Thosamling Institute offers a two year Tibetan language study programme which provides all the necessary tools to bring students from a beginner level to communicating directly with their Tibetan teachers.  It has been developed for people looking to deepen their understanding of the Dharma by studying it in Tibetan and serves as a solid foundation for those wishing to become translators.

The programme is for students who consider their study of Tibetan a priority and there is regular assessment so that they can monitor their own progress.  It is a full time course and students do not have time to be engaged in extra work or study outside Thosamling while the classes are in session.  The course runs for ten months of the year and is divided into two terms.  These terms are separated with scheduled holidays and there are additional breaks for important teachings such as those of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and for other special events.  Note that details regarding these additional breaks are usually only available closer to the actual events.  [See calendar here]  

The first year class begins with alphabet and basic grammar.  Then, by familiarizing the students with common colloquial structures, they begin to communicate with the local Tibetan community.

In the second half of the year, the classes are an introduction to Dharma terminology and lassical grammar, to get access to typical format of a Dharma teaching in Tibetan.  The teacher will continue to introduce some new colloquial material but the main emphasis is on preparing the students to move into the second year which is exclusively the study of Dharma teachings.

Each week there are ten hours of class time in which new vocabulary and grammar structures are introduced and explained by the teacher.  In addition, there are ten hours of conversation classes at which time the students practice the material with native Tibetan speaking conversation partners.

The goal of the second year Tibetan language course is to acquire the skills needed to understand the main topics taught in a general presentation of Dharma such as in Lam Rim literature.  This means are both aural training and discussion of philosophical terminology drawn from a series of teachings from our resident Lama, Geshe Tsewang Nyima.

Geshe La gave these teachings specifically for use in the second year language programme using the outlines of the Lamrim Chenmo.  They are a clear and comprehensive introduction to important Dharma terminology used by all schools of Tibetan Buddhism and serve as a very effective tool to familiarize students with the format of an oral teaching by a Tibetan Lama.

For a more detailed explanation Click here

In the second year there are fewer classroom hours and therefore more free time available.  This is to give the students the opportunity to combine their studies with the Buddhist Philosophical Program, getting a more complete training in understanding Dharma in Tibetan. So the classes are scheduled to accommodate them.

By the end of the year, important terminology of the Lam Rim’s three scopes will have been covered.  At this time, students should be able to understand teachings on the main points of Lam Rim topics.  This material is the cornerstone of almost any teaching within Tibetan Buddhism and understanding it leaves students well placed to continue into more specialized areas study.

For more detailed course information click here

For frequently asked questions click here.

To Apply Click here