Four Noble Truths Seminar and Pilgrimage

PILGRIMAGES

SINI’s signature Four Noble Truths Seminar and Pilgrimage program is your opportunity to be immersed in the most foundational Buddhist teachings where they were delivered 2500 years ago.

The enlightened insights known as the Four Noble Truths, were taught by the Buddha in Sarnath. These truths, sometimes referred to as the elephant’s footprint, are considered so great, vast, and profound, that all other footprints, or the Buddha’s teachings, may fit inside.

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Details

Dates: January 14 – 28, 2026
Rate: $2,250 – $5,250
Open to All
Register by November 1, 2025

Highlights

The pilgrimage starts with a five-day seminar at SINI. It’s in Sarnath where the Buddha first taught The Four Noble Truths. This journey takes you to some of the most sacred sites in the Buddhist world, including Sarnath’s Dhamek Stupa, Vulture Peak, Nalanda University, and Bodhgaya, where the Buddha achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.

What’s Included:

5 day seminar led by traditionally trained monastic teachers, in English
Airport pick up in Varanasi and drop-off in Gaya
Local transportation and site fees
Boat ride on the Ganges and guided city tour in Varanasi
All accommodations and meals
Experienced Pilgrimage guides
Participation in the 36th Nyingma World Peace Ceremony in Bodhgaya
Participation in the Manjushri Namasangiti Sanskrit Chanting Ceremony

What’s Not Included:

International travel to India, travel to Sarnath and departing travel from Bodhgaya
Visa Fee
Travel Insurance
Single room supplement
Gifts

Dates	Day(s)	Location	Itinerary
January 15 — 19	Day 1 — 5	Sarnath	Welcome to the Sarnath International Nyingma Institute (SINI) Dharma talks on the Four Noble Truths by resident Khenpos at SINI Review sessions, yoga, chanting, and meditation instruction Boat tour on the Ganges and guided city walk in Varanasi 6 nights at SINI Connect with monastics at SINI
January 20	Day 6	Sarnath > Rajgir	Travel from Sarnath to Rajgir 2 nights at a hotel in Rajgir
January 21	Day 7	Vulture Peak	Reading of the Heart Sutra, Chant, and Meditation
January 21	Day 7	Nalanda	Guided tour of the archeological site of Nalanda University
January 22	Day 8	Rajgir > Bodhgaya	Travel from Rajgir to Bodhgaya Visit of the Mahakala Caves
January 22 — 28	Day 8 — 14	Bodhgaya	Personal practice at Mahabodhi Temple Assistance with offerings to the assembly Manjushri Namasangiti Sanskrit Chanting Ceremony Integration, and closing ceremony of the pilgrimage
January 28	Day 15	Bodhgaya	Departure from Gaya Airport

Teaching Emphasis

The program offers traditional Dharma teachings on the Four Noble Truths. These teachings thathave remained the centerpiece of all Buddhist teaching, are brought into a contemporary context through reflective inquiry into one’s own experiences, hearts, and minds, aimed at understanding the root causes of suffering. Additionally, the program provides SINI’s English language students, who are all Khenpos and teachers in their own right, with valuable opportunities to deliver Dharma talks and engage in discussions in English.

Community Interaction

You are welcomed into our community of Tibetan Buddhist monastics from India, Nepal, and Bhutan. SINI offers a unique learning environment with opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. Meals become moments of personal connection and conversation for participants and monks, providing good chances for meaningful exchange.

Immersive Experience

Practice along with monks, nuns, and laypeople from across the Himalayas and experience the devotional atmosphere and energy of the event.

This is an especially precious opportunity during the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo in Bodhgaya, where thousands of Buddhists from around the world connect in genuine and wholehearted practice.

Transformation & Full-Hearted Participation

Be welcomed into the World Peace Ceremony at the Mahabodhi Temple, engaging actively in prayers and practice. Embracing this opportunity, the immersion allows for curiosity to evolve into wholehearted participation in this profound ceremony.

Embrace New Horizons

Join SINI’s Four Noble Truths Seminar & Pilgrimage and discover an incredible diversity of religions, traditions, and ways of life. Experience the sacred sites, daily rituals, vibrant atmosphere, and a depth of energy that can be quite surprising. India has a lot to teach!

SINI takes utmost care to help you safely navigate through this cultural and spiritual journey, incorporating all that the pilgrimage encompasses.