About Our Center

The Mahayana Sutra and Tantra Center (MSTC) was established in 1975 by the late Hlaramapa Geshe, Khensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche. It was incorporated as a non-profit religious organization dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of Buddhist knowledge (according to the Gelukpa Tibetan Buddhist tradition) in 1979.

The center’s teaching program includes classes on Buddhist philosophy, mental training (Lojong), Lam Rim, debate, logic, Abhidharma, Madyamaka philosophy, and meditation practices from both Sutra and Tantra traditions. Tibetan language instruction is also available. Weekend retreats are sometimes held.

All of our classes are offered free of charge and are offered in the local Northern VA area. The Washington DC center participates in the audio-taping and transcribing of teachings for eventual publication by the Mahayana Sutra and Tantra Press. It also helps in the sponsorship of scholars and orphaned monks of Sermey Monastic University in India through the Sermey Food Fund.