H. E. Serkong Tsenshap Rinpoche, Atisha Mathur, and Fabrizio Pallotti: Buddhist Education in the Modern World (#233)

This episode of the Wisdom Podcast, recorded as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, features special guests H. E. Serkong Tsenshap Rinpoche, Atisha Mathur, and Fabrizio Pallotti. Together with host Daniel Aitken, they tackle the topic of Buddhist education in the modern world. Discussing the value of rigorous critical thinking in improving Western Dharma study. How students can benefit from collaboration such as the collaboration with Serkong Institute, Association Manjushri Lotsaw, and University of Pisa to bring traditional Buddhist academic structure to Western academia. They also discuss Rinpoche’s course with Wisdom Academy, The Debate Between Wisdom and Ignorance.

They also discuss

Serkong Institute’s mission to guide students amid abundant online materials and the evolution of AI by grounding them in His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Nalanda tradition;

how debate functions as a practical tool to test understanding, refine doubts, and build conviction;

how to cultivate correct understanding of the Four Noble Truths, liberation, and critical inquiry through reasoning and debate; and

much more!

The debate videos referenced in the episode can be viewed in the original Dharma Chat from minutes 40:22 to 41:11 here.

Additional content mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about the Serkong Institute at https://www.serkonginstitute.org/

Learn more and enroll in The Debate Between Wisdom and Ignorance.

Learn more about Science of Mind and Epistemology for Critical Thinking and Contemplative Sciences. Offered in collaboration with Serkong Institute and Association Manjushri Lotsaw. Available from June 15-July 24 2026.

Wisdom Podcast listeners are invited to save 20% off The Debate Between Wisdom and Ignorance with code WPODDEBATE through July 13.

The views and opinions expressed on this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Wisdom Publications or any entities they represent.

Meet Our Guests:

H. E. Serkong Tsenshap Rinpoche

H. E. Serkong Tsenshap Rinpoche was born in the Spiti valley, in India, in 1984. At the age of two, Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche II (1984 – present) pointed to the photo of the recently deceased Assistant Tutor of the 14th Dalai Lama and said, “That’s me!” When he was about three years old he was recognized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the incarnation of Kyabje Tsenshap Serkong Tugse Rinpoche (1914-1983), who was one of the seven master debate partners to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Rinpoche began his Buddhist studies and training at Ganden Jangtse Monastery in South India. After deciding to continue his work for the Dharma as a lay person, he completed his education at the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics in Dharamsala. On the advice of the Dalai Lama, Rinpoche completed three years of intensive study of English in Canada. Rinpoche teaches at Dharma Centers around the world, combining his experience of the study and practice of Buddhism with his acquaintance with the Western world. His fascinating teachings are full of wisdom, grace, and humor. Rinpoche feels privileged to continue the responsibilities of Tsenshap Serkong Tugse Rinpoche to teach and benefit people as much as he can.

Atisha Mathur, Ph.D.

Dr. Atisha Mathur was born and brought up in New Delhi, India. He pursued his undergraduate studies in Language and Literature of South Asia, with a focus on Tibetan studies, at the esteemed Orientale in Naples, Italy. His scholarly pursuits led him to the Central University of Tibetan Studies in Sarnath, India, where he was first immersed in the traditional approach to Buddhist studies.

Atisha then completed a rigorous 10-year study program at the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics in Dharamsala which emphasizes logic, debate, and the major Indian and Tibetan treatises. In 2024, he earned his doctoral degree in Buddhist Studies at L’Orientale in Naples, Italy.

Since 2019, Atisha has generously shared his expertise in logic and debate with groups of s