About the International Buddhist Academy

The International Buddhist Academy (IBA) was founded by Ven. Khenchen Appey Rinpoche, and was inaugurated officially in 2001. After the establishment of Sakya college (note 1) and extensive interaction with lay students, Rinpoche felt that there was a lack of proper facilities and systematic instruction for lay students who wished to engage in comprehensive studies of Buddhism. With the help of sponsors, friends and students, Rinpoche started the construction of the IBA in 1994.

On completion of the construction, the Academy started offering classes to international students from 2001 onward. In the years since, we have been delighted to welcome students of all traditions and backgrounds who are drawn to the in-depth classical Dharma studies presented by the IBA's faculty of highly qualified Khenpos.

In addition to providing teachings on the Buddha Dharma, the Academy also has various on-going projects, including the computerization of Tibetan scriptures, translation projects and publications. Thus far, IBA has published over 70 volumes of rare Tibetan Buddhist scriptures which were distributed to various monastic institutions. Contact the IBA.

Note 1: Sakya College in Dehra Dun, north India: a monastic University providing Buddhist philosophy and Tantric teachings to monks

The Importance of Studying the Buddha Dharma

"The main objective of sentient beings in this universe is to get rid of suffering and to obtain happiness and benefits. By using other trivial methods, this objective can only be partially and temporarily realized.  Only the Buddha Dharma can eradicate the entire suffering and accomplish permanent happiness. Therefore it is essential to engage in the practice of the Buddha Dharma. In order to do so, it is important to study and contemplate on the Buddha Dharma. In Tibet, the Buddha Dharma is studied by the outstanding masters in a complete and comprehensive manner. As a result, even in present days, the Buddha Dharma exists as a subject to be studied and practiced. In this age, there are many who are interested in Tibetan Buddhism. With the hope that people can study the Buddha Dharma and that the Buddha Dharma will flourish in the world, I have started the International Buddhist Academy."

-Khenchen Appey Rinpoche