The Triyāna Buddhist Institute was established in 2003 with the mission of “Transmitting all the teachings of the Buddha—Benefiting all sentient beings.” While imparting training in the three schools of Buddhism, the Institute stresses the importance of both theory and practice and provides an excellent environment for those intent on cultivating wisdom.
Founding director Master Hsin Tao trained in both the Linji and Caodong schools of Chan. Moreover, while practicing austerities on long retreats in abandoned temples, cemeteries, and caves, he attained deep insight into the nature of the mind. Although Master Hsin Tao’s core practice is Chan, he has a strong connection with the Theravāda and Vajrayāna traditions, and has been recognized by the Supreme Patriarch of Burma and the Nyingma Kathok lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. He emphasizes the common ground of all Buddhist schools, a form of practice he refers to as “the unity of the three vehicles.” The Institute’s training program consists of four components: the Āgama stage; the Prajñā stage; the Saddharma-puṇḍarīka stage; and the Avataṃsaka stage.
Ideals:
1. To cultivate wisdom according to the spirit of Nalanda and promote interreligious harmony and world peace.
2. By providing religious training can balance theory, work, and practice.
Goals:
1. Propagate the teachings of all three Buddhist schools.
2. Hand down the experiential Chan-based teachings of LJM, supplemented with teachings in all three Buddhist schools with equal emphasis on theory and practice.
3. Train researchers and Dharma teachers to have a global outlook.
Educational style: Integration of theory and practice, wisdom and insight.
Monastic retreats
Master Hsin Tao attained deep spiritual insight by fasting and practicing austerities in seclusion, and the primary practice he teaches his disciples is known as “tranquility meditation.” Since meditation is the foundation of spiritual awakening, serious students are expected to participate in several meditation retreats throughout the year. | 