GUNA INSTITUTE
Tibetan Translators Degree Program

First Session Begins January 2006!

Guna Institute offers a five-year Tibetan Translator's Degree Program. In this program participants learn the fundamentals of the Tibetan language, and then build upon that working knowledge through the study of classical Buddhist texts. Employing a Shedra-style format for teaching the language and texts together, Guna Institute provides a unique training in the Tibetan language as well as Buddhist thought, as a foundation for the translation of Tibetan Buddhist texts into English. The first class of graduates from the Program will have the opportunity to join in founding the Vairochana Translation Group.

Located in Bir, Venerable Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche's birthplace, this five-year program takes place in five, six-month sessions. The cost for each session is $1500, which includes room and board. Materials and a teaching gift for the resident Khenpo are not included. Information about travel to India the local setting are included in the application.

Guna Institute itself is a handsome three-story structure of 30 rooms, designed to make the six month stay of each session of the Program comfortable and enjoyable for participants. Many of the rooms were built as suites to accommodate family living; all have a generous amount of space, with picturesque views of the surrounding town, valley and the impressive foothills of the Himalayas. A large communal shrine room houses the Kangyur and other important statues and texts.

The first session begins January 1, 2006. For more information about the program, download an application. Or contact contact Casimir Niedzwiedz at casimirniedz@msn.com.

If you would like to remain informed about Guna Institute, join the Guna Institute mailing list. If you are inspired to donate to establishing the main shrine at the Institute, you may do so here. Or download a brochure about the project.