I warmly welcome everyone to the website of the Dharma Gate Buddhist College!

Our institution was founded in 1991 by our sponsor, the Dharma Gate Buddhist Church, with the aim of – as stated in our Doctrinal Declaration –

“to open the gate of Buddha’s teachings to those who are interested.”

The goal of our teaching community is to transmit and implement the Buddhist Tan as authentically as possible, as well as to interpret and research it in the context of today’s circumstances and to explore its potential connections. In this, the presentation, reflection, discussion, and everyday application of Buddhist and other related teachings (philosophies, religions, sciences, arts) play a distinguished role, or as we like to say, seeking and finding a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation.

Our Mission Statement also states that

“Buddhist teachings can take many forms, but they are primarily present within the individual and can be discovered through the inner path of awakening.”

Therefore, an essential part of realization is the disciple’s own efforts, the questions they ask themselves and seek answers to, and the internalization of what they hear and read during their studies, while naturally being shaped by them. Walking the true path can only be an internal journey. External forms can provide a framework for this, but the realizations come from elsewhere, from within.

The goal of the College’s teachers and Instructors is to help the students, the Disciples, on the path to awakening.

“They themselves are seekers who strive to convey the Teaching to the best of their ability and knowledge, in the light of their own personal experience. The Community considers all seekers, teachers and students alike, to be disciples.”

The diversity of the Teaching is embodied in the differences between the Teachers and, ultimately, in the uniqueness of the Students. In truth, everyone becomes their own Teacher at some point, and the College aims to provide assistance and guidance in this process. This is also reflected in the feedback from our graduates.

Our ultimate goal is awakening, the eventual attainment of enlightenment, while at the same time alleviating the suffering of others suffering, and to act with compassion towards all our fellow human beings and sentient beings.  Learning is always striving, teaching is always applying. The Dharma is the manifestation of this interconnection.

I wish all our visitors, listeners, and practitioners in our communities much joy and insight on their journey.

Gábor Karsai
Rector