As the voice of FPMT Sangha worldwide, we represent our global monastic community’s needs and interests. The Sangha preserves and transmits Buddha’s teachings, serving as examples of Buddhist practice for the benefit of all beings.
The International Mahayana Institute (IMI) is a global organisation dedicated to supporting Buddhist monks and nuns within the FPMT (Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition) tradition. Founded by Lama Yeshe and guided by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, IMI plays a vital role in nurturing monasticism as a living foundation for preserving the precious Buddhadharma in the world.
The International Mahayana Institute was founded in 1978 by the visionary Lama Yeshe, whose profound understanding of the importance of monasticism led him to establish an organisation dedicated to supporting the growing Sangha within the FPMT.
Initially, IMI focused on providing basic financial assistance to monks and nuns. Following Lama Yeshe’s passing, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, assumed the role of Spiritual Director of IMI, guiding its evolution and expansion. Under his compassionate leadership, IMI’s support grew significantly to include vital areas such as medical aid, retreat sponsorship, educational opportunities, and the fostering of strong monastic communities.
For over four decades, IMI has faithfully served as a cornerstone of support for the FPMT Sangha, helping to ensure the continuation of monastic traditions and the flourishing of the Buddhadharma for future generations.
Over 300 monastics make up our community, working hard to establish the dharma in the West.
Conducted 50 educational programs, reaching over 1,500 participants dedicated to learning and growth.
Your generous donations made it possible to raise $20,000, directly benefiting our monastic community.
Volunteers contributed over 1,200 hours last year, bringing our mission to life through their dedication.
IMI is led by a dedicated team of individuals committed to supporting the Sangha and preserving the Dharma.
Director
Venerable Chokyi has been a dedicated Dharma student since 1990 and is devoted to Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche. At the time of ordination, Ven Chokyi was academic coordinator of Indigenous Studies at the University of NSW and prior to that worked in the arts sector for over 20 years. She ordained with Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche in 2006.
treasurer
Venerable Kalden, from Brazil, took ordination with Lama Zopa Rinpoche in January 2020 and gelong (full ordination) with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in March 2023. He is following Rinpoche’s advice to help FPMT in whatever way possible.
Office Manager
Drolkar has been involved with the FPMT organisation since 1995, living as a nun at Chenrezig Institute in Queensland, Australia, serving as the resident geshe’s second attendant, serving as Director at Tushita Meditation Centre in Dharamsala, India as well as FPMT South Asia Regional coordinator.
Director
Ven. Tenzin Gache is originally from Boston and graduated from Tufts University in 2005. During his college years he became a student of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Choden Rinpoche.
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Siliana Bosa (Tenzin Dasel) encountered Buddhadharma in 1979 and received monastic ordination from the Dalai Lama in 1981. In the early 1980s, she worked on developing the spiritual programme of the ILTK.
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Tenzin Nangsel (Bernice McCombie) met the dharma attending two November courses at Kopan in 1992 and 1993.
She has offered service at FPMT centres since 1993,
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Venerable Chantal Carrerot (Tenzin Dekyi) was ordained a Buddhist nun by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1986.
She was born in 1954 in the South of France.
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Ven. Lobsang Tsultim encountered the Dharma in South Wales in 1979 and became a student of Geshe Damcho of Drepung Loseling Monastery, also receiving teachings and empowerments from visiting teachers, including Serkong Rinpoche.
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Losang Tendar (Simon de Boer) was born in the Netherlands in 1961 and was ordained in January 2002 at Bodhgaya.
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Ven. Dondrub began studying the Dharma at Drepung Loseling Institute in Atlanta in 2008. He took refuge vows from Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Jampa in 2011 and novice monk ordination vows in 2013.
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Michel Henry met His Holiness the Dalaï Lama and Lama Yeshe in 1982 in Dharamsala.
The same year, he and Marie did the Kopan November course with Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. They received a weding blessing there by both Lamas.
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Lozang Lhagsam was ordained on the 4th of November 2000, at Chenrezig Institute, and completed the Buddhist Study Program in 2007.
She was advised to continue her involvement with Langri Tangpa Centre in Brisbane, Australia and also works with Cittamani Hospice Service visiting clients who wish to speak with a member of the Sangha.
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Losang Tendar (Simon de Boer) was born in the Netherlands in 1961 and was ordained in January 2002 at Bodhgaya.
He was sponsored by the IMI for many years between 2005 and 2013. Due to the sponsorship, he could offer service as director to Nalanda Monastery for over 7 years. He was the Director of IMI from 2017 to 2025.
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Ven. Roger Kunsang became a Buddhist monk in the Tibetan Gelug tradition in 1975 at the age of 26.
He has continuously served the FPMT organisation in various roles since 1974.
Resident teacher
Geshe Tenzin Namdak initially worked as an environmental researcher after graduating in hydrology and encountered the Dharma at Maitreya Institute in the Netherlands in 1993.
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Venerable Chantal Carrerot (Tenzin Dekyi) was ordained a Buddhist nun by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1986.
She was born in 1954 in the South of France.
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In 1986 she received ordination from His Holiness the Dalai Lama in India after a period of intense practice and study of Buddhism in India. Her main teacher is Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche.
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Tenzin Tsapel first met Lama Yeshe and Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche in1979, in Australia. Connecting with Tara Institute, in 1981 she joined a group of sangha and lay TI students to attend Lama Yeshe’s first Enlightened Experience Celebration.
The International Mahayana Institute (IMI) is a service organisation of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), an international organisation of Buddhist centres, projects, and services founded by Lama Yeshe and spiritual director Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
FPMT is dedicated to preserving and transmitting the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation, and community service. As an integral part of this global family, IMI specifically focuses on nurturing and sustaining the Sangha, who are the bedrock of the FPMT’s efforts to spread the Dharma. Our work directly contributes to FPMT’s mission by ensuring that monks and nuns have the necessary support to thrive in their practice and serve sentient beings.
IMI is an integral and vital pillar within the FPMT family, working collaboratively to fulfil this shared vision.
The continued existence of the Buddhadharma depends upon the continued existence of the Sangha—the community of ordained practitioners, monks and nuns—one of the three Buddhist Refuges.
—Lama Zopa Rinpoche
IMI is deeply committed to ensuring the well-being and safety of all individuals within our community. We adhere to clear safeguarding policies designed to prevent harm, protect vulnerable individuals, and respond effectively to any concerns regarding ethical conduct or abuse. Our policy is aligned with FPMT’s comprehensive safeguarding guidelines.
IMI is dedicated to protecting your privacy. Our Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you interact with our website,1 make donations, or communicate with us. We are committed to transparency and will never sell your information.