About us

Authenticity

DVI focuses primarily on researching and teaching the authentic, original dhamma taught by Siddhattha Gotama Buddha.

The Buddha emphasized that one should not start following the dhamma solely on the basis of a tradition, sect, mystical or exotic-looking teacher, etc, but the validity of the dhamma should be tested and analyzed, and compared with personal experiences. Before following the teaching, it is important to understand what this dhamma contains and what its fruits are.

What is taught at DVI is based on the aforementioned principle. The Institute does not focus on the differences between the speculations and philosophical ideas written by the various schools and sects created later and the authentic dhamma. Only to find common ground and practice the dhamma taught by the Buddha together in a friendly manner according to the instructions of the original teaching.

Expertise/Professionalism

Our work is led by the Venerable Ṭhitañāṇa (Dr Andrus Kahn), who holds an MA and PhD in Buddhism and has extensive teaching experience in psychology and Buddhism, including at the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya Buddhist University in Thailand.

Pali and Sanskrit are taught by Venerable Sudhamma Nahangoda Thero (BA in Buddhism and MA in Buddhism; minor: Buddhist Ayurveda, Psychiatry and Counselling), who has 10 years of experience as an educator at the Sri Lankan Perivena Buddhist Dhamma school for monks and nuns. The study is coordinated and supervised by the Venerable Ṭhitamedhā (Maarek Lind, BA in Buddhism), and the meditations are conducted by the Venerable Mettābodhi (Taavi Oolberg), who has practised metta (benevolence) meditation for more than 10 years.

The main role of the institute's teacher is to empower the learner and provide skilled support and expert guidance in achieving student learning goals. The main focus is not on teaching, but on creating intelligently motivated learning and understanding. The goal of our teachers is to direct the learner to meaningful learning in a way that leads the learner in a balanced way towards realizing the highest development potential of a person.