His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Thinley Lhundup, the 37th throne holder of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage and 7th reincarnation of the Chetsang Rinpoche.
His Holiness is a manifestation of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara).
Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang, Konchog Tenzin Kunsang Thrinle Lhundrup, was born in 1946 into the aristocratic family of Tsarong in Lhasa. Many prodigious signs and visions accompanied his birth.
Garchen Rinpoche is considered one of the most important masters of the Drikung Kagyu tradition.
His lineage of incarnations can be traced back to Gardampa Chodingpa, a heart-disciple of Kyobpa Jigten Sumgon, the founder of the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
In 1997 Rinpoche first visited the West and founded many Drikung Garchen centers in the USA and in Europe. He travels tirelessly to the various centers and monasteries in Asia, America, and Europe.
In his vision to transfer the three Holy Mountains of Tibet to the western world, H.H. Drikung Kyabgon Thinley Lhundup connected the Milarepa Retreat Center to the Holy Mount Kailash. H.E.Garchen Rinpoche announced that the practice of Mahamudra should become here a main target and should be tought and practiced continously. During the inauguration in 2012, he gave to the center the auspicious Tibetan name Drikung Kagyu Gangri Chagchen Dargye Ling – Kailash, the place where Mahamudra shall flourish.
Since the inauguration of the center in 2012 a regular program of teachings, retreats and drubchens is being offered for the practice of Mahamudra, led by high Tibetan masters and also by western teachers. There is also a seperate, protected area where disciples have the opportunity to withdraw for a longer period, for long-term retreat, and to study and practice in a traditionel Three-Years-Retreat intensively the key-points of the tantric path, to carry out the practice of the five-fold path of Mahamudra along with the profound path of the six Dharmas of Naropa.
More information coming soon!
JANUARY 2025:
17.-19.01.25: Nungye Retreat with Drubpon Sanghe
FEBRUARY 2025
07.-09.02.25 Meditation in Action: Observation with Drubpon Rachel and Giorgio Savigliano
MARCH 2025:
07.-09.03.25 Meditation in Action: Relaxation with Drubpon Rachel and Giorgio Savigliano
APRIL 2025:
18.-20.04.25 Meditation in Action: Loving Kindness with Drubpon Rachel and Giorgio Savigliano
May 2025:
10.-11.05.25: Continuation of the Lujong Teachings und Practice with Drubpon Kunsang
16.-18.05.25: Meditation in Action: Deep Listening with Drubpon Rachel and Giorgio Savigliano
31.05.-07.06.25: Mani Retreat with H.E. Sopa Rinpoche
JUNE 2025:
20.-22.06.25: Meditation in Action: Trust in Wisdom with Drubpon Rachel and Giorgio Savigliano
JULY 2025:
05.-13.07.25: Tibetan Yoga with Drubpon Rachel and Giorgio Savigliano
AUGUST 2025:
Hevajra Drubchen with H.E. Choeze Kuchen Rinpoche
SEPTEMBER 2025
13.-14.09.25: Continuation of the Lujong Teachings und Practice with Drubpon Kunsang
19.-24.09.25: Phowa Retreat with H.E. Choeze Kuchen Rinpoche
NOVEMBER 2025
01.-16.11.25: Vajrayogini Retreat with Drubpon Rachel and Giorgio Savigliano
On November 22, 2023, Dr. Liane Pitsos handed over the chairmanship of the Garchen Foundation to Ms. Elke Bartussek and thus completely withdrew from Board work.
Elke Bartussek has been a Drikungpa since 1984. Already in 1986, she was able to get to know and appreciate His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Thinle Lhundup during his first visit to Germany.
From the very beginning, she was engaged in the Dharma, especially in the field of organization. So then in 1997, H.E. Ayang Rinpoche commissioned her and Dr. Liane Pitsos with the honorable task of hosting the first visit of H.E. Gar Rinpoche in Germany and Europe and to accompany him for three months.
Further responsible activities followed, for both the Amitabha Foundation and the Tara Foundation.
In “wordly” life, Elke has worked for many years as a health consultant and for over 20 years as a marketing coordinator for Naturkost Elkershausen, an organic wholeseller in Göttingen.
Only with your support it will be possible to turn the visions of H.H. Drikung Kyabgon Thinley und H.E. Garchen Rinpoche into reality.
Become a sponsor of the Milarepa Retreat Center. Your regular (annual or monthly) donation by standing order is immeasurable precious. Every donation, even the smallest regular amount, is an important, very meritorious contribution.
If you are looking for a contemplative break or a short-term retreat, the Milarepa Retreat Center offers the opportunity.
The Milarepa Retreat Center, located in the wonderful LĂĽneburg Heath, rents out seminar and meditation rooms
⇒ The Perfect Place for your Seminars
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