About the Writer: Senge Catherine
SINI Monastic Education Coordinator
Senge Catherine serves in the newly established role of Monastic Education Coordinator at SINI, focusing on supporting Buddhist education within monasteries and nunneries in a world undergoing rapid change. She works closely with monastic institutions across traditions to explore how traditional Buddhist education can adapt to contemporary challenges while maintaining the integrity of the Dharma. Through initiatives like the Three Cups of Tea Monastic Teacher Training Program, she helps facilitate training, foster a community of monastic educators, and develop innovative teaching methodologies that bridge traditional monastic learning with modern pedagogical approaches.
Her journey with SINI began when she met Tsering Gellek, whose dedication to monastic education deeply aligned with her own aspirations. Recognizing their shared vision of supporting monastic teachers in navigating modern educational challenges while preserving the Dharma's essence, she joined SINI to contribute to this essential work.
"At SINI, I am committed to strengthening Monastic education through the Three Cups of Tea Monastic Teacher Training Program, fostering networks of monastic educators, and developing training resources that support Dharma teachers."
Growing Up in Buddhist Education
Born and raised in France at a Buddhist center, I grew up immersed in Buddhist education. Inspired by my mother, a dedicated educator, I pursued a BA in Primary Education with a focus on active pedagogy. My passion for both education and Buddhism led me to Dharamshala, India, in September 2018, where I have spent the past six years studying the Tibetan language and exploring Tibetan Buddhist philosophy.
During this time, I collaborated with institutions that train foreigners in Tibetan, contributing to the development of educational materials, teacher training programs, and capacity-building initiatives. While traveling in India, Nepal, and Bhutan, I spent extended periods in monasteries, witnessing first hand their daily routines, the vital role they play in preserving the Dharma, and the challenges they face in the modern world.
The Buddhist Educators Collective
In 2024, I founded the Buddhist Educators Collective, a project dedicated to empowering monastic educators and revitalizing Buddhist education for younger generations by integrating timeless Buddhist wisdom with innovative teaching methodologies. For years, I have been passionate about making Buddhist education more accessible and impactful for future generations.
While developing this project, I connected with a student of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche engaged in integrating Buddhist principles into modern education for monastics. Through this connection, I learned about the inspiring work at SINI under the leadership of Tsering Gellek and the vision to strengthen monastic education through the Three Cups of Tea Monastic Teacher Training Program.
Journey to SINI
In December 2024, I had the opportunity to meet Tsering Gellek in person. Our shared commitment to supporting monastic educators and adapting Buddhist education for contemporary challenges was immediately evident. I was inspired by the depth of his dedication and the transformative potential of the initiatives being developed at SINI.
Joining SINI felt like a natural step in my own journey—a chance to contribute meaningfully to work that aligns with my deepest values and aspirations. Here, I focus on building networks of monastic educators, facilitating training programs, and developing resources that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
"My mission is to ensure that Buddhist education remains a living force—one that empowers both monastics and lay communities to engage authentically with the Dharma, no matter where they are or what challenges they face."
I am grateful for this opportunity to serve, learn, and grow alongside the incredible community of educators, monastics, and supporters who make this work possible.