We would like to draw the attention of French-speaking audiences, and of anyone wishing to explore Buddhism through French-language study resources, to the activities of the Institut d’Études Bouddhiques. Active since 1996, the institute is dedicated to making Buddhism accessible and understandable, in Asia and in the West, from its origins to the present day. It presents itself as a space for non-confessional education and dissemination, attentive to the different Buddhist traditions and guided by an open, rigorous approach free from proselytizing aims.
Its educational offering includes online courses designed both for those taking their first steps and for those wishing to explore specific topics in greater depth. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the programme offers new course cycles dedicated, among other themes, to Buddhist psychology and mindfulness meditation, to the Mahāyāna through the six pāramitās, and to the dialogue between meditation, neuroscience, suffering, and contemplative practices. Alongside these more recent courses, the catalogue also includes classes on the foundations of Buddhism, its main schools and currents, the spread of Buddhism in the West, Theravāda and the Pāli Canon, Mahāyāna, the history of key figures of Buddhism in Asia, and topics related to the study of religions and comparative traditions.
The courses of the Institut d’Études Bouddhiques are taught by recognized scholars and specialists in the field of Buddhist Studies and are available online with flexible access, allowing participants to follow their own path according to their personal interests and schedule. The institute also emphasizes its intention to occupy a space between the university and practice centers, combining historical, philosophical, philological, and cultural study with a lively attention to contemporary forms of Buddhism.
Alongside its teaching activities, the website of the Institut d’Études Bouddhiques also offers a wide range of useful resources: introductory pathways for beginners, study documents, thematic dossiers, articles, lectures, bibliographies, and publications, including the Cahiers bouddhiques, dedicated to disseminating the work of the institute’s teachers, members, and collaborators. It is therefore an interesting resource not only for those looking for structured courses in French, but also for anyone wishing to consult reliable materials for personal study.
