L’ama Tzong Khapa Institute is a Tibetan Buddhist center located in the heart of Tuscany. We offer regular courses on Buddhism, meditation, and many other topics, all aimed at the development of the human qualities of kindness, compassion, and wisdom. The Institute community consists of a sangha of Buddhist monks and nuns, an international body of lay students and visitors, and a large group of staff and volunteers. We welcome everyone interested in following a course or just to spend some quiet time enjoying the beautiful, peaceful setting.
Since its founding in 1977, Lama Tzong Khapa Institute has grown into one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist centers in Europe. As an international school for Buddhist studies and practice, it attracts students from around the world who are interested in deepening their understanding of Buddhism and the mind through intensive study of Buddhist philosophy and psychology. These courses also include introspective meditation methods and an opportunity for active service.
Lama Tzong Khapa Insitute is renowned for the excellent quality of its in-depth study programs of Buddhist philosophy and psychology
The Institute is known for its advanced Buddhist studies programs:
- The Basic Program of Buddhist Studies is offered at Lama Tzong Khapa Insitute as a three and a half year full-time residential program as well as an on-line program.
- The Masters Program of Advanced Buddhist Studies of Sutra and Tantra is offered at Lama Tzong Khapa Institute. This seven-year program consists of four years of sutra studies, two years of tantric studies, and one year of solitary retreat. It is offered both as a full-time residential and on-line course.
Lama Tzong Khapa Institute is affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a large international organization founded in the 1970’s by Lama Thubten Yeshe and Kyabje Thubten Zopa Rinpoche. Our teachings are in the tradition of Mahayana Buddhism according to the Tibetan Gelug School founded by Lama Tzong Khapa, of which His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the most widely renowned representative today. The Institute does not engage in the practice of Shugden.
Since its founding in 1977, Lama Tzong Khapa Institute has grown into one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist centers in Europe.