Karmapa International Buddhist Institute (KIBI)

Purpose of Buddhist Studies
The true gateway to Buddhism is the study of the Buddha's Word. Four things characterize an authentic Buddhist practitioner. The first characteristic is extensive study of the Buddha s teachings, the second is to contemplate the meaning of what one has studied until one acquires a definitive understanding, the third is to cultivate that understanding in the practice of meditation and the fourth is to uphold the Buddhist code of ethics that one has committed oneself to uphold. The code of ethics may be that of the pat of Individual Liberation, the Bodhisattva-Path or the Path of the Buddhist Tantras.

The Indian Buddhist master Vashubhandu said: Apply yourself to meditation on the basis of study, contemplation and upholding ethics.

One should not regard study, contemplation and meditation as separate activities because that would bring about misperceptions of Buddhism and its principles. Thus, H.H. the sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa Rangjung Rigpa i Dorje established the Karmapa Institute, so that proper practice of the Buddhist path can occur. As the Institute attracts an international student body it has become a place where buddhists from the East and West can exchange viewpoints and experiences so that a broader understanding of Buddhism develops.