Three Cups Monastic
Teacher Training 2026
Bridge Tradition and the Needs of Today's World
Sarnath International Nyingma Institute (SINI)
Sarnath, Varanasi, India
Arrive on January 4th • Depart on January 10th
The Three Cups program gathers monastic teachers coming from Various Monasteries & Nunneries
Monastic Educators
Monasteries & Nunneries
Students Who Will Benefit
Monasteries Already Joined
Monastics will gather from throughout India, Nepal, and Bhutan to participate in this transformative program.
Participating Monasteries & Nunneries
India
Nepal
Bhutan
5 Days to Enhance Your Teaching
This intensive program provides practical, relevant, and innovative skills for monastic educators.
Connecting with Modern Learners
Practical Teaching Skills
Effective Learning Strategies
Digital Tools & Innovation
What You Can Expect
International Community
Join an international community of monastic teachers from all traditions
Expert Presentations
Learn from experts who are effectively adapting their teaching for a changing world
Hands-On Sessions
Practical sessions with real-time application and feedback
Panel Discussions
Engage in meaningful dialogue with peers and experts
Bilingual Materials
Presentation materials provided in English and Tibetan
Q&A Sessions
Direct access to presenters for your questions and concerns
Meet Your Presenters
Learn from experienced educators and practitioners who bridge tradition with innovation
Khenpo Pema Woser
Khenpo
Khenpo Pema Woser studied Buddhist philosophy and the five profound fundamental texts at Sherabling Monastery in Himachal Pradesh, India, the seat of the 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche. Since 2010, he has been a teacher at Tergar Osel Ling Monastery, leading courses on core subjects like Prajnaparamita, Madhyamaka, The Way of the Bodhisattva, and many more. Beyond his teaching duties, he served for two years as a Functionary Khenpo and worked in the library of Tergar. Khenpo la has received various teachings from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama especially the "Way of the Bodhisattva". He also received various profound teachings from His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, and the Mahamudra Five Great Treasures (མཛོད་ཆེན་རྣམས་ལྔ་) from Guru Vajradhara H.E. the 12th Chamgon Kenting Tai Situ Rinpoche. From His Eminence Sangay Nyenpa Rinpoche, Khenpo la received teachings of key texts, including "The Words of My Perfect Teacher" and "The Jewel Ornament of Liberation". And he received meditation instructions from Kabjey Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, under whose guidance he currently teaches.
Khenpo Pema Woser initially taught exclusively to monks at Tergar Shedra for twelve years (2010–2022). In the last three years, he has significantly broadened his reach, teaching lay practitioners from diverse groups, including Himalayan and Chinese communities. He has also taught Abhidharma online to global participants and held a specialized in-person Abhidharma one month course for young Nepalese practitioners in Kathmandu in September 2025.
Stephen James Pigott
Podcaster and Educator
Stephen James Pigott travels internationally leading workshops in somatic enquiry, contemplative practice, interpersonal skills, and high performance. His private consulting practice specialises in the relational and strategic challenges faced by highly visible individuals. Ongoing clients include Oscar-winning actors, multi-Grammy-winning musicians, and leaders in technology and finance. He designed and delivered teacher training programs for Michaela Boehm Inc., training hundreds of facilitators worldwide in relational work, coaching skills, and the Non-Linear Movement Method®. Steve is the host of the Guru Viking Podcast, which features in-depth interviews with remarkable teachers and scholars of meditation, spirituality, and religion. He is the founder of the Movement Koan® Method, a fusion of joint-nourishing movement and body-based mindfulness available in a series of DVD/Downloads.
Steve has taught at the Esalen Institute and 1440 Multiversity, is a regular speaker at the Science and NonDuality Conference (San Jose) and Radiant Intimacy (Scotts Valley), and has lectured for The Summit Series, Summit at Sea, Vivendi, and the NHS. Steve’s work has been featured in international media such as the BBC, Channel 5, The Times, CP24, the Netflix series (Un)Well and Sex, Love & goop, and the Sowa Rigpa Journal. He is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Tibetan and Himalayan Studies at the University of Oxford.
Joseph Faria
Teacher & Translator
Joseph Faria was born and raised in Massachusetts, USA and became intensely interested in Buddhist thought and practice when he started college. In 2009 he attended a 10 day meditation retreat with Mingyur Rinpoche where he decided to take refuge and take Rinpoche as his root teacher.
Joseph has been living in Kathmandu, Nepal since 2012 devoting his life to study and practice. He earned a Master's degree in Buddhist Studies from Rangjung Yeshe Institute, where he also served as an instructor of spoken and written Tibetan for several years. Mingyur Rinpoche asked Joseph to serve as a teacher, translator, and facilitator at Tergar Osel Ling Monastery, where he uses modern education strategies to enhance learning in Tibetan Buddhist monastic communities.
Arun Poudel
Licensed Meditation Teacher
Arun is a licensed teacher of "Anytime Anywhere Meditation," a program created by Mingyur Rinpoche. Since 2017, Arun has been affiliated with Rinpoche's teachings and currently leads "Joy of Living" meditation groups in Nepal.
In addition, he serves as an assistant professor of Buddhist philosophy under Lumbini Buddhist University and as the executive director of the Buddha Prakash Foundation, which aims to bring traditional Buddhist teaching and meditation practice to a broader audience.
Dr. Chencho Dorji
Psychiatrist & Professor
Dr. Chencho Dorji, Bhutan's first trained psychiatrist, has been instrumental in developing the country's mental health services since 1999. His education spans renowned institutions in India, Sri Lanka, Australia, and the United States, including Johns Hopkins University.
He has received numerous awards, including the lifetime achievement award and the Druk Thuksay award from Bhutan's King, as well as international recognition from Ashoka Grand Challenges and the Zero Project. As a professor of psychiatry at the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences, he contributes to international initiatives, including advising WHO.
Catherine Brown
English Language Educator
Catherine Brown's four decades as an English language educator and teacher trainer have presented her with countless opportunities to work with and learn from students spanning the globe. She was first drawn to India and Nepal in 1991 while researching ancient Buddhist, and Hindu art and architecture, and has returned many times.
Over her extensive career, she has taught English to learners aged kindergarten through adult in the US, India, and Vietnam, designed and conducted teacher training seminars throughout the US, and taught courses in teaching methodology for Portland State and Antioch Universities. She currently teaches English for the Columbia Gorge Community College in Oregon, USA. With over 10 years supporting SINI's initiatives, she now supports the 3 Cups Monastic Teacher Training, and works to widen the organization's support of monastics interested in participating in academic institutions globally.
Who Is This For?
- ✓ Traditionally-trained Buddhist monastic teachers from all traditions
- ✓ Interest or experience in teaching monastics and/or lay people
- ✓ From monasteries or centers located throughout Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Tibet
- ✓ Monastic teachers who live outside of this region may also apply
What We Will Provide
Everything you need to focus on learning and connecting with fellow educators
Accommodation
Comfortable lodging at SINI for the duration of the program
Meals
All meals provided throughout your stay
Materials
All training materials and resources in English and Tibetan
Travel Support
Modest travel budget available for participants from Bhutan, India, and Nepal
Cultural Visit
Visit the Dhamek Stupa, where the Buddha first turned the wheel of Dharma
Special Surprises
Surprise talks and special presentations throughout the program
Note: A modest travel budget is available for participants coming from Bhutan, India, and Nepal. Longer international travel must be covered personally.
The Three Cups Monastic Teacher Training Program is generously supported by the Khyentse Foundation and the Sarnath International Nyingma Institute.
In partnership with
Ready to Join Us?
Register now to secure your place in the 2026 Three Cups Monastic Teacher Training Program
Register Here →Application deadline: October 31, 2025
Have Questions?
Contact our program coordinators
Sarnath International Nyingma Institute
SA 14/52 P-2, Baraipur, Varanasi, UP 221007, India