Alumni Stories
Alumnus Dr. Geoffrey Barstow, Faculty at Oregon State University
Food of Sinful Demons: An Interview with Dr. Geoffrey Barstow
“..about two years into my PhD, I was reading Words of My Perfect Teacher by Patrul Rinpoche, and there were several lines in there where he was critical of eating meat. I was surprised by this, as I was a vegetarian myself, but hadn’t met many Tibetan vegetarians at that point. So I became interested in the question of how many vegetarians there had been in Tibet, what they had to say on the matter, and why more Tibetans weren’t vegetarian…”
Alumna Elaine Lai, PhD candidate at Standford University
Elaine Lai – Translator Training Program
” I highly recommend enrolling in RYI for any of their programs, including their online ones. If you have a chance to travel and to live in Boudhanath, light lots of butter lamps, make pilgrimages, auspicious connections, and many aspirations at these sacred sites.”
Alumnus Dr. David Saunders, MD from Weill Cornell Medical College and PhD in Buddhist Studies at Emory University
“As a result of my studies at RYI, I decided to pursue a PhD in Buddhist Studies alongside my medical degree. Thus from 2008 to 2015, I studied medicine at Cornell, and obtained a PhD under the mentorship of Dr. John Dunne at Emory University, whom I met for the first time after a talk he gave at RYI in November of 2007. When applying for PhD programs, I remembered that chance encounter, reached out to him to discuss the possibility of studying under him at Emory, and he graciously accepted. He, too, attended my wedding, and we remain friends to this day.”
Alumna Moondil Jahan, Master of Arts in Buddhist studies from Bangladesh
In Harmony with Nature: Alumni Interview with Moondil Jahan
“The way I see it, it all comes down to being harmonious with nature, i.e. to be in accord with the way things truly are. All these activities, if done with wisdom and great compassion, will eventually lead to ultimate freedom…”
Alumna Tsering Lhamo, PhD Student of Geography, Political Ecology, Natural Resource Commodification, and Global Health at the University of Colorado Boulder
Tsering Lhamo, Phd Student – Summer Program
“Within the span of 2 months, I’ve learned enough Nepali to get by in the city on a daily basis. I would highly recommend any language enthusiasts, researchers, and students of culture to take the Nepali summer course at RYI. I’m sure you would not regret taking the course.”
Alumnus Christopher Wilvert, a retired firefighter
Christopher Wilvert, RYI Visiting student
“Many post-secondary institutions offer the opportunity for a degree; few offer the opportunity for inspiration. That is what RYI provides, inspiration. So, to anyone who is considering pursuing a degree at Rangjung Yeshe Institute, prepare to be inspired. Prepare for moments that will take your breath away.”
Alumna Maite Castellano, BA graduate and current MA-TTIP student from Spain
Maite Castellano – Master of Arts in Translation, Textual Interpretation, and Philology
“One of the most rewarding aspects of this experience is the diversity among my classmates. Collaborating with such talented and motivated peers has not only enriched my studies but also made this academic journey immensely enjoyable.”
Alumna Eveline Zwahlen, Current BA student at RYI from Switzerland
Eveline Zwahlen – Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies with Himalayan Language
“The BA program at Rangjung Yeshe Institute combines traditional and academic perspectives on Buddhist topics and encourages a critical examination of the Buddha’s teachings. This way of studying has sparked my enthusiasm to explore the Dharma from different angles and has led me to a more precise and comprehensive understanding.”
Alumnus Mukund Jha, PhD student in South Asian history from India
“RYI’s academic-oriented research style resonated with me, aligning perfectly with my development studies background. ”
Alumna Jo Donovon, Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies from the United Kingdom
A Passion for Pramāṇa: Alumni Interview with Jo Donovon
“I feel very lucky and blessed to have the opportunity to be part of the monastery’s Shedra. I received the Tsadra scholarship which gives students the chance to do two years in the MA program and a year in the monk’s Shedra. It was an amazing experience to be in the monks’ classes every day, to debate with them and struggle with them. It was extremely hard but an amazing opportunity that I will be grateful for forever…”
Conner Mellon from the USA
Conner Mellon – Summer Program
“The Center for Buddhist Studies at Kathmandu University in Boudhanath, Nepal is the perfect environment to study the Buddha’s teachings in the most authentic tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The atmosphere of the monastic community brings a vital spirit to the practice of studying, reflecting, and applying the teachings in our direct daily experience.”
Kerstin Bruckmoser from Austria
Kerstin Bruckmoser – Summer Program
“Attending the summer course in Buddhist Studies at RYI was a truly heartwarming and transformative experience for me. I initially joined out of a simple interest in Buddhism, with no particular expectations. What I found instead was an enriching journey that far exceeded anything I could have imagined. “
