Tergar Institute

As this spring's Tergar Institute cohort moves through the Madhyamaka course, one of the most important distinctions we keep returning to is the difference between experience and realization — between the clouds that pass and the sky that doesn’t move.

These past few weeks, we’ve been sitting with a simple question from the teachings: Where in your life does experience tend to stick — where do things feel personal, urgent, or hard to shake? What might it feel like if those same experiences arose and passed without gripping?

Thoughts come and go. Emotions rise and dissolve. Even profound meditative experiences appear and pass away. Through all of it, something remains — open, aware, unmoved.

We’d love to hear: what does that point to in your own experience?

What does it mean to truly embody the teachings, not only to understand them?

Mingyur Rinpoche's Tergar Institute is now accepting applications for its flagship certificate program, beginning Fall 2026. This is an invitation to study and practice directly with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche on an immersive, multi-year journey through the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.

Grounded in original manuscripts by Mingyur Rinpoche alongside classical Indian and Tibetan texts, the program moves through the full depth of the Three Yanas. It is a rare and transformative path for serious practitioners.

✨ Scholarships available. Spaces are limited.

Apply today: https://tinyurl.com/y7evb3xa [LINK IN BIO]

To explore what the program offers in more detail, visit: https://fbe.tergarinstitute.org/foundations-of-buddhist-experience-2026

In a world where young people have access to more information than ever before, something essential still feels missing.

In his latest essay, Tergar Institute Co-Executive Director Justin Kelley, PhD turns to classical Tibetan Buddhist thought to ask a deeper question: what does it take to cultivate not just knowledge, but a genuine sense of why it matters? A timely and searching reflection for educators, practitioners, and anyone who cares about how we learn to live well.

If this resonates, we invite you to explore the Foundations of Buddhist Experience: Tergar Institute's flagship program, where this kind of learning comes alive: fbe.tergarinstitute.org/foundations-of-buddhist-experience-2026

To read Justin's blogpost, see link in bio.

Happy Wesak Day! 🌕✨

Wesak — also known as Vesak — is one of the most important Buddhist festivals, celebrated across South and Southeast Asia. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Gautama Buddha, all said to have taken place on the full moon of the same lunar month.

In the Tibetan tradition, this same occasion is observed as Saga Dawa Düchen, the holiest day of the year, falling within Saga Dawa, the sacred "month of merits." This year, Wesak and Saga Dawa Düchen converge on the same full moon.

The timing feels significant. Today also marks the beginning of the Grand Opening of the rebuilt Tergar Osel Ling Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal, continuing through June 4. A milestone years in the making, unfolding on one of the most sacred days of the Buddhist year.

You are warmly invited to join, wherever you are in the world.
Tune in via livestream:
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphAG0_XlPIGgengflyPHOuDl6Nn107CR

💻 Zoom: https://tergar.zoom.us/j/85698607586?pwd=xVFJ8YTbXpyi2opS30PKqaE9tGr1LQ.1

Main languages: English and Chinese Mandarin, with interpretation available in multiple additional languages on Zoom.

May this sacred time inspire peace, awareness, wisdom, and compassion in all our lives. 🙏

If this tradition calls to you, our Foundations of Buddhist Experience program is now open for enrollment: https://fbe.tergarinstitute.org/foundations-of-buddhist-experience-2026

✨ Something precious is about to begin.

From May 31 through June 4, we gather to celebrate the Grand Opening of the rebuilt Tergar Osel Ling Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal. A milestone years in the making, and a testament to what becomes possible when a community comes together around a shared vision.

You are warmly invited to join, wherever you are in the world.

Tune in via livestream:
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphAG0_XlPIGgengflyPHOuDl6Nn107CR

💻 Zoom: https://tergar.zoom.us/j/85698607586?pwd=xVFJ8YTbXpyi2opS30PKqaE9tGr1LQ.1

Main languages: English and Chinese Mandarin, with interpretation available in multiple additional languages on Zoom.

The opening begins this Sunday. We hope you will join us. 🙏

If this tradition calls to you, our Foundations of Buddhist Experience program is now open for enrollment: https://fbe.tergarinstitute.org/foundations-of-buddhist-experience-2026

Photos of Tergar Institute students and graduates attending Guru Vajradhara H.H. the 12th Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa’s teachings in Kathmandu before the grand opening of Tergar Osel Ling!

Students have been absolutely filled with happiness and gratitude returning to Kathmandu and to Osel Ling. We rejoice in their joy💙

True devotion begins with confidence in your own essence. 🪷

This teaching from Tai Situ Rinpoche reframes something we rarely consider: without trusting what we already are, devotion can quietly become fear in disguise.

Bodhichitta isn't just an aspiration. It's the recognition of your deepest nature, and the wish to help all beings awaken to theirs.

Save this one. It's worth contemplating.

Something is breaking in education. Educators feel it. Researchers see it. Parents sense it in their children. 🌱

In his latest essay for Living Dharma, our Co-Executive Director Justin Kelley, PhD asks a bold question: what if Tibetan Buddhist thought offers not just consolation — but genuine pedagogical wisdom for a world in crisis?

Drawing on Longchenpa, Rangjung Dorje, and Patrul Rinpoche, Justin explores three orientations that go deeper than technique:

✦ Learning to see clearly
✦ Honoring the body in learning
✦ Awakening genuine purpose

This is the kind of essay that stays with you. Read it at the link in our bio.