Dzongsar Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö Institute (DKCLI), India

Dzongsar Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö College of Dialectics is a shedra (monastic college) located in Chauntra, Himachal Pradesh, India. Under the guidance and support of its principal, the venerable Khenpo Kunga Wangchuk, Dzongsar Institute relocated from Bir to Chauntra, Himachal Pradesh, India in 2004 and was renamed Dzongsar Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö Institute (DKCLI). His Holiness the Dalai Lama presided over the three-day inauguration.

The student body is composed of over 500 monks from various locales and monasteries, representing all schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The primary language of instruction in Tibetan. The Institute also runs an intensive English language program, sponsored by Khyentse Foundation to fulfill Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche’s vision of a more worldly-wise set of teachers who can travel and teach across many physical and cultural divides. Khyentse Foundation also sponsors the basic operating needs of the Institute.

DKCLI has an intensive 11-year study program. Students concentrate on traditional Buddhist philosophy for the first 7 years. Each year the students undertake the study of two major texts or commentaries, together with other subjects such as logic, grammar, monastic discipline, and poetry. In accordance with Rinpoche’s wishes, DKCLI maintains traditional academic excellence while expanding its curricula through innovation. Guest lecturers teach the monks about the global economy, western history, and philosophy, and the foundation also supports language programs, computer courses, and management and leadership programs, with the objective of producing computer-literate Buddhist teacher-scholars who are fluent in both English and Chinese, as well as Tibetan. Exchange programs with selected western universities help khenpos to become familiar with western culture. In addition, current bookkeeping practices in the institutes ensure that all KF funds are properly managed and accounted for.

← Back to Monastic Directory