An Overview of Sera Jey Monastic Institute’s Undergraduate Program
Since its founding in the 15th century by Kunkhyen Lodoe Rinchen Senge—a direct disciple of Je Rinpoche Lama Tsongkhapa—Sera Jey Monastery has been a renowned center of Buddhist learning, with its influence extending across the world. From its inception, an unbroken lineage of scholars and realized masters—deeply versed in the profound traditions of sutra and tantra—has flourished here. The monastery is especially known for its rigorous academic training, which centers on the study of the Five Great Classical Treatises and emphasizes deep understanding through reasoning and debate.
However, one significant challenge remains: traditional monastic institutes such as Sera Jey are not formally recognized by modern academic institutions. Following the advice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who emphasized the importance of obtaining such recognition, Sera Jey Monastic Institute has undertaken several initiatives to bridge this gap. As part of this effort, we have developed academic collaboration programs and partnerships with universities to gain recognition for those who have completed the monastery’s advanced Buddhist studies. In particular, we have sought accredited academic pathways through collaboration with institutions such as the University of Mysore.
In 2022, the Sera Jey Monastic Institute Undergraduate Program (B.A.) was launched under the Specialized Programme Initiative of the University of Mysore. The curriculum is aligned with the university’s academic framework and currently includes three degree courses:
- BA. in Ancient Philosophy
- BA. in Ancient Psychology
- BA. in Ancient Tibetan Language
The program spans three years, with each academic year divided into two semesters. Students must complete coursework for each semester and fulfil academic requirements including written assignments, oral presentations, and examinations.
All courses are taught in the Tibetan language, and all examinations are conducted at Sera Jey Monastery. The Philosophy and Psychology courses are based on the classical texts on Paramita and Pramana, which also form the core of the monastery’s debate curriculum. Additional materials include works on Lojong (Mind Training) and The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhisattvacharyavatara). The Ancient Tibetan Language course includes study of grammar, orthography, synonymics, and poetry. Upon successful completion of the three-year program, students are awarded a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Mysore.
Enrolment Statistics:
2022–2023: 44 students
2023–2024: 66 students
2024–2025: 36 students
2025 – 2026: 28 students
2026 – 2027: 66 students
To date, a total of 240 students have enrolled in the program.
Contact Information:
Geshe Jampa Choewang (Head of Department)
1) Geshe Thabkhe (Psychology Dept)
2) Geshe Lobsang Namkha (Psychology Dept)
3) Geshe Jampa Thabkey (Philosophy Dept)
4) Geshe Jangchup Dakpa (Philosophy Dept)
5) Geshe Sonam Wangden (Tibetan Language Dept)
6) Geshe Gedun Thabke (Tibetan Language Dept)
7) Gen Sonam Phuntsok (Coordinator)
8) Gen Lobsang Damdul (Assistant)
Address:
Sera Jey Education Department
Sera Jey Monastic University
Bylakuppe 571104,
Mysore Distt. (K.S), INDIA
Tel: +91 8223 258435
E-mail: [email protected]