The Mission of TBI is to work for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Thirteen years ago the Institute for Visionary Leadership began operations. The simple mission was to help others realize their own spiritual connection and purpose. During the past years under the guidance of Venerable Domo Geshe Rinpoche and the direction of former resident Director Rea Barkley and the love and support of many friends of the Institute, its 364 acres and buildings were restored and beautified, including the 1790’s Farm House that now serves as home to our resident teachers and the barn from the 1880’s that now serves as the Gompa, Bookstore, Office and Dining Hall complete with a commercial kitchen. Under the guidance of H.E. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche the former resident Director Rae Barkley ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist Nun by Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche prior to her passing in March, 2004 and known as Ani Tsering Lhamo. It was Ani Tsering Lhamo’s wish that the Institute be offered to His Eminence Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche.

TBI was formally dedicated to His Eminence on September 18th, 2004.

His Eminence Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche is the reincarnation of the late Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, who is recognized as one of the foremost Tibetan Buddhist Masters of our time and was tutor for over 50 years to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, taking birth at the turn of the 20th century and passing away in 1981 at the age of 81. Not only did he follow exactly the example of the Enlightened Buddha, but also through his precious activities and in particular through his extraordinary teaching method he fulfilled the purpose of countless beings and the teachings of the Buddha, particularly in the tradition of Je Tsongkhapa. Many great Masters and followers of this tradition were brought up by his compassionate spiritual guidance. From an early age Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche clearly showed all the signs of his Predecessor. At the age of six he officially entered into Shartse College of Ganden Monastic University. By the age of fourteen he was already teaching all across Europe.

From the very moment Trijang Rinpoche was confirmed he began his studies of Dharma and received teachings and transmissions from various masters, in particular from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and Rinpoche’s private tutor, the Venerable Lati Rinpoche.