About

Our institution is dedicated to empowering women through advanced Buddhist education and training, fostering intellectual leadership, global citizenship and Buddhist ministry.

Our unique educational approach combines Buddhist scholarship with practical application to make a profound and positive impact on individuals and communities worldwide.  We have consistently upheld the highest standards in Buddhist studies and ministry education, motivating us to pursue these program amendments.

Some people even feel happier when faced with tougher challenges. It all has to do with our wisdom.

- TEACHER ZHEN–RU

Great Wisdom Institute at a Glance

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Our Mission

Great Wisdom empowers women for intellectual leadership, global citizenship, and Buddhist ministry through a unique education merging scholarship with real-world application.
Our Vision

Great Wisdom envisions becoming a global hub of sophisticated intellect and unwavering compassion for women, fostering an engaged community dedicated to serving a world at peace.

Our Values

Compassion

Embracing empathy and care, our commitment to the Buddhist tradition of kindness guides all our actions within the community.

 

Integrity

Trust is the bedrock of our relationships. Our actions, driven by a moral compass, shape our character, fostering openness, honesty, and respect.

 

Respect

Acknowledging unique perspectives, we learn and grow by embracing differences. Our community thrives on diversity, deepening our understanding as individuals.

 

Responsibility

We hold ourselves accountable for our words and actions, recognizing their impact on the community, environment, and the world.

 

Community

Success is a collective effort. Collaborating with others, we pursue a common purpose – the welfare of all living beings and the environments of our Earth. Together, we cross the finish line for the greater good.

Milestone in History

Great Wisdom is honoured to offer the “Five Great Treatises” curriculum to women around the world. 

Our rigorous “Five Great Treatises” curriculum, a culmination of almost two decades of academic excellence, grants the esteemed geshema status, symbolizing mastery in Buddhist philosophy, akin to a doctorate in the academic realm.

Historic Roots

Derived from the esteemed Nalanda Monastic University, predating Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge, the “Five Great Treatises” curriculum is a pinnacle in Buddhist studies. Introduced to Tibet in the 8th century, it reflects the scholastic traditions of Nalanda adapted by Tibetan scholars.

Breaking Barriers

Initially exclusive, the “Five Great Treatises” courses and geshe title were opened to women in 2011, when Venerable Kelsang Wangmo became the world’s first female geshema. Great Wisdom emerged from the inspiration to provide women equal access to this prestigious curriculum, making us one of five institutes globally and the only one outside Tibet and India to do so.

Bridging Gaps​

Buddhist Philosophy​

With a rich history of 2,500 years, Buddhism has found resonance in the West, gaining momentum over the last two centuries. Introduced to Canada in the late 1800s, its influence surged in the 1960s with increasing immigration. Recent years have witnessed a growing interest in Buddhist philosophy, particularly in Atlantic Canada. Great Wisdom distinguishes itself by proudly offering one of the most comprehensive Buddhist curriculums in Canada and the Western world.

Universal Well-Being​

In a global shift from wealth to well-being, mental health is a paramount concern. Recognized by the WHO as crucial, mental health is a Canadian priority, with 1 in 5 facing mental illness annually. Mental health issues cost the Canadian economy $50 billion yearly, impacting 3% of GDP. Great Wisdom addresses this by instilling compassion, gratitude, and generosity, fostering not just education but also a healthier mind and greater well-being for individuals and society.

Study of the Mind​

At Great Wisdom, a focal point of Buddhist study is the mind, akin to modern psychology. Buddhist philosophy offers an extensive exploration of the mind, empowering students to transform thoughts and emotions. Armed with this knowledge and skills, Great Wisdom students are adept at assisting others in overcoming negativity.

Mindfulness

For over 2,500 years, mindfulness has been integral to Buddhist study and practice, deepening understanding of concepts and self-awareness. At Great Wisdom, daily mindfulness helps students understand life with clarity and equanimity. This spiritual practice also offers secular benefits like improved health and well-being, supported by scientific research. GWBI nuns have led over 250 mindfulness sessions across PEI and Toronto, positively impacting over 5,500 people with increased calmness, happiness, and problem-solving abilities.