Our Vision
“Buddha’s Wisdom Is for Everyone.”
“Buddha’s Wisdom Is for Everyone” serves as Khyentse Foundation’s guiding principle. Established by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche in 2001, the foundation is dedicated to the understanding that the Buddha’s teachings can benefit anyone, whether Buddhist or not. We believe that everyone has something meaningful to gain from the Buddha’s insights into the nature of reality, suffering, and liberation.
Our Aspiration Prayer
May I be reborn again and again,
And in all my lives
May I carry the weight of Buddha Shakyamuni’s teachings.
And if I cannot bear that weight,
At the very least,
May I be born with the burden of thinking that the Buddhadharma may wane.
— Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen (1292–1361)
In his inspiring opening address at KF’s Board Meeting in 2016, Rinpoche presented this prayer by the great Tibetan master Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen (1292–1361) and said that we should recite it as Khyentse Foundation’s aspiration. The prayer speaks to the heart of our mission. It’s not simply about preserving the Buddha’s teachings—it’s about understanding that safeguarding the Buddhadharma is both a privilege and a responsibility. Even concern that the dharma might disappear is, in itself, a worthy aspiration.
What This Means to Us
Buddha’s wisdom is for everyone because the Buddha’s insights—about suffering, impermanence, and the possibility of awakening—relate to human experience itself. These aren’t religious teachings as such; they’re observations about how things truly are.
Khyentse Foundation’s nonsectarian approach means that we support all authentic traditions of Buddhist study and practice. Wisdom manifests differently for different people—some find it through academic study, others through contemplative practice, still others through community work.
We are part of a sangha—donors, volunteers, and grant recipients all over the world. Like the dharma patrons of the past, we pool resources and energy to keep the teachings alive. Our success comes from the generosity of people who share this commitment.
As we carry this aspiration forward, we invite anyone who cares about preserving and sharing the Buddha’s wisdom to join us in ensuring that these teachings remain available for generations to come.