Tibetan Language for Meditators

Read the prayers and practices of the Tergar lineage in their original language.

Overview

For many practitioners, the Tibetan words we chant each day remain just out of reach. These two online course, taught by Joseph Faria, a teacher and translator at Tergar Osel Ling Monastery, opens them up. You’ll learn the alphabet, grammar and vocabulary you need to read core practice texts directly, and over time, to work with the teachings of Mingyur Rinpoche in Tibetan.

The course is designed for practitioners, not professional translators. The aim is to deepen your connection to the texts you already practice, so that language study and contemplation support each other.

Upcoming Course

Tibetan Language for Meditators, Level 2

Text

Nectar of the Path by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

Dates

Monday, 22 February to Monday, 14 June 2027 (Course break: Monday, 19 April)

Time*

Weekly, Mondays, 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. (Tokyo)

Click here to find your local timezone.

Prerequisite

Tibetan Language for Meditators, Level I

Tuition

Support $420 USD · Standard $315 USD · Reduced $265 USD

Register by

31 January 2027

*Please note that because the course instructor, Joseph, may have a change in schedule, the course time may shift to Nepal Standard Time.

Register Here

The Two Levels

Level I takes you from the alphabet to reading short daily prayers. Level II builds on that foundation with a close reading of Mingyur Rinpoche’s Nectar of the Path.

Level I

A primer for anyone who wants to relate directly to the prayers and practices of Tibetan Buddhism. The course opens with a one-week alphabet intensive, followed by a grammar overview, then guided reading of short prayers practiced throughout the Tergar community.

By the end of Level I, you will:

  • Understand the Tibetan alphabet and how words are built
  • Know the basics of Tibetan grammar
  • Be able to read core texts of the Tergar lineage at a basic level

Course Details

  • Offered: Autumn
  • Focus: Alphabet, basic grammar, vocabulary
  • Texts: Refuge and Bodhichitta, Four Immeasurables, and Dedication Prayers
  • Prerequisite: Recognize the Tibetan alphabet by day one (resources provided)
  • Format: Week 1 alphabet intensive, then weekly classes
Level II

A line-by-line reading of Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche’s Nectar of the Path. Each class combines:

  • Textual analysis: reading the text closely, with discussion of terminology and grammar
  • Additional examples: deeper exploration of key grammatical points
  • Interactive learning: Q&A and exercises to reinforce understanding
  • Contemplative practice: guided sessions that connect what you’re reading to your practice

Course Details

  • Offered: Spring
  • Focus: Close reading and grammar in context
  • Text: Nectar of the Path
  • Format: Weekly classes
  • Prerequisite: Tibetan Language for Meditators, Level I

Which Level Is Right for Me?

  • New to Tibetan? Start with Level I in the fall. All you need is curiosity, dedication, and familiarity with the alphabet by the first class; we’ll send learning resources when you register.
  • Completed Level I? You’re ready for Level II in the spring. If some time has passed since Level I, we recommend reviewing your materials before class begins.
  • Studied Tibetan elsewhere? Email info@tergarinstitute.org with a short description of your background, and we’ll help you find the right level.

How the Course Works

  • Live on Zoom: classes meet in the morning, Japan Standard Time. Use worldtimebuddy.com to convert to your local time.
  • Recordings: every session is recorded so you can review at your own pace.
  • LearnWorlds: course materials are shared there.
  • Time commitment: plan on about 3 to 4 hours per week, including class and homework.
  • Attendance: live attendance is strongly encouraged but not required. If you expect to miss more than two classes, please contact us.

Tuition

We offer three tuition levels so the course is accessible to as many practitioners as possible. Please choose the level that fits your circumstances.

  • Support: covers the full cost of the course and helps make reduced tuition possible for others.
  • Standard: covers most of the cost of the course.
  • Reduced: for students who need financial assistance.

Current tuition amounts are listed with each course under the Upcoming Courses section of this page.

If cost is still a barrier, please write to us.

Instructor

Joseph Faria was born and raised in Massachusetts and became deeply interested in Buddhist thought and practice in college. In 2009 he attended a ten-day retreat with Mingyur Rinpoche, where he took refuge and took Rinpoche as his root teacher.

Joseph has lived in Kathmandu 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 taught spoken and written Tibetan for several years and occasionally served as an oral interpreter.

Since 2021, at Mingyur Rinpoche’s request, Joseph has served as a teacher, translator, and facilitator at Tergar Osel Ling Monastery, where he also uses his Tibetan language skills to support education projects with the monastic community.

FAQs

Level I is offered each autumn, and Level II each spring.

Not for Level I. You’ll need to recognize the Tibetan alphabet by the first class, and we’ll send resources to help when you register.

The course is designed for practitioners who want to engage directly with the texts they practice. It builds real reading and translation skills, but it isn’t a professional translator training program on its own.

Attendance is strongly encouraged to maximize the learning experience, but it is not mandatory. Each class will be recorded, allowing students to review the material at their own pace. However, if you expect to miss more than two live classes, please contact Tergar Institute faculty to discuss.

We have considered offering a third-level course in the past and hope to offer it at some point in the future.

No, these courses are offered independent of the certificate program.

Please email info@tergarinstitute.org with inquiries.

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