More than a Monastery
Ideal environment to live, study and practice Dharma
We are open for visits on Sundays!
From 2pm to 5pm
Our monks welcome you every sunday (except during retreats) between 2pm & 5pm for a guided tour or a chat about Buddhism and its philosophy.
We are located near Lavaur (Tarn), in southern France at 36 rue du Dr. Emery Compayre, 81500 Labastide-Saint-Georges.
If you have any question, a specific request or would like to share a meal with us, you can write to us at info@nalanda-monastery.eu.
A western Buddhist Monastery in the Gelug tradition
Nalanda Monastery was founded in 1981 by Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche as the first Western Buddhist Monastery of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), in the Gelug tradition of tibetan buddhism.
As followers of Lama Tsongkhapa we emphasize studies, philosophy and strive for deepening our knowledge of all traditions and schools. Nalanda Monastery offers dharma study programs such as the FPMT Basic and Masters Programs.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche is the spiritual director and guide of both the FPMT and Nalanda Monastery. Thanks to Nalanda’s affiliation to the FPMT, it uses its education programs and materials developed in accordance with their founders’ unique lineage.
Nalanda provides a supportive environment in the West for monastics and aims to bring about progress in universal wisdom, altruism and compassion by setting an example of moral conduct and by upholding the teachings of the Buddha.
Our lineage and teachers
Geshe Lobsang Jamphel is the current Abbot, while Geshe Gyaltsen and Geshe Losel serve as resident teachers.
In addition, we are extremely fortunate to welcome many other distinguished teachers and high lamas throughout the year.
Ven. Thubten Sherab, our current director, coordinates the overall administration of the monastery, while senior monks ensure the smooth daily activities of study program coordination, translation, discipline and ethics, and the management of the library.
Nalanda Monastery Abbots since 1981
Geshe Jampa Tegchok
1981 - 1994
Geshe Jampa Gyatso
1994 - 2007
Geshe Losang Jamphel
2008 - Now
Nalanda's resident teachers
Geshe Jamphel
Current Abbot
Geshe Gyaltsen
Resident Teacher
Geshe Losel
Resident Teacher
A place for physical, mental and spiritual training
Nalanda Monastery offers many activities to improve one’s body, speech and mind.
Meditation classes are regularly organized throughout the week under the tutelage of senior monks.
Debate groups are formed by our students in order to challenge their understanding and philosophical positions.
In addition, many seminars are organized both online and at the Monastery guided by either our monks or visiting teachers on various topics such as ethical conduct, traditional Tibetan medicine and environment with our most recent Nalanda Eco-Dharma initiative.
Furthermore, our extensive library allows visitors, residents and students to go even further in their understanding of both Buddhist teachings and western philosophy with a curated selection of precious texts.
A uniquely European Buddhist Art Workshop
Nalanda Monastery has a history of producing deity moulds and tsa-tsas, of filling and consecrating statues. This tradition and know-how has been transmitted from more senior monks to the youngest throughout the years, and benefits from the presence of Sonam Sherpa, an authentic Nepali artist, our referent in sacred art.
You can always visit our dedicated page here, and consult the catalogue here. We will always be happy to answer to your inquiries and e-mails at : workshop@nalanda-monastery.eu.
A safe environment conducive to Dharma practice
As with all FPMT centres, the Monastery follows the FPMT Ethical Policy. In addition, Nalanda Monastery has it’s own ‘Protection from Abuse Policy‘.
On the Monastery’s territory, everybody is asked to follow the FPMT Ethical Policy, including :
- Living according to the principles of the five precepts. This includes no killing, no stealing, not engaging in sexual misconduct ( completely abstaining from sexual activities), not lying nor taking intoxicants (alcohol, recreational drugs or tobacco).
- Avoiding gossip, harsh or abusive language.
- No discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age or disability.
- No harassment of any kind including but not limited to sexual harassment, intimidation, bullying or retaliation towards whistleblowers.
Nalanda Monastery is particularly strict with all persons in a position of authority : teachers, the director, board members, program coordinators and managers of Nalanda Monastery who must uphold these principles and be an example of harmonious and respectful behaviour safe for all and conducive to Dharma practice.
To further establish this, there are several Designated Protecting Persons who are ensuring a safe environment:
- Ven. Thubten Sherab (Michel Henry, Director)
- Catherine Fradet (translator)
Should you ever feel the need to have a private conversation about a sensitive topic, please reach out either directly or indirectly to one of the above people.
DOING NOTHING IS NOT AN OPTION
If Nalanda management learns about or suspects that someone is being discriminated, harassed, is not respected or is at risk of any kind, it will respond appropriately and ensure that the ethical policy is promptly implemented.
