Norbulingka Collection

The Norbulingka Institute, was founded in 1988, by the present 14th Dalai Lama at Sidhpur, near Dharamsala, India, dedicated to the preservation of the Tibetan language and cultural heritage.

It is named after Norbulingka, the traditional summer residence of the Dalai Lamas, in Lhasa, Tibet, and the main building is a replica of the Norbulingka palace in Lhasa. Founded by the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the institute contains Centre for Arts, the Academy of Tibetan Culture, the Literary and Cultural Research Centre, the Library and Publications. The Norbulingka Foundation was established here in 1995, for the preservation of ancient art practices of Tibet, especially the crafts. The Institute also runs two Tibetan retreats, one Norling inside the institutes premises and other Chonor House, at McLeod Ganj, near the Dalai Lama’s temple.

The Centre for Arts, offers training in tibetan statue making, thangka painting, printing, applique and tailoring, wood carving, wood and metal craft. The Academy of Tibetan Culture, established in 1997, offers a six year course of higher education in traditional Tibetan studies.

By purchasing Tibetan products made by Tibetans, you are not only supporting a business but a way of life. Norbulingka provides jobs for Tibetans living in exile in India and supports a work environment committed to preserving Tibetan arts, culture and values. Here at Norbulingka, Tibetan masters pass on their wisdom and artistry to generations of future artists and craftsman. Students, teachers, workers and their families live and work together in community.

Conducting business with Norbulingka Institute is one of the best ways to honor the artist/apprentice heritage of Tibet and support the goal of self-sufficiency for people living in exile. During last year, Norbulingka took on fifty new employees, many just having made the arduous journey by foot through the Himalayas from Tibet to India. We are presently the Tibetan organization providing the greatest number of jobs to people newly arrived from Tibet. By teaching and training refugees in various skills, we hope to equip them to lead a normal life with a degree of self-respect many have been denied in their homeland. Your purchases support this vital effort.