About SINI
Sarnath International Nyingma Institute
The Institute
The History of SINI
In 1994, SINI founder Tarthang Rinpoche acquired about three acres of land in Sarnath to host Longchenpa anniversary ceremonies. This purpose broadened in 2006 when Rinpoche asked his daughter Tsering to create an educational institute to “bridge East and West.”
Located in Sarnath, near the ancient city of Varanasi and less than a kilometer from where the Buddha gave his first sermon, SINI is now home to a diverse international community committed to the transmission of the Dharma.
The Sarnath International Nyingma Institute (SINI) was inaugurated in 2013 and blessed with a sacred sapling from the original Bodhi Tree, under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. This is at the heart of the campus.
The campus blends Tibetan, Indian, and Western influences. There are open courtyards lined with vibrant bougainvillea. It is an oasis of beauty and peace. SINI’s eco-friendly campus, including energy-efficient buildings, was recognized with a Green Building Award in 2010. Solar panels were installed in 2019 to make it a sustainable and peaceful sanctuary for learning and reflection.
The temple faces the sacred Bodhi tree. The intricate murals and sacred Tibetan Buddhist artwork create a serene and inspiring environment for spiritual practice. The outside of the temple is adorned with over 7,000 golden Lhantsa prayer characters, carefully installed by volunteers from Nyingma centers around the world.
The Yeshe De library holds one of the world’s largest collections of rare Buddhist manuscripts produced by Dharma Publishing. It is a tranquil space whose open layout and calm energy inspire focus, learning, and reflection.
SINI’s work is to support a vibrant and beneficial course of study and practice that preserves and protects the transmission of the Dharma for the benefit of all sentient beings. SINI provides a unique opportunity for monastics, students, researchers, and practitioners to deepen their studies in an interdisciplinary approach to human development, social well-being, and environmental stewardship, creating a bridge of wisdom, knowledge, and best practices of the East and the West.
Steps Along an Unfolding Journey
Tarthang Rinpoche leaves Tibet for India, residing in Varanasi for six years. During this time, he studies English and Hindi, researches, teaches, and interacts with Western scholars. His publishing journey begins in Varanasi, laying the foundation for the most prominent Buddhist preservation project in the world
Tarthang Rinpoche decides to relocate to the West, where more technological development and strong protections for religious freedom might foster his text preservation efforts.
Tarthang Rinpoche acquires three acres in Sarnath for Longchenpa ceremonies. In 2006, the vision expands to bridge East and West. Initially considered naming it Upaya Institute, it’s registered in 2007 as Sarnath International Nyingma Institute.
Half a century after Rinpoche arrived in India, on May 30, 2008, Tsering Gellek, SINI’s founding director, oversees the groundbreaking ceremony. This marks the beginning of constructing SINI’s temple, residential, academic, and library buildings.
Artists from multiple countries complete the Sacred Murals Project. SINI’s inauguration features a Bodhi Tree sapling from Sri Lanka’s Anuradhapura Temple. The Khen Lop Chos Sum Foundation is established.
SINI launches annual Tibet Peace Ceremony and English for Dharma Purposes program. Organizes innovative ten-day seminar with 30 monastic teachers from all Tibetan traditions to discuss modern monastic education.
Organizes Manjushri Namasanghiti recitation in Bodhgaya. Hosts Four Noble Truths Program with seminars and pilgrimages. Expands facilities, adds residential building. Establishes “Building Bridges of Goodness” mission and collaborates with universities.
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche leads the first-ever film workshop for monastics. Receiving an audience with H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama, Tsering Gellek and Chief Editor Khenpo Ju Tenkyong propose Tibet’s first-ever encyclopedia of the Buddha’s teachings; the Kangyur Karchag.
Rinpoche begins to describe in greater detail a vision that would help set in motion the creation of Tibet’s first-ever encyclopedia of sutras. SINI offers its first two-month intensive residential Colloquial Tibetan course.
Adapts English program to online format during the Pandemic. Launches Emergency Food Distribution program, serving over million meals to vulnerable families in Sarnath during the crisis.
Receives Khyentse Foundation grant, launches online Tibetan courses, publishes Heart of Tibetan Language Volume 1. Starts classical Tibetan program. International staff returns after 2.5-year absence.
Completes Kangyur Karchag Encyclopedia, presents to H.H. Dalai Lama. Publishes Heart of Tibetan Language Volume 2. Expands English program to Manali, resumes in-person programs with online options.
Completes English for Dharma Purposes textbook series, publishes 10-volume Kangyur encyclopedia. Launches Bridges of Goodness in Europe. Students receive prestigious fellowship opportunities at Oxford and Harvard Divinity School.