Training is the main section of the site. In general, this is what the site was created for. On this page you will find some information about what each lesson says, and from there you can go to different levels our course.

Reading

Introduction

a little
stories...

Lesson I

BASIC ALPHABET
 spelling
 pronunciation

Lesson II

ALPHABET
 vowels
 inscriptions

Lesson III

ALPHABET
 4 types
subscription

Lesson IV

ALPHABET
 trisyllabic

SUFFIXES

Lesson V

PREFIXES
SECOND SUFFIX
RULES OF READING

Reading Supplements

Workshop

Sanskrit

Each lesson has small exercises and assignments. Do them without skipping - train. Remember, you must do all the training yourself! Just from reading pages with lessons, the Tibetan language cannot be learned.

Also at the end of each lesson there is a dictionary of new words and an exercise to check the words learned in the previous lesson. Remember them. Yuri Roerich began in much the same way.

All the lessons are still not enough for a full study of the Tibetan language (what can we say, this is still far away), but we are working on it, and lessons will be added as far as possible. Your support and feedback is our catalyst for this!

In this verbosity, we almost forgot to say the main thing! .. Let your learning be easy! Will benefit you! And mastery of the Tibetan language will not take long!

Gombozhab Tsybikov was born into a traditionally Buddhist Buryat family. According to the place of origin, his family belongs to the Trans-Baikal Buryats, more precisely, to the Aginsky Buryats. According to the tribal division of the Buryat people, his family belongs to the Khori Buryats, namely, to the Khori tribe Kubdut, the Nokhoi Kubdut clan (i.e.

Education

The father of the scientist Ts. Montuev independently studied the Mongolian and Tibetan languages ​​and was elected by fellow countrymen to public positions. Initially, he thought of giving his son a Buddhist monastic education, but changed his mind and first sent him to the Aginsky parish school, where the prominent educator Buda Rabdanov became the boy’s teacher, and then to the Chita gymnasium, which Gombozhab graduated with a silver medal (according to legend, the gold medal he deserved refused to give to the “foreigner”). Here he was awarded a scholarship to them. A. N. Korfa. On the basis of the 5th point of the scholarship dated July 2, 1893, by the decision of the school's teachers' council, he was recognized as worthy to continue his education at the Tomsk Imperial University.

Here, by his own choice, he entered the Faculty of Medicine, one of the 5 best centers for medical education in Russia at that time.

A well-known doctor and politician Pyotr Badmaev happened to be passing through Tomsk, who persuaded the student to give up medicine and take up oriental studies. Gombozhab agreed and left for Urga, where he studied Chinese, Mongolian and Manchu languages ​​in the school for Buryats created by P. Badmaev as a preparation for entering St. Petersburg State University.

In 1895, Tsybikov entered the Oriental Faculty of St. Petersburg State University on a scholarship from P. Badmaev. Among his teachers are such well-known orientalists as A. M. Pozdneev and others. In the future, Badmaev is instructed to convert his fellows to Orthodoxy. Tsybikov remains committed to Buddhism and loses his scholarship. He continues his studies thanks to the support of fellow countrymen. In 1899 he graduated from the university with a gold medal and a diploma of the first degree.

In 1897, G. Ts. Tsybikov took part in the work of A. N. Kulomzin’s commission for the study of land use and land ownership in the Trans-Baikal region. This was his first study. Field observations and collected materials appeared among the Materials of the Kulomzin Commission in 1898.

Travel to Tibet

During the "Great Game" the Russian Empire entered the borders of Tibet. A series of exploratory expeditions to Tibet were organized, primarily by Przhevalsky, but they did not reach Central Tibet and Lhasa. Based on the experience of the Indian "pandits" - British agents and researchers, the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs drew attention to the custom of the Buryats and Kalmyks pilgrimage to Tibet. G. Ts. Tsybikov went on a trip to Tibet in a group of pilgrims, with carefully hidden research equipment. The journey began shortly after graduating from St. Petersburg State University in 1899 and ended in 1902. In Tibet itself (the longest time was in Lhasa, where he arrived in early August 1900), Tsybikov spent 888 days from 1900 to 1901.

Here he visited the most important monastic centers, took a number of unique photographs (only for the trip - approx. 200) and was awarded an audience with the Dalai Lama XIII. The audience was formal.

Entry into Tibet for foreigners (not from China and Mongolia) was prohibited. Violation of the ban could be punishable by death. Prior to Tsybikov, travelers such as N. M. Przhevalsky failed in their attempt to reach the Tibetan capital.

Photographing and keeping a diary were carried out by Tsybikov secretly, under the threat of being discovered. Interestingly, he hid photography from the second Russian researcher, who arrived in Lhasa at the end of 1900 in the retinue of Agvan Dorzhiev, Kalmyk Ovshe Norzunov, who also took photographs.

In 1905, Tsybikov and the Dalai Lama met again, this time in the capital of Mongolia, where the Dalai Lama met with Russian politicians and scientists in the situation of the occupation of Tibet by British troops under the command of Colonel Younghusband. Here Tsybikov acted as an interpreter between representatives of Russia and the Dalai Lama.

At the same time, a Buddhist pilgrim and a minister of science, after his journey, G. Ts. Tsybikov devotes himself to teaching and the project of translating the fundamental work “Lamrim” by the Tibetan scholar Tsongkhapa (Tsonghava).

The newly created Oriental Institute of Vladivostok was headed by A. M. Pozdneev, Doctor of Mongolian and Kalmyk Literature, creating the first center of practical Oriental studies in Russia from relatively young graduates of St. Petersburg State University. “Having neither plans tested by experience, nor tested programs for their teaching,” teachers had to independently develop teaching methods, write teaching aids, since they simply did not exist. G. Ts. Tsybikov was invited to the Department of Mongolian Literature, and headed it from 1906 to October 15, 1917. In addition to a number of textbook collections, G. Ts. material on colloquial Tibetan speech. This textbook went through 3 editions and for Russian Empire and the USSR remained the only textbook of colloquial Tibetan created by a domestic author.

Buryat autonomy and the Far East

Due to significant changes in political structure region in 1917-30s. and in connection with the subsequent repressions that affected the majority of colleagues and associates, Tsybikov's activities in these public entities mentioned as significant, but not disclosed in Soviet-era publications. It is known that Tsybikov played a significant role at the Chita Congress, and also supported the early initiatives of Ataman Semyonov (primarily to prevent decossackization).

Toward the end of his life, he moved away from political activity and successfully ran his own livestock farm.

• . Lokesh Chandra. The total number of words, compounds, and phrases approaches 200,000 entries. Terms of technical subjects like astronomy, medicine, iconography, metrics, prosody and philosophy have also been included.

• Sarat Chandra Das. A well-known dictionary of the Tibetan language. Contains approximately 27,000 words. Includes Tibetan alphabet help, pronunciation help, grammar notes. Numerous examples of the use of words are given.
• Tsepak Rigzin. This Tibetan dictionary Buddhist terms was commissioned by King Tri Ralpachen in the 9th century and supplemented from the writings of Tibetan lamas. The dictionary includes 6,000 basic terms and more than 8,000 additional terms, with Sanskrit equivalents where possible. In the new edition, the database of Buddhist terms has been revised and increased by 40%.

How to learn Tibetan effectively

There are many different options for learning Tibetan: self-study, group lessons and individual lessons. If you have the opportunity and a burning desire to really master the language, then you need to approach this radically. In my opinion, the best option- study in Tibet or India. The Tibetan diaspora in India offers various opportunities for foreign listeners. One of them is courses based on the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives.

Your attention is a short interview with one of the students of this educational institution Rashid Miftiev. Rashid began his acquaintance with the Tibetan language in Russia and even passed. Having come to the conclusion that in order to successfully master the language, you need to go to India, he fulfilled his intention. He is now studying in India and took the time to answer the site's questions.

Every year there are more and more people in Russia who are interested in Tibetan culture, religion and language. The Tibetan language is quite difficult and I think that you need a good enough reason to start mastering it. Rashid, how did you come to start studying the Tibetan language?

Rashid: All my motivation is related to the theme of Buddhism. I realized that serious Dharma study would require the Tibetan language. After all, even simple communication with the teacher will require his knowledge, not to mention the texts for further study. And this "passionate desire" brought me to Dharamsala. Initially, the Tibetan language was considered by me as a tool, without which the movement in Buddhism, if possible, is fraught with difficulties. However, today, "wandering" along this path, my opinion has leaned even more towards the study of the Tibetan language. It turned out that the question is much more complicated and, let's say, "wider" than it seemed to me at first. (The latest teachings on Lamrim by E.S. the Dalai Lama are proof of this. They mainly analyzed 2 texts: the 1st Lamrim Pobonka Rimpoche and the 2nd Lamrim Sharapa (-wa) Rimpoche. The latter is not even translated into English) .

I have met quite a few people who have not advanced beyond the basics in Tibetan - there are reasons to postpone language classes and subsequently it can be very difficult to start all over again. What difficulties do you face when learning a language and how do you overcome them?

Rashid: It was difficult for me to organize myself for everyday activities. I started taking private lessons. I was lucky to meet a Tibetan teacher who is extremely demanding and strict. In it I found a serious support. Sitting for several hours a day studying is also difficult and, again, you have to force yourself. But the realization that you will come to the teacher with unfinished homework helps. And again, I return to the motivation for learning. An important help is the absence of any other labor or educational activity (even the study of Buddhist philosophy, at this stage, is in 2nd place). Simply put, it is better if you study only the Tibetan language.

Rashid, at what stage of learning the Tibetan language are you, what do you focus on in your studies (written, spoken)?

Rashid: I do both speaking and grammar of the Tibetan language at the same time. Now I have gone through the simplest forms of Tibetan cases, and conversational at the level of everyday communication (eat, drink, buy, where I went, etc.). It so happened that the teacher focuses on grammar, well, I accordingly "rest" in the same direction. In fact, this system is in a sense very simple, you have to learn everything by heart and know in the 60th lesson what you went through in, say, the 3rd (I was told that this is how they teach in monasteries).

I heard that now you continue to study Tibetan in the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives. Tell us more about what LTWA is and where it is located?

Rashid: I’ll note right away that the answers to the previous 2 and 3 questions are related to my private lessons, classes at LTWA are built on a different principle. They are adapted for Europeans and are similar in many ways to any language course. The Institute of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamsala is a place where foreigners from all over the world come to study the Dharma and the Tibetan language. There are about 40-50 of them here at the same time. Dharma is given on English language. Tibetan, respectively, too, but knowing English very poorly (my vocabulary is literally 100-200 words), I was able to figure it out. Classes run every day. Day off Sunday. Tibetan is divided into 3 levels of grammar and 3 levels of spoken language. Each level lasts 3 months. You are free to choose how many classes you take per day. Usually those who are serious about learning a language go to 2-3 classes, and you need to understand that if you do not study at home, at least 4-5 hours, you will learn the language for a long time. One class costs 500 rupees per month. With due diligence, after about 2-3 years, you should generally be able to speak Tibetan tolerably and understand the teachings (I think so).
P.S. I heard there is a negative opinion about studying at LTWA. I don't agree with him, this is a decent place to study Tibetan, at least for a couple of years. Everything, as always, depends on the individual and his diligence.

What prospects open up for you after completing your studies at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives?

Rashid: After there are several educational institutions where you can study the Dharma more deeply. Let's say the Institute of Dialectics in Dharamsala, etc.

It seems that such options for mastering the Tibetan language away from your lady are very effective. Tell us how you can become a LTWA student, are there any age restrictions, how long does the training last, what pitfalls can you stumble upon when enrolling in courses, what language is taught?

Rashid:
one). To become a LTWA student in Dharamsala, all you have to do is show up and express your desire to attend these courses. You will be charged for 3 months for 1 course, i.e. about 1500 rupees.
2). If you are a long time and do not want to ride and renew your tourist visa. You need to contact them through the website http://www.ltwa.net/library/ and get a letter from them (at the same time you pay about 4500 rupees per year). This letter entitles you to receive a student visa for 1 year, renewable for 5 years without leaving Dharamsala.

There are no age restrictions. The duration of the training depends on your desire. Teaching is conducted in English.

If a person decides to go to India and become a student of the course, what should be considered? For example, how much money do you need to save to complete a year of training at LTWA? Where and how can I get accommodation, what is the situation with food, what is the tuition fee depending on the duration of a particular course of study, what wardrobe should I choose taking into account the local climate?

Rashid: I would advise you to first come to Dharamsala on a tourist visa, and see everything on the spot. I did it myself. Plan your trip for the start of your next 3-month course. The schedule is on the library website (do not worry if you are late, you will be allowed to class). And probably, I would not recommend going for the first time during the rainy season, i.e. from mid-July to mid-September. A big break in classes (holidays) occurs from mid-December to early March (there are no classes, but the administration is working). By the way, I would like to note that there are a lot of Russian students compared to other countries. At the last meeting with the EU Dalai Lama with LTWA students, there were many more Russian students than students from other countries (about 15-20 people).

Questions of housing, food, clothing and medical services are absolutely solved on the spot. Dharamsala is a small mountain town, but due to a large number tourists have all the necessary things, for very adequate money. If you want to save on clothes, check the weather forecast for the year in Dharamsala and pack what you wear in this temperature.

EXPENDITURE	PRICE PER MONTH
Training in 2 courses:
Apartment (1 room apartment - shower, toilet, kitchen):	2500-7000 rupees
Gas + light:
Meals (if you cook yourself): LTWA Student Cafe: Breakfast - 60 rupees Lunch - 80 rupees Dinner - 80 rupees.
Internet (512 Kbt):
Everything is within walking distance of a pharmacy, hospital, school, etc. taxi, office and other trifles:
Student visa renewal, 1 time per year: (not included in TOTAL)
In the future, if you take private lessons: (not included in TOTAL)	100-250 r/hour
Studying on the course of Buddhist philosophy: (not included in TOTAL)
TOTAL:	10300-15000 rupees

And in conclusion, Rashid, what else can you advise those people who are serious about learning the language and want to achieve real results - learn to read, write, understand and speak Tibetan fluently?

Rashid:

1. Analyze your motivation for learning the language very carefully. The higher the value that you see in the language, the correspondingly more significant the result.
2. Soberly assess all your capabilities (psychological, financial, etc.)
3. Look for a good teacher, while the search can go in parallel with language classes. Ideally, if he will still be the bearer of Buddhist philosophy. Might have to drive all the way to Dharamsala for that.
4. I advise you initially not to be content with half measures, but to understand that if you are a person, like me, with fairly average abilities, most likely, you are provided with at least 5-6 hours a day of your own studies. Plus classes with a teacher and in the classroom for another 2-3 hours. In this mode, 2-3 years and the visible result will come. According to various serious students, the terms for studying the Tibetan language to a decent level vary from 4 to 5 years.

Rashid wish you success in your further studies and achievement of your goals! Let the acquired knowledge help you crack the nut of Buddhist wisdom!