TESTIMONIALS FOR TIBET HOUSE NALANDA COURSES
Video message for the Nalanda Certificate Course applicants from the Director, Tibet House
Online Registration
The registration for Nalanda Diploma Course Batch 6 (NDC6) will remain open from 8th Feb 2026 9 PM IST to 8th Apr 2026 10 PM IST.
For English speaking applicants for the registration form – Click Here
For more details about NDC6 with Russian interpretation (Для получения более подробной информации о NDC6 с переводом на русский язык – нажмите здесь) – Click Here (нажмите здесь)
For more details about NDC6 with French interpretation (Pour plus de détails sur NDC6 avec interprétation simultanée en français) – Click Here (Cliquez ici)
For more details about NDC6 with Ladakhi interpretation please email nalandathladakh@gmail.com (ལ་དྭགས་ཀྱི་སྐད་སྒྱུར་ཐོག་ NDC6 གི་སློབ་ཚན་གྱི་སྐོར་ལ་ཞིབ་གསལ་
For more details about NDC6 with Hebrew interpretation Click Here
(לפרטים נוספים על הקורס עם תרגום לעברית לחצו כאן)
For more details about NDC6 with Chinese (Mandarin) interpretation (欲知更多关于 NDC6 (中文翻译) 的信息) – Click Here (点击此处）
For any queries please email nalandacourses@tibethouse.in
Nalanda Diploma Course - Details and FAQs
Testimonials from Participants of the Nalanda Courses (2025)
Hi, I’m Aleksei from Russia, in my 40s with background in Economics and Management, and over 20 years of work-experience in international tourism. I also have a family and two teenage kids. I’ve always had deeper questions about life and real happiness. Buddhism always felt especially clear and practical to me. I read books, attended teachings, and tried meditation — but all of that was quite scattered without proper framework to connect and integrate what I was learning.
Attending Bodhicitta retreats with Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul were a turning point as I had found not just a teacher, but a way of learning that I had been searching for — deep, well-structured, engaging, and without any pressure to “become” anything. Just genuine knowledge that could be applied and tested.
At the launch of Nalanda courses, I joined online starting with the Master’s course and later joined several batches of the Diploma, Certificate courses and the second batch of the Master’s course. I found authentic Buddhist teachings in a clear, structured way that’s accessible to lay people, taught by a deeply experienced, authentic teacher.The teaching style is unique not to blindly believe, instead encourages you to reflect, apply the ideas to see if they hold true. That’s what makes the experience so powerful and transformative.
For me, this journey hasn’t been just about learning concepts — it’s been about inner transformation. I can honestly say my outlook on life has changed. That sense of inner emptiness I used to feel is gone. I’m calmer, more grounded, more resilient — and, I hope, a little kinder. Of course, there’s always more to grow, but now I feel I have the right direction and tools.
If you’re already interested in Buddhism, this is a rare chance to receive well-structured, in-depth teachings on all the core aspects of Buddhist philosophy. And even if you’re not sure about Buddhism, but are feeling lost, stressed, or unsure about the direction of life — these courses can really help. They offer a way to look at reality with fresh eyes, and provide practical tools to live with more clarity, strength, and meaning.
“My name is Stanzin Lhadol, and I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Philosophy at IIT Delhi. My research focuses on the concept of “Selflessness” as elucidated by Acharya Chandrakirti in his seminal text Madhyamakāvatāra.
What initially inspired me to delve deeply into this topic was my engagement with the Nalanda Masters Course, the Nalanda Diploma Course, and several other programs offered by Tibet House, the Cultural Centre of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New Delhi.
Although I was born and raised in a Buddhist family in Ladakh, I had very limited exposure to the profound depth and richness of Buddhist Philosophy, Psychology, Ontology, Epistemology, and Logic. It was only through the vast wisdom and unconditional support of Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul la that this path became possible for me.
Alongside the Nalanda Courses, I had the invaluable opportunity to attend his teachings in Tibetan on core texts such as Drubtha (Tenet Systems), Lorig (Buddhist Psychology), and Umajukpa (Madhyamakāvatāra). Through these teachings, I was able to study Buddhist philosophy in Tibetan, which later enabled me to translate the Nalanda Introductory Course into Ladakhi and support the translation of retreats led by Geshe la.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of this journey has been the chance to bridge my academic research with community engagement—especially by connecting with the older generation in Ladakh in our native language. This, for me, has been a significant milestone.
Finally, I can say with deep gratitude that it is because of Venerable Geshe la and Tibet House that both my academic path and my family’s perspective have transformed in meaningful ways.
Thank you so much.”
We are Rimpi and Lokesh Jindal from Gurgaon, India with our two sons. Rimpi runs her business, and does voluntary work for NGOs and Tibet House. Lokesh is an independent management consultant and recently completed his MA in Philosophy, and is planning to pursue a doctorate in the same subject.
We joined NMC-1 in 2016, and have been enrolled in various courses offered by Tibet House since then. Having experienced hyper-competitive or stressful work environments, we had felt need for spiritual learning and development, and these courses have been filling that gap since then.
These courses taught by Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul have been of great benefit for us. Here we found strategies for leading a fulfilling life combined with intellectual and emotional development of mind, explained in clear expositions of Buddha’s words and deeds, as well as those of great Nalanda masters. Such long, structured and in-depth programs in Buddhist philosophy are probably offered for the first time directly in English Language, and have been of great value to both of us.
We would highly recommend them to anyone who may have inclination toward meditation, spiritual development or philosophy in general.
We are Marn Wong and Wee-Chiang Lai from Singapore. Marn, a former academic specialising in economics, with work experience in the fields of public-policy, media and communication, and mindfulness-based training. Wee-Chiang Lai, a naval architect by training with over 30 years’ experience in project management.
Joining the inagural batch of the NMC1 in 2017 and NMC2 in 2022, was one of the best things that has happened to us, and was no doubt through the blessings of HH the Dalai Lama. The course has given us, lay people, a rare opportunity to study systematically the great treatises by Indian and Tibetan masters in the Nalanda tradition, and that too, in English with a brilliant teacher, Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul. Under the guidance of Geshe la, the teachings came alive in a way we have never experienced before. His dynamic and engaging teaching style—deeply rooted in the rigour of the Nalanda tradition yet presented with striking relevance to our lives—is nothing short of electrifying.
Through gaining a deeper understanding of the veracity and profundity of the Buddha’s teachings, which is so hard to find, we developed greater clarity and conviction in the direction that we must follow. It has been very meaningful and transformative for us.
Nalanda courses are highly recommended for anyone looking for meaning and happiness in their life. If you are concerned about time committment for study, then just make a start and do whatever you can. Every step counts in this journey towards maximum fulfilment.
I am Anita Dudhane, a practicing physician, with a super-speciality of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, who trained and works both in India and the US.
I had been doing short and long retreats on various topics, related to Buddhism, for quite a few years, but felt that I needed a systematic study approach, to gain a deeper understanding of the philosophy.
I am so grateful that I made the decision to join the course, and have completed NMC1 and have joined NMC 2 to revise what I learnt in NMC 1. Without a deep grounding in study, just jumping into meditative practice, will not lead to concrete and lasting results, in removing afflictions and achieving maximum happiness, which is the goal, for all of us. Ven Geshe la is an amazing teacher who is not only grounded in Buddhist Philosophy, but also has a deep understanding of science esp physics. This really appealed to me, as practice based on logic and wisdom, is more likely to make a lasting impact on my mind.
If you are interested in Buddhist practice, I strongly urge you to start the study program. If you are worried about time commitment, Tibet House has Diploma courses as well. But if I can do the Masters program, with my schedule, I feel that anyone can do it.
Thank you to Ven Geshe la and Tibet House, for providing such a rare opportunity, to study these texts which are historically only taught in monasteries – you have changed my life.
First of all wishing a happy 90th birthday and homage to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. We are so fortunate to have him in our world as a voice of reason during these extremely troubling times.
I am Laurie Rankin, a retired software sales engineer from US. Over the last few years, I’ve experienced some significant health issues including two major brain surgeries which have left me disabled. I am Jeff Allen, also from the US, with restaurant industry experience. I was a musician and also had the honor of being a student and translating for Namgyal Khensur Geshe Wangdak Rinpoche, the retired Abbott of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s monastery, for 25 years.
During the last two years of his life, Rinpoche lived with us in our home. He passed away on March 6, 2022. At this point, we thought we may not find another close connection with a such a qualified teacher. Luckily we were introduced to Nalanda Courses and joined various different courses. Currently, we are both enrolled in the Nalanda Masters Course (NMC2).
Laurie- It’s truly been a life raft for me and my family during these difficult times. Thanks to these courses, I don’t think with the current challenges, we would have been able to have smiles on our faces or have been able to sustain positivity in the way that we have.
Jeff- I can confidently say that if you are interested in learning the basics of the Nalanda Buddhist Tradition or the intricate details that this beautiful tradition has to offer, there’s no better place in the world to do this then the Tibet House, New Delhi. There are many courses offered to suit individual needs. We really look forward to seeing you in class.
Laurie and Jeff
I am Michael Nixon, a musician and music researcher with many years of university teaching behind me. Now retired, I mostly play South Indian classical music on the vīṇa, teach a few students and do some writing and editing.
His Beloved Holiness the Dalai Lama launched Nalanda courses at Tibet House to take care of our mind and inner peace’. In a world filled with so much sorrow, what could be better?
With the blessings of His Holiness, I find studying these Nalanda Courses is a great way to practice and study that I could not achieve by the kind of personal study of Buddha dharma that I’d been involved in. What more could a non-monastic ask for than to study with the inexhaustibly energetic, generous, erudite and insightful Geshe La, several other wonderful lamas?
These most caring of teachers spur me on by example, no less than by their teaching. An invaluable part of the experience is that I find myself a member of a sangha of wonderful vidyārthis, virtual though it may be. Living in South Africa, where Buddhism has yet to set down deep roots, I cherish this sangha as invaluable. I am also inspired by the great joy that our late, beloved Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness found in each other as two people who experienced the greatest difficulties as spiritual leaders facing overwhelming social and political challenges.
Anyone with a yen to practice the Dharma could scarcely do better than to enrol in one of Tibet House’s Nalanda course offerings. Some folks may be daunted by committing to a few years of study, but if you can make the time, please do. They might well be the best years of your life.
I am Victor Quintanilla, a professor teaching law and psychology at Indiana University, USA. I am honored to speak with you as we mark HH the Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday and the year of compassion.
I have been involved in the Mind & Life network and wished to deepen my understanding of Madhyamaka philosophy and empirical psychology. I studied Dharma intensively for many years, but felt I was missing a way to integrate understanding into my practice. Now having myself now participated in the Nalanda Introductory, Certificate, Diploma, and Master’s courses.
I’m grateful for these Nalanda courses, organized by Tibet House, New Delhi, and Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul la.
Most importantly, we are extremely fortunate that, through the blessings of HH the Dalai Lama, the wisdom of the Nalanda masters, such as Arya Nagarjuna, Acharya Chandrakirti, and Bodhisattva Shantideva, still shines brightly today. This treasure of living knowledge is now accessible to people worldwide through Nalanda courses, including seekers outside the great Tibetan Buddhist monasteries such as Drepung, Sera, and Ganden.
For those of you who want to move beyond a faith grounded in admiration and aspiration alone, to a faith based on logic and reason, one founded on confidence and conviction in your understanding, the Nalanda courses will be perfect. I highly recommend Tibet House’s programs and Nalanda courses! It will be a joyful journey of learning and discovery! Your practice will deepen! You will experience growth! How fortunate we are! What a precious opportunity this is!
My name is Daniel. I grew up in Spain, currently living and working in Germany as an opera singer.
During student to professional transition, I experienced severe anxiety, stress and uncertainty caused by auditions and competitions. To overcome this, mindfulness meditation as taught by Western psychologists greatly helped alleviate my anxiety symptoms, so I continued exploring the theoretical basis of these techniques—mostly through books and podcasts. This eventually led me to understand that Buddhist philosophy, even as a non-believer, is a deeply beneficial subject to study.
Before I joined the Nalanda Courses, my learning was erratic, disorganised, and slow. Thanks to Tibet House, my studies are now systematic and steady thanks to the skills of our teacher and the incredible group of students encouragement, group discussions and the online forum.
To join these courses, all you need is internet access for live teachings or the recordings. With just 4–6 hours a week of learning, you’ll benefit and so will everyone around you. I would love to see you there!
It is with deep gratitude and joy that I share my heartfelt experience as a student of the Nalanda tradition under the guidance of the most Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul la.
I was known as Kyipa Tsamchoe then after receiving ordination on March 11th, 2025 from HH the Great 14th Dalai Lama, blessed with the Dharma name Tenzin Lhamo. This precious new beginning in my life has been possible solely due to the compassionate, wise, and unwavering support of Geshe Dorji Damdul la, whose guidance has touched my heart in the most profound way.
Currently, I reside in New York, USA and serve as a patient care provider in a city hospital. Despite the busyness of life, my spiritual journey has become my deepest source of joy and strength.
I joined the Nalanda Courses with the sincere wish to cultivate inner happiness and to be of benefit to others. It has truly been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Each class offers precious insights, and I treasure them deeply. Missing even a single session feels like a true loss. What makes this journey so impactful is not only the depth of the teachings but also Geshe-la’s extraordinary ability to meet each student where they are—with compassion, clarity, and an almost unimaginable understanding.
I sincerely wish that many more people will come to recognize the rare and precious opportunity presented by the Nalanda tradition. May they too be inspired to embark on this path and experience the transformative journey toward genuine happiness and liberation.
With heartfelt gratitude.
My name is Rui, and my daughter’s name is Maria Clara. We’re from Brazil. I’m an associate professor in the Physical Education course at the Federal University of Pampa, and Maria Clara is a PhD student in Education.
The greatest inspiration for us to do the course was and is His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. We have always been very touched by His Holiness’s commitment to education and his efforts to bring meditation and compassion to schools, as well as spread the wisdom of the philosophy developed by the Great Masters of Nalanda University. With the desire to be able to help ourselves and the children, we began to study at Tibet House and provide a foundation for our work, seeking to establish bridges, a didactic transposition of Nalanda’s philosophy into the Brazilian education system.
Our experience has been very deep and transformative. It’s wonderful to be able to know and feel that the Wisdom of the Nalanda Great Masters is alive in the Tibet House Nalanda courses, thanks to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’ Love and Compassion, the Tibetan People Efforts, the dear teacher Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul La, and the entire Tibet House team. We emphasize feeling because, unlike what we find in Western universities where knowledge is not always related to Being, Nalanda’s teachings allow for an ontological transformation in ourselves through an understanding of Ethics based on Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy, Psychology and Epistemology. And this is one of the main points of the courses offered by Tibet House.
If you who are reading this modest testimony, like us, are interested in getting to know the Nalanda Profound Philosophy, take this unique opportunity offered by Tibet House. This may be one of the few opportunities in the world to have access to these Teachings outside the great Tibetan Monastic Universities.
We are Minoti Bahri and Isar Bahri, mother and son from New Delhi, India.
I am Minoti, received Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and am the Founder-Education Director at Shikshantar, a school in Gurgaon, Haryana.
I always felt a strong link with Tibet and studied several books on various spiritual practices but did not satiate me and then I took teachings from HH the Dalai Lama in 2012, which changed everything. There was an urge to find something that was long term, sustainable and transformative. So I joined and completed NDC2, and now doing NMC2 under a very precious teacher. This helped having more wholistic, compassionate and rational view in my life.
My advice is to select a course based on your life’s other commitments and then give time to allow the teacher and the content to grow on you. Step by step you will observe your mind widen and heart expand.
I am Isar, received Bachelor’s of Arts from Sarah Lawrence College in New York, currently working in education and in health and wellness, earlier used to coach football in Valencia.
I dabbled here and there and then before joining and completing NDC3, NDC4 and is currently studying NMC2 for the knowledge of Buddhist philosophy and meditation in a systematic and thorough manner. These courses have changed the way I think and act in a positive way and weaving it into day to day life. Apart from this, I have connected to a special teacher and beautiful community.
My advice to enrol in a course which you can pursue and do it along with any other life commitments. In case somebody misses some classes, then start taking the live classes and catch up on the ones missed side by side just like Venerable Geshe Dorji La recommends.
I am Yuri Fujita (Tenzin Choezom), from Japan. I am currently studying Buddhism and the Tibetan language in India after joining the Nalanda Courses.
For many years, I have been interested in Nalanda studies, as HH the 14th Dalai Lama always mentions and advises us to study the teachings of Nalanda’s great masters. During that time, I was fortunate to attend Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul La’s online teachings offered by Tibet House Japan, which eventually led me to take such great studies.
Since joining these courses actively, I’ve had a fulfilling experience. The teachings structured and practical approach, guided by Venerable Geshe La, makes the teachings interactive. While it sometimes takes me time to understand the teachings, I appreciate his encouragement during the teachings and the support from fellow students, which helps me revise and improve.
I encourage you to join Nalanda Courses without hesitation. If language is a concern, the effort is truly worthwhile based on personal experience. Thanks to many people’s dedication, several translations are now available. Please don’t miss this opportunity.
Hope to see you soon in the teachings!
I am Tshering Duba, 35 years old from Bhutan, residing in Perth, Australia, for the past seven years. Currently, I am pursuing a master’s degree in professional accounting. I enrolled in Nalanda Courses from March 2023.
Born in a Buddhist country to compassionate parents, my understanding of the Dharma was largely related to cultural and ritualistic practices. For several years in Australia, I struggled to balance the demands of work, study, and family life. Although I occasionally listened to various online Dharma teachings, I did so without much focus or commitment then eventually came across a YouTube teaching by Geshela on dependent origination which led me to join a Nalanda course. What drew me, was its structured and systematic approach to studying the Buddha’s teachings.
I successfully completed the NCC2 and NDC4, and I am currently enrolled in NMC2. This period has marked a significant turning point in both my personal and spiritual development. What distinguishes the Nalanda courses from other academic programs is the profound relevance of the teachings to one’s inner life. I have experienced a gradual yet meaningful shift within myself and integrating the Dharma into my daily life.
For anyone considering taking this kind of course, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to go for it—with an open mind and sincere intention. Participating in Nalanda course, offers far more than just intellectual knowledge. It provides a practical and transformative framework for understanding your mind, your life, and the world around you.
My advice is: stay consistent, be honest with yourself, and don’t rush the process. Even if you don’t grasp everything immediately, just staying engaged will plant meaningful seeds. Don’t hesitate—you may find it to be one of the most meaningful decisions of your life.