Introduction
The two facets of Buddhist teachings–scriptures (agamadharma, lung gi chos) and realization (adhigamadharma, rtogs pa’i chos)–are transmitted through study, reflection, and meditation. This threefold process, vital for the training of Buddhist practitioners, is facilitated by institutes for study and retreat centers. Beginning with the founding of Nalanda University in ancient India, through the early monasteries of Samyé, Sangpu, and Shalu, and continuing now in the new or reestablished Tibetan monastic colleges in India and Nepal, intensive study has flourished for over fifteen hundred years within Buddhist institutes dedicated to the pursuit of higher learning. While intensive contemplative practice was generally pursued in solitary retreats lasting months, years, or even a lifetime, in more recent times, the tradition of group three-year retreats has been found to be particularly conducive to meditative training.
In recognition of the growing interest of Western Buddhists in undertaking serious studies, as well as long-term contemplative retreats, Tsadra Foundation is pleased to offer two scholarship initiatives. For more information, visit the corresponding section of each scholarship:
