Tibetan Language for Meditators

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Overview

The Tibetan Language for Meditators course is designed as a primer for those interested in directly relating to the prayers and practices of Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan language expert Joseph Faria will introduce the alphabet, basic grammar and vocabulary, and keys for directly understanding Tibetan-language prayers and practices.

The texts studied include Refuge and Bodhichitta, Four Immeasurables, Dedication Prayers, as well as parts of Prayer to the Dhakpo Kagyu and Nectar of the Path. The average weekly commitment is 3-4 hours.

Registration

Please complete this registration form.

Upon receipt of your completed form, we will provide a link for payment. Once both your registration form and payment are received, you will be officially registered for the course.

Deadline: 21 August 2026

Objectives

By completing this course, you will:

  • Gain proficient understanding of the Tibetan alphabet and word structure
  • Learn basic Tibetan grammar
  • Develop a basic ability to read core texts of the Tergar Buddhist lineage
Structure
  • All classes offered via Zoom
  • Recordings available after each session
  • Course materials and communication via Google Classroom
Tuition Options

We offer the following three levels of tuition:

  • Support: $420
  • Standard: $315
  • Reduced: $265
Instructor
Joseph Faria
Faculty & Translator

Joseph Faria

Joseph Faria

Faculty & Translator

Joseph Faria

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, while occasionally acting as an oral interpreter. 

Mingyur Rinpoche asked Joseph to serve as a teacher, translator, and facilitator at Tergar Osel Ling Monastery, which he has been doing since 2021. 

Joseph uses his Tibetan language skills to work with the monastic community at Tergar Osel Ling on several projects to enhance education and learning, as well as serving the monastery in various other capacities as needed.

Course Schedule

August 24-28

Week 1: Tibetan Alphabet Intensive

The schedule includes twice daily 60-minute sessions, with classes held at 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Nepal Standard Time. Additionally, there is a daily homework assignment that requires one hour to complete.

September 2-30

Week 2 - 6: Grammar Overview

The schedule includes weekly 90-minute sessions, with classes held at 8:00 p.m. Nepal Standard Time.

October 7

Break

Class will not meet this week.

October 14 - December 2

Week 7-14: Reading Texts

The schedule includes weekly 90-minute sessions, with classes held at 8:00 p.m. Nepal Standard Time.

FAQs

All that’s needed for this course is curiosity and dedication. Students should be able to recognize the Tibetan alphabet by the start of the course, and resources for learning the alphabet will be provided upon registration.

This introductory course is a first step towards proficiency but won’t produce translators on its own.

We have offered a second-level course in the past and plan to offer it again in the future. We also intend to introduce a third-level course in the near future.

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.

Please email info@tergarinstitute.org with inquiries.

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