Celebrating 50 Years of the International Mahayana Institute

The International Mahayana Institute (IMI) is a community of Buddhist monks and nuns of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). Lama Yeshe, the founder of FPMT, established the IMI in 1973, and until his passing, Lama Zopa Rinpoche was the Spiritual Director of IMI.

Buddhist monasticism is nascent in much of the western hemisphere. And yet, the Buddha himself said that disciples abiding in ethics, and in particular the monastic vows, demarcates a place as a central region, where there is light, where the Buddha’s teachings abide. If our burgeoning Buddhist communities, which are mere saplings in the context of the tradition’s two thousand, five hundred year-old history, are to form deep roots and grow broad branches, it’s vital that we strive to keep the flame of morality alive.

There is much to rejoice in, therefore, as IMI turns 50 this year! Jamyang is happy to contribute to a series of online sessions organised by various centres in the run up to IMI’s big celebration in December.

Join Jamyang’s Sangha members as they reflect on and celebrate this milestone in different ways, including our Resident Teacher, Geshe Namdak; IMI Director, Venerable Tendar; FPMT UK Coordinator, Venerable Barbara; Centre Director, Venerable Drolma; AV Technician, Venerable Konchok; and Spiritual Program Coordinator, Venerable Wangyel.