International Study Centre of Tibetan Buddhism, Mahayana Tradition
The Institute is one of the leading Buddhist centres in Europe, renowned for the excellence of its programmes in Buddhist philosophy and psychology, taught by highly qualified Tibetan and Western teachers.
The Institute is named after Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and one of Tibet’s greatest philosophers and yogis (1357–1419). It was Lama Yeshe who gave the Institute its name.
The Institute is a member of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), the largest international network of Buddhist centres dedicated to preserving and spreading Mahayana Buddhism, under the spiritual guidance of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Founded in 1976 by Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, the Institute is set in nature, within a picturesque 19th-century castle.
Initially, the Institute was founded in 1976 in Milan at the initiative of three Italian students of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. The first location was a building on Via Ampère, where the first Buddhist community in Italy was formed.
In 1977, the Corona family purchased the current site: the castle that has hosted the Institute ever since. From the beginning, it welcomed Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche for annual courses, while volunteers began important restoration work on the castle and park. The pioneers were a mix of hippies inspired by the Beat Generation, united by a sincere desire to improve themselves, gathering side by side in the meditation hall to hear the first Buddhist teachings in Italy. Over the years, thousands of people have passed through this blessed and uniquely extraordinary place for those seeking self-discovery. Today, an increasing number of people from diverse backgrounds attend courses to deepen their understanding of Buddhist philosophy, science, meditation, Buddhist psychology, and contemplative practices.
In November 1982, the Institute received its highest consecration when His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited (pictured, welcomed by Lama Yeshe at the airport), giving teachings, conferring an initiation, and attending the first International Conference on Universal Education—an international foundation still active today, established directly by Lama Yeshe. The Institute has had the honour of welcoming His Holiness the Dalai Lama on five further occasions.
Photo credits: LamaYesheWisdomArchive
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Discover More with the Book “A Spiritual Revolution”
“A Spiritual Revolution” tells the story of the founding and evolution of Lama Tzong Khapa Institute through words and images. It is a journey across decades of history, brought to life by the testimonies and faces of Geshe and students who have transformed Pomaia into a unique and precious place.
Massimo Corona, co-founder of the Institute and among the first students of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, wanted this story to begin with the arrival of the founders in India and Nepal after fleeing Tibet. The result is an extraordinary narrative spanning continents, intertwining lives, places, and traditions.
This book is a testament to the boundless kindness of the founders and the dedication of all those who have made the Institute a place of peace and practice—a sacred place.
Enriched with over one hundred rare and precious archival images, the volume opens with an introduction by Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
📖 Purchase the book with a suggested minimum donation of €15 at the Institute shop or online at ILTKShop >>
💛 Proceeds will support the activities of Lama Tzong Khapa Institute in spreading the Dharma.
