Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa (ILTK) is a Tibetan Buddhist center located in the heart of Tuscany. ILTK offers 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.
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.
Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa 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. 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.
ILTK is renowned for the excellent quality of its in-depth study programs of Buddhist philosophy and psychology, especially for its advanced Buddhist studies programs:
The Basic Program of Buddhist Studies
is offered at Lama Tzong Khapa Insitute as a three and 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.
The Gaden Phodrang Foundation of the Dalai Lama aims to promote basic human values, closer understanding and harmony among world’s religions, peace and protection of environment and the principle of non-violence. Furthermore, the Foundation encourages dialogues between science and religion to enable each party to better understand its viewpoint. It has been established in February 2015 by its founder His Holiness the Dalai Lama and is based in Switzerland.