The Maitreya Institute strives to make Mahayana Buddhism accessible in the Netherlands, based on the belief that Buddhist principles and methods can benefit and bring happiness to individuals and society as a whole. Founded in 1979, the institute facilitates teachings, meditations, retreats, and many other activities in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

The institute operates two study and meditation centers:

• Amsterdam Center: Primarily offers evening and weekend programs, often in English

• Loenen Center: A former hotel where students can stay overnight, with activities typically held on weekends in both Dutch and English

Maitreya Institute is fortunate to have several dedicated teachers:

• Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen: Tibetan teacher in Loenen whose teachings are translated into Dutch

• Venerable Losang Gendun: Dutch monk who is the main teacher in Amsterdam, teaching primarily in Dutch with some English courses

• Annelies van der Heijden: Conducts all her meditations and classes in English

• Several advanced students who regularly lead courses, meditations, and retreats, mostly in Dutch

The institute is affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a worldwide organization founded by Lama Thubten Yeshe and under the spiritual guidance of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. The FPMT follows the Tibetan Gelug tradition of Lama Tsong Khapa and draws inspiration from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

As Lama Zopa Rinpoche explains: “Because we and all beings still live in samsara and have anger, attachment, ignorance and all the mental garbage: having all these wrong views is why we need Dharma centers, which are a place to learn, to practice, to purify and collect merits, to inspire each other, to develop wisdom and compassion and to achieve liberation and enlightenment.”