Academic & Study Tours

About Academic & Study Tours

9-Day Academic & Study Tour of Nepalese Buddhism, blending scriptural study, monastic immersion, and historical exploration:

Theme: “From Pali Canon to Living Practice”

Buddhist Philosophy & History Tours – Study ancient scriptures, visit universities, and interact with monks.
Monastic Life Experience – Stay in monasteries and learn about daily rituals.

Delve into the profound depths of Buddhist philosophy and history through our immersive study tours. Engage with ancient scriptures at revered institutions like Rangjung Yeshe Institute and Kopan Monastery, where scholars and monks bring sacred texts to life. Visit historic universities and participate in thought-provoking discussions about Buddhist epistemology, ethics, and metaphysics with learned practitioners.

For a transformative experiential component, our Monastic Life program offers rare access to authentic daily rituals. Live alongside resident monks, waking before dawn for chanting, participating in prayer ceremonies, and learning meditation techniques passed down through generations. These programs combine rigorous academic inquiry with first-hand spiritual practice, offering unparalleled insight into both the intellectual and lived dimensions of Himalayan Buddhism.

Perfect for students, researchers, or lifelong learners seeking authentic engagement with Buddhist traditions in their cultural context.

📖 Academic Components

✔ Primary Texts Studied:

• Pali Canon (excerpts)
• Bodhicaryavatara (Ch. 6 – Patience)
• Tibetan Book of the Dead (Bardo section)

✔ Research Methods:

• Iconographic analysis
• Oral history collection from elder monks
• Archaeological site mapping

🛌 Monastic Stays

• Kopan Monastery: 2 nights in student dormitories
• Lumbini International Nuns’ Society: 1 night silent retreat

Faculty Highlights

• Ven. Khenpo Tsultrim (Shechen Monastery) – Madhyamika philosophy
• Dr. Christoph Cüppers (Lumbini Research Institute) – Early Buddhism
• Prof. Sarah Levine (Harvard/Rangjung Yeshe) – Buddhist art history

⚙️ Logistics

Includes:

• Academic materials (Pali/Tibetan cheat sheets)
• Monastery donation fees
• Research permit for Lumbini excavations

Level: Advanced undergrad/grad (reading list sent pre-tour)

📌 Customization Options

Focus Tracks:

• Textual Studies: Add Gandhari manuscript workshop
• Modern Buddhism: Include interviews with Western monastics
• Architecture: Detailed mandala vihara measurements