Joanne Larson
Director of Programs
joanne.larson@ryi.org

Profile
Originally from upstate New York, Joanne graduated from SUNY Syracuse with a degree in Forest Resources Management. Following several years spent in the private sector in Oregon, she joined the Peace Corps in 1990 and served as a volunteer in Nepal where her interest in Buddhism was first stimulated. After a further spell in Oregon, Joanne returned to Nepal in 1998 to study and teach at RYI prior to taking her MA in Buddhist Studies at the University of Bristol, UK. Joanne currently serves as RYI’s Director of Programs and a member of its Executive Committee.
Career
2010-Current | Director of Programs | Rangjung Yeshe Institute |
2009 | Director of Online Learning | Rangjung Yeshe Institute |
2007 | M.A. Buddhist Studies | University of Bristol, UK |
1998 | Instructor, translator, lecturer | Rangjung Yeshe Institute |
1994 | Director of Corporate Communications | Rogue Wave Software |
1992 | Writer and Trainer | Consultant, Oregon |
1990 | Peace Corps Volunteer | Nepal |
1987 | Technical Writer and Editor | Consultant, Oregon |
1983 | President and General Manager | Pacific Crest Software |
1979 | Forester | Oregon State Department of Forestry |
1978 | BS Forest Resources Management | SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry |
Research Interests
Research interests include Tibetan history, Rang stong and gZhan stong philosophy in Tibet, and the 19th century “non-sectarian” movement.
Publications In Review
- Copy editor for: Speech of Delight. 2004. Ju Mipham, trans. Thomas H. Doctor (Snow Lion: Ithaca, NY).
- Copy editor for: Uniting Wisdom and Compassion. 2004. Chökyi Dragpa, trans. Heidi Köppl (Boston: Wisdom Publications).
Teachings
- Undergraduate
- Classical Tibetan I, II, III and IV and Translation Project I and II
- History of Buddhism in Asia, Madhyamaka Philosophy, Buddhist Scripture
- Religious Studies Methodology
- Foundations of Buddhism and Mūlamadhyamakākarikā (Online courses)
- Translator: Bodhicaryāvatāra