Karma Kagyü Gemeinschaft Deutschland e.V.

Kamalashila Institute for Buddhist Studies and Meditation is a part of and is simultaneously the main centre of the Karma Kagyü Gemeinschaft Deutschland e.V., a German association that functions as the official representative of the Karma Kagyu lineage and of the activities of H.H. the Karmapa in Germany.

In the 1970s, prestigious teachers of the Karma Kagyu tradition, such as Kalu Rinpoche and the 16th Karmapa, began travelling to Europe and North America. In the wake of these visits, several Kagyu centres were also established in Germany, which necessitated the founding of an association for the organization and administration of these centres. The Karma Kagyü association was founded for this purpose in 1978 and was renamed the Karma Kagyü Gemeinschaft Deutschland e.V. in 2001.

Goals of the Association

The association’s primary goal is the fostering of the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism in the Karma Kagyu tradition. Nevertheless, the association is also interested in supporting other Buddhist schools and traditions. Another of the association’s interests is the encouragement of inter-religious dialogues and open debates about the scientific, cultural, and social aspects of Buddhism. The Karma Kagyü Gemeinschaft Deutschland e.V. is under the direction of H.H. the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje. More information about the Karma Kagyü Gemeinschaft Deutschland e.V. and about becoming a sponsoring member is available here.

Website of the Karma Kagyü Gemeinschaft Deutschland e.V.

Meditation centres of the Karma Kagyü Gemeinschaft Deutschland e.V. in Germany