Nitartha Institute

The fundamental mission of Nitartha Institute is to provide students with a systematic foundation in the central teachings of the Buddhist tradition, as presented by the Kagyü and Nyingma lineages of Tibet. Though the focus of our curriculum is the Kagyü/Nyingma understanding of the Dharma, the Institute upholds the importance of non-sectarianism and appreciation of the many forms of Buddhism and thus students of any background are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The curriculum is devoted to the in-depth study of the Buddhist view and to the contemplative practices through which students can engage these teachings and apply them to their experience. The curriculum is delivered by the Academic Affairs unit of Nitartha Institute through its four academic departments, which are based on the five traditional sciences taught at Nālandā University:

• Science of Valid Cognition
• Science of Languages
• Science of Healing
• Science of Arts and Crafts
• Inner Science of Mind

Accordingly, Nitartha Institute has four academic departments:

• Department of Buddhist Studies (BUD), which covers both the Inner Science of Mind and the Science of Valid Cognition
• Department of Languages (LAN)
• Department of Healing (HEA)
• Department of Arts (ART)

The Institute offers a month-long Summer Program, divided into two two-week sessions. Students may come to one or both of the two-week sessions (first-time students are strongly encouraged to come to Session 1 if only coming to one session). The Institute also offers a number of regional programs: 9-Day Intensive or Semester long courses, equivalent to one of the sessions of the Summer Program. Most of the curriculum at Nitartha is delivered both residentially and online.

The Buddhist path is traditionally described in terms of the three trainings: view, meditation, and conduct. All three elements mutually support each other, and all three are key elements of the Buddhist path. The Institute's training focuses on the first two elements, view and practice, with the intent that these will subsequently strengthen right conduct.

“In-depth study helps us to think precisely about our path and our mind, and work precisely with our basic state of being. Meditation plays a key role in actualizing the path, but is in some sense limited to individual experience. Study has a manifestation that reaches out to other people, not only in this time and century, but throughout the centuries. So this knowledge that we develop, share and try to preserve for future generations has a very important role in transplanting Buddhadharma to this culture.”

Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche