Pali & Sanskrit International Bhikkhu Exchange Program

10/04/2026

Our 4th year participant Khenpo Ngawang Tashi of Sakya tradition is sharing his experiences with the monastic assembly, reflecting on his participation in the 4th Pali and Sanskrit International Bhikkhu Exchange Program.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, the 43rd Sakya Trizin, for his gracious directive and visionary support in making this inter-traditional exchange possible. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Sakya Monlam Association and Sakya College for their kind support and warm encouragement to our Khenpo throughout this meaningful journey.

18/03/2026

Glimpse of PSIBEP in South India (3–14 January 2026)

The program then continued in South India at Ratoe Monastery in Mundgod, where participants had the opportunity to visit major Tibetan monastic universities including Drepung Gomang Monastery, Drepung Loseling Monastery, Gaden Shartse Monastery, and Gaden Jangtse Monastery.

One of the most special and unforgettable moments took place on 5 January 2026, when all participants, together with the Chief Abbots of 11 monastic universities, had the rare privilege of an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We received his blessings along with profound advice on the importance of unity, preservation, and sincere practice of the Buddhadharma. This was truly one of the most meaningful highlights of the entire program.

During this period, we also attended the winter debate sessions in his presence, gaining deeper insight into the living tradition of Tibetan Buddhist scholarship and practice.

Another historic and deeply touching activity was the morning alms round held from 8 to 10 January, when monks from both the Pali and Sanskrit traditions walked together in the Tibetan settlement area. Local residents and devotees gathered with strong faith and devotion, offering food and daily necessities to the Sangha. This beautiful moment reflected harmony between traditions and reminded us of the simple and humble life of the Buddha and the early Sangha.

Participants also visited Sera Monastery in Bylakuppe and other important monastic institutions including Sera Jey Monastery, Seramey Monastery, Namdroling Monastery, Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, and Gyudmed monastery. Through these visits, we learned how Tibetan monks and lay communities rebuilt monasteries and settlements in exile and developed vibrant centers of learning and spiritual practice.

On 14 January 2026, participants from Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia returned to their respective countries, marking the successful conclusion of the India phase of PSIBEP 2026.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the supporters, organizers, donors, volunteers, staff members, local hosts, and well-wishers who made this program possible. Your generosity and dedication played a vital role in the success of this meaningful exchange program.

May the merit generated through these activities contribute to the preservation and flourishing of the Buddhadharma and bring benefit to all beings.
Dalai Lama

17/03/2026

Glimpse of PSIBEP’s Academic Session at Sarnath, Varanasi

On 25 December 2025, the participants of PSIBEP_2026 departed for Varanasi to begin the academic phase of the program at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Sarnath, which was conducted from 26 to 28 December 2025.

The Inaugural Academic Session was held on 26 December at Atisha Hall of the institute. The program began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the distinguished guests, followed by the chanting of Mangala carana prayers in Pali, Sanskrit, and Tibetan.

The session featured inspiring speeches and presentations by respected scholars and monastic leaders. Dr. Sunita Chandra, Registrar of CIHTS, delivered the welcome address. Pari Jinpa Gyatso, President of PSIBEP, spoke on the importance of the Pali and Sanskrit International Bhikkhu Exchange Program. Ven. Phra Kru Dhammaratthana (Than Pui) from Thailand shared insights on cultural exchange as a bridge for mutual understanding.

Ven. Prof. Morogollagama Uparathana Thero, Dean of the Faculty of Postgraduate Studies at the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, spoke on cultural and spiritual exchange among bhikkhus through Pali and Sanskrit traditions. Ven. Visuta from Myanmar discussed the role of monastic education in global peace building. Ven. Sum Sophea from Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University in Cambodia spoke about youth engagement in Buddhist studies and practice. Ven. Somphone Sengphachanch from the Central Buddhist Fellowship Organization of Laos highlighted the importance of preserving and revitalizing Buddhist canonical languages.

Prof. Ven. Homagama Dhammananda Nayaka Thero, Vice Chancellor of the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, spoke on strengthening inter traditional dialogue within global Buddhism. Prof. Dr. Wangchuk Dorjee Negi, Vice Chancellor of the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, delivered a talk titled “Serving Beyond Monastery Walls: Healing the Community.” The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Bhante Tenzin Dorjee from the PSIBEP Organizing Committee.

The afternoon session included a presentation on the introduction and academic curriculum of CIHTS by Dr. Tenzin Nima Negi, followed by a lecture on the history of Tibetan Buddhism by Ven. Jampa Lhundup, a research scholar at the institute.

On 27 December, the second day of academic sessions explored philosophical and translation studies. Khenpo Ngawang Zodpa, Assistant Professor at CIHTS, presented on the concept of Anatta and Shunyata in the Sanskrit tradition. Ven. Pepiliyawala Narada Thero shared the perspective of the Pali tradition on the same topic. Dr. Dawa Sherpa, Assistant Professor at CIHTS, explained the linguistic, philosophical, and interpretive approaches used in translating Pali texts into Tibetan.

On 28 December, the third day of academic sessions focused on Vinaya and textual studies. Geshe Sonam Wangden, translator of PSIBEP, together with Phramaha Khunpon Samachito from Thailand, presented a recap of Vinaya studies from the first three years of the program. Ven. Pepiliyawala Narada Thero delivered a lecture introducing the Vinaya, while Dr. Dawa Sherpa spoke about the Suttanipata, Visuddhimagga, and their Tibetan translations.

In the afternoon, participants visited the institute’s library, research department, and the Sowa Rigpa (Tibetan Medicine) department.

From 29 to 31 December, participants visited important pilgrimage and cultural sites in Sarnath and Varanasi, including Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, the International Nyingma Institute, and the Vajra Vidya Institute. One of the memorable cultural experiences during this period was a boat ride on the Ganges River and witnessing the beautiful evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.

On 1 January 2026, participants gathered at the sacred Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath to pay homage and jointly chant the Dharmachakra Pravartana Sutra in both Pali and Sanskrit traditions, marking a meaningful moment of unity and devotion.

17/03/2026

PSIBEP 2026 – India Program Reflection
From 20 December 2025 to 14 January 2026, the India phase of the Pali and Sanskrit International Bhikkhu Exchange Program (PSIBEP 2026) was successfully conducted with participants from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, India, Nepal, and Tibet.

A Glimpse of PSIBEP (20–25 December) at Bodhgaya - The Land of Enlightenment of the Buddha
Our journey began in Bodhgaya, where all participants gathered at the Royal Thai Temple. During the first few days we visited important Buddhist pilgrimage sites including Rajgir, Vulture Peak, and Nalanda, and also attended the opening ceremony of the Nalanda Literature Festival by invitation of the organizers. Participants then paid homage at many sacred temples around Bodhgaya, beginning with the Mahabodhi Temple and visiting several international temples established by different Buddhist traditions.
One of the most meaningful moments was the Pali and Sanskrit Great Prayer (Monlam Chenmo) held under the sacred Mahabodhi Tree. Monks and nuns from both traditions chanted together, with the Pali tradition reciting the Mangala Sutta and the Sanskrit tradition chanting the Heart Sutra, symbolizing harmony and unity within the global Buddhist community.
This Monlam Chenmo was generously supported by the main sponsor, Ms. Wiragran Pisankunakit, who kindly sponsored two days of lunch for more than 200 monks and nuns and offered 500 INR each day to all monks, nuns, and staff members. From the organiser's side, 500 INR was also offered each day, and an additional 200 INR per person was kindly supported by the International Geluk Foundation.
During these days, participants also had the opportunity to listen to inspiring Dharma talks from respected teachers and scholars from both the Pali and Sanskrit traditions, which enriched the spirit of dialogue, learning, and mutual understanding among the monastic community.

16/03/2026

Our participant, Khenpo Tsewang Döndrub la from Dzongsar Institute, is sharing his experiences from the 4th Pali & Sanskrit International Bhikkhu Exchange Program with the monks of Dzongsar Institute.

10/03/2026

25/02/2026