An Independent Approach to Buddhist Learning
Many people's first encounter with Buddhism is shaped more by circumstance than by informed choice. They discover whichever tradition happens to have a local centre, an online presence, or a teacher they meet first. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, it often means that people come to know one tradition without ever being introduced to the wider landscape of Buddhist thought and practice.
Triyāna was founded to offer a different approach.
Rather than presenting Buddhism through the lens of a single school, lineage, or institution, Triyāna introduces the major Buddhist traditions on their own terms, highlighting both their shared foundations and their unique philosophical perspectives.
Because I am not affiliated with or representing any particular Buddhist institution, I am able to approach each tradition with equal respect, fairness, and intellectual honesty. My aim is neither to promote one school over another nor to blur their differences, but to help students understand what each tradition teaches, why it developed in the way it did, and what it can offer to contemporary practitioners.
By exploring the principal Buddhist traditions in a balanced and accessible way, participants gain the knowledge and perspective needed to make an informed decision about which path, if any, resonates most deeply with them. My role is not to tell people which tradition they should follow, but to provide the understanding that allows them to choose freely, thoughtfully, and with confidence.
The Three Pillars of Triyāna
Everything taught at Triyāna is guided by three complementary principles: non-sectarian exploration, academic grounding, and experiential practice.
Exploring Buddhism beyond a single tradition
Non-sectarian Exploration
Triyāna is independent of any single Buddhist school or institution. Each tradition is presented respectfully and on its own terms, allowing students to appreciate both its unique contributions and its place within the wider Buddhist world. The goal is not to encourage allegiance to one particular tradition, but to provide the broader understanding needed for informed and personal engagement.
Understanding Buddhism through history and philosophy
Academic Grounding
The courses draw upon Buddhist scriptures, historical scholarship, and contemporary academic research to provide a reliable and nuanced understanding of Buddhist philosophy, history, and practice. The aim is not simply to transmit beliefs, but to cultivate informed understanding and a deeper appreciation of how Buddhist ideas developed across cultures and centuries.
Discovering Buddhism through direct experience
Experiential Practice
Buddhism is ultimately a path of practice rather than theory alone. Alongside philosophical study, participants are encouraged to engage directly with meditation, ethical reflection, and contemplative exercises. Through personal experience, students can explore how Buddhist teachings can be applied to everyday life and contribute to greater awareness, compassion, and wisdom.