renowned scientists, scholars and artists.

Resident monks come from Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, India, from small Institutes or big Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. They are learned Khenpos and Lopons, eager to study English or work on the Encyclopedia Project. Many monks come from nomadic and farming families, and have left their home country by walking across the Himalayas.

Resident volunteers come from the U.S., Canada, Colombia, Germany, and Switzerland, bringing to SINI their diverse professional skills and love for Tibetan culture.

Monks and volunteers live and work together. They teach, study, learn, hold ceremonies, share meals and watch movies together. Together they take care of SINI, supported by dedicated local staff.

SINI explicitly serves as a bridge to bring monastics together with people from different cultures, traditions, professions, and skills to foster learning, growth and human development. SINI also offers a unique learning environment which is rooted in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Building on Tarthang Rinpoche’s unceasing efforts of more than fifty years to preserve the Dharma through its vast publication and distribution efforts, SINI helps to support the flourishing of the Dharma through cultivating it as a living tradition.

At SINI, we hope to find innovative ways to engage in supporting the heart of the Dharma, transcending cultural differences--to generate the altruistic wish to benefit all beings. This, we believe, will allow us to truly build bridges of goodness that not only unite us geographically and culturally, but also bridge the gap between what is “traditional” and what is “modern.”

We are a small group of 5-10 international volunteers.

Current areas of focus include the SINI online program development, English for Dharma Purposes, and the Global Kagyur Encyclopedia Project .

You do not have to be Buddhist to be part of the SINI team. However, it is important that volunteers are respectful of the community and the protocols of an environment shared with Tibetan Buddhist monks.

There is a wealth of resources and many opportunities to self-study, practice, discuss, and engage with Buddhist principles on a day-to-day basis. Volunteers are welcome to join student-led Dharma talks that take place as part of the English for Dharma Purposes Program. Volunteers are also welcome to participate in morning prayers and weekly ceremonies.

Qualified English teachers (CELTA or equivalent) are welcome to apply for a teaching position in our English for Dharma Purposes program. Experience, especially in the field of English for Specific Purposes, is desirable. English tutors who are able to join remotely are also welcome. Download the application form here

Roles for volunteers include bookkeeping, IT, administration, maintenance, marketing, cooking, gardening, and more. Although experience is required, the most important qualities for a volunteer are willingness to learn and join in where needed. Whole-hearted participation makes a world of difference in a small non-profit setting!

There are several roles that can be filled remotely, such as design, campaigning, and social media, for example. English tutors who are able to join remotely are also welcome.
If you are interested in helping SINI from wherever you are, please reach out to us welcome@sinibridge.org

We observe four ceremony days per month: New Moon, Full Moon, 10th Day and 25th Day. These ceremonies usually start at 5PM.

Volunteers live on the SINI campus. Rooms are spacious single rooms with a private bathroom, AC, and balcony. At times during busy programs, volunteers may be asked to share rooms with other volunteers or participants.

Three tasty vegetarian meals are provided each day. The cuisine is a blend of Indian, Tibetan, and Western. Certain diets, such as veganism, can be accommodated. Please note that SINI is meat, alcohol, and smoke-free.