MONASTIC EDUCATION
English for Dharma Purposes
The English for Dharma Purposes (EDP) program empowers monastics to develop their English-language skills through the lens of the Dharma. Established in 2012, the program has grown from one teacher and three students to serving over two dozen khenpos, khenmos, and lopons from more than 14 monasteries across India, Nepal, and Bhutan, all united by the urgent work of translating Tibetan texts and transmitting Dharma teachings to a global audience.
This unique three-year residential program develops communication skills (listening and reading comprehension, speaking, and writing) under the guidance of qualified English teachers skilled at tailoring their methods to serve the Dharma community. Students practice conversation in natural settings, take field trips to sacred and historical Buddhist sites, make Dharma presentations, and experience innovative teaching methods. Living, eating, and working alongside native English speakers (teachers, volunteers, and guests), students are immersed in the language in every dimension of daily life.
About the Program
The three-volume textbook series English for Dharma Purposes, written by EDP Director Eden Merritt, addresses the unique needs of monastic students. A robust assessment system (encompassing exams, projects, presentations, and portfolios) ensures the curriculum continually adapts to student needs. The annual Science for Monastics Workshop further enriches students’ engagement with Western knowledge, exploring the intersections of biology, ecology, physics, neuroscience, and Buddhist philosophy.
The EDP program currently supports a total of 28 students, including 21 full-time residential students, 5 graduates who have returned for further study and practice, and 2 online-only translation students. The student body represents a highly-educated group of dedicated monastics, comprising 6 lopons, 8 geshes, 8 khenpos, and 1 khenmo.
Students who complete the EDP program may further progress into specializations in translation studies, advanced academic English, and Dharma teaching and humanitarian work.
The bespoke EDP textbook series, completed in 2024 after three years of development, has attracted interest from other Buddhist programs worldwide seeking to adopt similar materials for their own monastic communities.
The EDP Journey
2012
The EDP program is founded at SINI with one teacher and three students, using general English textbooks and English-medium Dharma materials.
2018
Eden Merritt joins SINI as an English teacher. A shared realization: the curriculum needs to be rebuilt from the ground up to truly serve monastic students.
2019
Eden completes her Cambridge DELTA with a specialization in English for Specific Purposes, designing the first iteration of what would become EDP.
2020
COVID-19 disrupts the program. Classes move online. An unexpected opportunity: the time and space to create SINI’s own textbook series.
2021
The textbook project officially begins. Three volumes designed specifically for monastic students, learning English through the lens of the Dharma.
2024
First drafts of all three EDP textbooks completed. First pilot class finishes in August. Students begin using printed copies in class. Other Buddhist programs express interest in the materials.
2025
Refinement of the three textbooks continues. Design, layout, and preparation for publication with full student books, teacher’s books, and audio resources.
2026
28 students enrolled from 14+ monasteries across India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Graduates teaching abroad through the Bridges of Goodness program.
“Before, I couldn’t speak English. Before I came to SINI, when I would see a foreigner, I would try to escape from them! I would see a foreigner and think, ‘Oh, what if he asks me something and I can’t reply? I’d better escape!’ I feel proud of myself these days because when I see a foreigner, I try to speak with them.”
Curriculum
English for Dharma Purposes 101
Beginner to Elementary English
Beginning English language learners develop basic communication skills through four integrated courses focusing on daily life, Himalayan culture, and introductory Dharma topics. Students build fundamental language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
English for Dharma Purposes 201
Pre-Intermediate to Intermediate English
Students with basic English skills develop their proficiency through four integrated courses exploring world cultures, religions, and Buddhist philosophy. Students strengthen their language skills through further specialized vocabulary and more complex communication tasks.
English for Dharma Purposes 301
Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate English
Students further develop their English proficiency through four integrated courses examining cultural transmission, ethics, comparative philosophy, and advanced Buddhist concepts. Students expand their academic and professional communication skills, with options for IELTS preparation or specialized translation work.
Translation Training 101
Foundational Translation Theory and Practice
This foundational course introduces translation theories and techniques. Students explore the fundamental principles of translation through comparative grammar study and translation practice of sentences and short texts. Monastics Only.
Translation Training 201
Specialized Buddhist Text Translation
Advanced students engage in project-based translation of Kagyur Karchag summaries from Tibetan into English. This specialized course applies translation skills to authentic Buddhist texts, developing expertise in religious and philosophical translation work. Monastics Only.
IELTS Preparation
Academic English Certification
Advanced students prepare for the International English Language Testing System exam to pursue higher education or teaching opportunities in English-speaking countries. This specialized course develops the specific academic language skills and test-taking strategies needed for university admission and professional certification.
Academic Pathways Program
The Academic Pathways Program (APP) further builds on EDP for those monastics hoping to simultaneously participate in programs in accredited academic institutions, while sharing their expertise in Buddhist philosophy and practice through an academic setting.
The academic preparation and ongoing support provided to EDP graduates has made placements at leading global institutions possible. SINI has initiated a long-term relationship with Oxford University in which SINI will identify, prepare, and steward the placement of a monastic in an annual six-month teaching visitorship. Conversations are also underway with Lumbini University, and SINI is exploring other institutions of higher learning in India with the aim to establish a consortium of participating institutions to support placements, teaching and learning experiences, and certification possibilities for students.
One graduate completed a scholar visitorship opportunity at Oxford University and now serves as a translator for SINI’s Kangyur Karchag and Teacher Training programs.
Another student completed the Buddhist Ministry Initiative Fellowship at the Harvard Divinity School and, under a one-year visa extension backed by Harvard University, is now teaching for a Dharma center in North America.
Two former students are engaged in English-language Dharma teaching events in Germany, Amsterdam, the USA, Argentina, and Brazil.
English Language Program Team
The English for Dharma Purposes team comprises diverse, dedicated native English-speaking professionals who live and work alongside Buddhist monastic scholars from the Himalayan regions, many having committed three to seven years to the program.
Eden Merritt
Director
Osha Johnson
Associate Director / Consultant
Catherine Brown
Director / Monastic Education
Tanner McAlister
Teacher / Translation / Consultant
Jaime Luria Pinto
Teacher / Consultant
Patrick Dowd
Teacher / Translation / Consultant
Volunteer with Us
Share Your Teaching Skills, Transform Lives
Join our team of qualified English teachers supporting Buddhist monastics in their language journey! We welcome qualified English teachers (CELTA or equivalent) to apply for teaching positions in our English for Dharma Purposes program. English tutors who can join remotely are also welcome. Help bridge ancient wisdom with modern communication while living and working alongside dedicated monks in the sacred setting of Sarnath.
Ready to make a meaningful impact? Apply today by contacting us.