In keeping with the rich Indian tradition of Gurukul, this project enriches formal education processes by facilitating inspirational contact with masters of different spiritual traditions, particularly Tibetan Buddhism. The participants, mainly university students,live in Tibetan monasteries and nunneries where they learn about Tibetan culture, art and philosophy.

Participants have privileged access to teachers of ancient Buddhist traditions of Tibet. By observing at close quarters the teachers’ way of life, students envision new definitions of success, achievement and fulfilment.

Gurukul is held annually for a month in Dharamsala (North India). In Dharamsala, home of H.H. The Dalai Lama and Headquarters of the Tibetan Government in Exile, participants receive an extended introduction to Tibetan culture and religion by actively engaging in the daily activities of Tibetan life in the monasteries and nunneries, and with the communities in exile. They have the privilege of an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The Foundation is exploring possibilities for extending this program to Bylakuppe (South India). The students will, as part of this program, spend a month among the largest Tibetan community in exile.

Gurukul participants with His Holiness the Dalai Lama

“Attending Gurukul was one of the wisest decisions I have made in my life.During the programme I realized that everywhere we go people are the same. They need love, education, some fun and yes, freedom.”

– Garima Bhalla
College student, New Delhi

“The month I spent in Dharamsala with the Gurukul project seems to have cast a gentle halo on all my past years and all my years to come. In an entire life too taken up with the rage of living, if this certain month invested my life with a tender sanctity, I can say with conviction that those 30 days were no mere interlude.”

– Srila Nayak
College student, Orissa

Through discourses, lectures, films and other learning media, Gurukul participants gain insights into the innovative ways in which a community in exile copes with displacement and strives to keep its traditions alive.

Gurukul participants:

• Live in Tibetan monasteries and nunneries.
• Take classes in Tibetan Buddhism at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives.
• Learn Tibetan Handicrafts such as wood carving, thangka painting and appliqué.
• Interact with Buddhist masters and Tibetan officials.
• Experience traditional dialectic debates and spiritual chanting.

Students also have the opportunity to give something back to the community. They are encouraged to teach English to monks, nuns and refugees from Tibet, and volunteer with service and welfare projects.