Back to sinibridge.org
SINI Logo
Three Cups Logo
January 5–9, 2026

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

Our Impact

The Three Cups program gathers monastic teachers coming from Various Monasteries & Nunneries

40+

Monastic Educators

20+

Monasteries & Nunneries

5000+

Students Who Will Benefit

Monasteries Already Joined

Monastics will gather from throughout India, Nepal, and Bhutan to participate in this transformative program.

Map showing participating monasteries across India, Nepal, and Bhutan

Participating Monasteries & Nunneries

India

India

Namdroling MonasteryMindrolling MonasteryDzongsar InstituteTsechen Choeling MonasterySera JeySera MeyDrepung Gomang MonasteryJangchup Choeling NunneryOḍḍiyāna Secret Mantra Dharma CollegePalden Drepung Tashi Gomang Monastic InstituteJamyang Choling InstitutePalyul Choekhorling MonasteryNechung MonasteryBokar Shedra Obar Chimeyling InstituteZangdok Pelri Buddhist MonasteryAwam Thubten Sang Ngag Chhoekhor Dargyeling
Nepal

Nepal

Kopan NunneryTergar MonasteryDzogchen Shri Singha Buddhist Retreat InstituteRolwaling Sanga Choling monastery school
Bhutan

Bhutan

Nimalung MonasteryTamshing Lhalung MonasteryChokyi Gyatso InstituteSangdag Gaypailing, Bartsham Chador LhakhangKenchosum Shedra
Program Overview

5 Days to Enhance Your Teaching

This intensive program provides practical, relevant, and innovative skills for monastic educators.

Connecting with Modern Learners

Understanding the younger generation and how to easily adapt our teaching methods to meet their needs
Practicing skills for connecting and effectively supporting modern youth
Exploring the power of the online world to transmit the Dharma

Practical Teaching Skills

Learning to implement a guided meditation for lay audiences
Practice how to lead a discussion and take questions from the audience
Simple and effective techniques for engaging all learners in both the monastery and among lay audiences

Effective Learning Strategies

Techniques to increase motivation and learning
Basic memorization and comprehension strategies
Growth mindset to aid motivation

Digital Tools & Innovation

Creating visuals to enhance learning using Canva and AI
Program Benefits

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

Expert Faculty

Meet Your Presenters

Learn from experienced educators and practitioners who bridge tradition with innovation

Khenpo Pema Woser

Khenpo Pema Woser

Teacher

Khenpo Pema Woser studied Buddhist philosophy and the five profound fundamental texts at Sherabling Monastery in Himachal Pradesh, India, the seat of...

Stephen James Pigott

Stephen James Pigott

Podcaster and Educator

Stephen James Pigott travels internationally leading workshops in somatic enquiry, contemplative practice, interpersonal skills, and high...

Joseph Faria

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...

Arun Poudel

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...

Geshe Lharampa Jampa Khasang

Geshe Lharampa Jampa Khasang

Teacher

Geshe Jampa Khasang was born in Chukham Village, Karze, Kham in 1976. In 1992, he came to India and joined Sera Jey Monastic University to pursue his...

Catherine Brown

Catherine Brown

Director & Trainer

Catherine Brown holds a master's degree in education and has studied at the University of Michigan, California State University Chico, and Lewis and...

Senge Catherine

Senge Catherine

Monastic Education Coordinator

Senge Catherine serves as Monastic Education Coordinator at SINI, focusing on supporting Buddhist education within monasteries and nunneries. She...

Eligibility

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
Full Support

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.

Program Sponsors

The Three Cups Monastic Teacher Training Program is generously supported by the Khyentse Foundation and the Sarnath International Nyingma Institute.

Teaching Partnerships

In partnership with

Tergar Institute
Registration

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

Senge Catherine

Program Coordinator

Khenpo Kunga Dakpa

Monastic Executive Group

Sarnath International Nyingma Institute

SA 14/52 P-2, Baraipur, Varanasi, UP 221007, India