Dharma Path

Ikire Introduction to Larung Gar Five Sciences Buddhist Academy

Larung Gar Buddhist Academy was established in 1980, founded by H.H. Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche. Since then, it starts to become one of the largest and most influential centers for the study of Tibetan Buddhism in the world, which is made up of monks, nuns, lay “vow-holders” of both Tibetan and Chinese origins.​

In May of 1987, the Tenth Panchen Lama approved the founding of the institute and presented a plaque on which he wrote, in Tibetan: “Larung Gar Five Sciences Buddhist Academy”, and respectfully addressed His Holiness Jigme Phuntsok as “Sage Choeje”. In the meantime, Mr. Puchu Zhao, the Chairman of the Buddhist Association of China, wrote the name of the institute in Chinese. In 1999, the Larung Gar Five Sciences Buddhist Academy was identified by the New York Times as one of the largest and most influential centers for study of Tibetan Buddhism in the world.

The curriculum of the Buddhist Academy consists of two major areas: Sutrayana and Tantrayana. Sutrayana is focused on the systematic study and practice of the Five Great Treatises: Abidharma, Vinaya, Buddhist Logic, Madhyamaka and Prajñāpāramitā. Tantrayana comprises of the study of a variety of Tantras, and the practice of Generation Stage, Completion Stage, Great Perfection and various pith instructions from lineage masters. Besides, there are also worldly curriculum being offered, such as Tibetan Medicine, Astronomy, Tibetan Calligraphy, Rhetoric and Rhythm in Tibetan language, etc.

In addition to providing opportunities for interested students from all walks of life, for over 30 years, the Academy has produced hundreds of Khenmos and Khenpos, learned women and men, who have established Dharma Centers around the world, spreading the messages and methods of compassion and wisdom taught by the Buddha, and sharing the unique heritage of Tibetan Buddhism and culture across the globe.