On March 10, 2026, SINI’s Tibetan Language program celebrated the launch of The Heart of Tibetan Language,Volume 3, the latest addition to the textbook series authored by Franziska Oertle that has become the backbone of the program since its inception.
The online ceremony brought together students, alumni, colleagues, and friends from around the world. It opened with a Long Life Prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and prayers offered by Khenpo Dawa Tsering at SINI, followed by words from SINI director Tsering Gellek and former SINI principal Khenpo Chöphel.
The evening also included reflections on March 10th,Tibetan Uprising Day,with verses and a poem by the Zen master and peace activist Venerable Thích Nhất Hạnh, connecting the language preservation work to the broader mission of keeping Tibetan culture alive.
In a wide-ranging interview conducted by Cinthia Font and Juan Felipe García, Franziska shared the story behind the book project, the significance of the three volume covers, what level of proficiency students can expect after completing Volume 3, and future plans,including translations of the series into Portuguese and Spanish, and the possibility of a Volume 4.
Students and colleagues from the program’s global community shared their experiences, including Venerable Thubten Dhamchoe from Sravasti Abbey, Greta Yangchen (a graduate of the Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translator Program), and current students and team members who spoke to the program’s unique combination of rigorous pedagogy, native Tibetan tutors, and a genuinely warm learning community.
Volume 3 joins Volumes 1 and 2 in the series, which together form a comprehensive curriculum for learning Colloquial Tibetan from beginner through advanced levels. The books are available through Dharma Publishing and other retailers worldwide.