Ripa Foundation

The foundation shall operate in the spirit of the ancient spiritual tradition and philosophy of compassion and non-violence (Dharma) and serve the well-being of humanity. To this end, it aims to promote Tibetan-Buddhist culture and preserve its ethical, religious, scientific, and artistic traditions. The values and visions of the lineage holders of the Ripa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, which dates back to Pema Deche Rolpai, are particularly decisive. The foundation pursues its purpose in two areas of activity. The first area of activity includes projects in the social and humanitarian sector. Within this area of activity, examples include: establishing sponsorships for children in refugee settlements; supporting elderly, sick, and homeless people; developing villages; and more. The above list is not exhaustive; it has an exemplary character. Within this area of activity, both individuals can be supported and grants can be made to institutions that are active in the corresponding non-profit areas. The second area of activity includes promoting, supporting, and recognizing creative, research, and care activities in the field of Tibetan-Buddhist tradition and culture. Within this area of activity, examples include: promoting cultural exchange between Tibetan-Buddhist and Swiss culture; passing on the spiritual knowledge and craftsmanship of the Ripa lineage; providing financial support to monks and their monasteries; archiving Tibetan-Buddhist texts to make them accessible to the public; and more. The above list is not exhaustive; it has an exemplary character. Within this area of activity, both individuals can be supported and grants can be made to institutions that are active in the corresponding non-profit areas. To achieve its purpose in both areas of activity, the foundation's board of directors can: provide premises in Switzerland and abroad, particularly to promote mutual cultural exchange; award scholarships for studying Tibetan-Buddhist culture and for study trips; initiate and financially and logistically support projects for the preservation, promotion, and transmission of the spiritual knowledge of the representatives of the Ripa lineage; initiate and financially and logistically support projects for the preservation, promotion, and dissemination of the craftsmanship of the representatives of the Ripa lineage; initiate and financially and logistically support projects to improve living conditions in remote, structurally weak areas (help for self-help); financially support existing worthy projects, e.g. in the field of humanitarian aid; provide the impetus for projects in the areas of both areas of activity of the foundation by providing funds; and more. The foundation's board of directors shall use the funds primarily for concrete projects to promote the common good, and secondarily also for the preservation of Tibetan-Buddhist culture and the craftsmanship of the Ripa lineage. The foundation does not pursue any commercial or self-help purposes. It is authorized to establish further foundations in Switzerland and abroad within the framework of its purpose and to pursue joint projects with domestic and foreign foundations with similar purposes.