Select your language
Meditation center of the Drikung-Kagyu-Lineage in Mainzlar, Germany.
In the middle of Hesse, between Giessen and Marburg, in the middle of a gently undulating landscape, the Staufenberg Buddhist Center is located in the Mainzlar district, well integrated into the village.
Anyone who wants to is invited to take part in Sangha life, including joint tsogs, lama visits, school classes, store and library.
The apartments are very suitable for people who wish to take up a long-term retreat.
We offer regular support if required - Sabine lives in the center as a professional and spiritual holder, Rita has completed a 3-year retreat.
Are you interested?
Questions under
oder 0160-2876039
With Lopön Hans-Heinrich Ramme and Lopön Oliver Ohanecian
Date:
January 16–18, 2026
Friday, 6:00 p.m. to Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Location:
Buddhist Center Staufenberg e. V.
Treiser Straße 32
35460 Staufenberg
Germany
Tel.: 0160 2876039
The course is in German!
Course fee: €160 (members: €80)
A discount is possible upon request – no one should be excluded for financial reasons. This is an in-person event only.
About this course
What does emptiness mean in Buddhism? This introductory course is the first in a comprehensive series in which we will explore this central and often misunderstood aspect of Buddhist teaching.
In this first session, we will work together to establish a solid foundation: What is meant by emptiness? Which different philosophical schools have dealt with this concept? And why is understanding emptiness considered the key to liberation?
What to expect
The course combines different approaches to the teaching of emptiness:
• Selected text excerpts: We draw inspiration from individual Buddhist texts to understand the true meaning of the concept.
• Meditation: Through guided meditations, we experience emptiness not only intellectually, but also directly.
• Exchange: In open discussion rounds, you will have space for your questions and reflections.
Who is this course suitable for?
This introductory course is suitable for anyone who wants to seriously engage with Buddhist philosophy, whether you are new to the subject or want to deepen your existing knowledge. Prior knowledge is helpful but not required.
Outlook
After this introduction, the following courses in the series will systematically cover the various stages of the philosophy of emptiness – from the basic concepts to the most subtle distinctions between the different Buddhist schools.
The teachers
Lopön Hans-Heinrich Ramme has been studying Buddhist teachings and practices for over 40 years. His teachers are Geshe Tubten Ngawang (Gelugpa) and, in particular, Lho Ontul Rinpoche. He completed the 1st and 6th seven-year courses at the Tibetan Center in Hamburg, as well as further teachings such as the Madhyamakavatara. A special focus is the practice-oriented course of Yangzab by Ontul Rinpoche and his personal practice.
Lopön Oliver Ohanecian has been studying the teachings and practices of Buddhism for over 40 years – initially with a focus on Zen, then Vajrayana and Dzogchen. His path led him from private study to academic studies in ethnology and religious history to practice under various Tibetan teachers, especially Lho Ontul Rinpoche. His personal focus is on the teachings and practices of Yangzab and Khandro Nyingthig.
Both teachers were invited to teach by Kyabje Lho Ontul Rinpoche. In accordance with Kyabje Lho Ontul Rinpoche's broad intention, they were awarded the title of Lopön by Lho Orgyan Rangjung Drodul Dechen Dorje.
We look forward to diving into the depths of this transformative teaching with you, step by step.
Support the 3-year retreat of Lho Ratna Rinpoche and Khenchen Nyima Gyaltsän
With your contribution, you will have a direct impact on deepening the roots of mindfulness and compassion. In the Buddhist tradition, the merit for the sponsor is as great as that for the retreat leader. Your contribution will therefore bear double fruit – for you and for all sentient beings. You help ensure that our spiritual teachers in Bhutan have the best conditions to deepen their practice undisturbed. Even small amounts have a big impact. Every dollar goes directly toward food, accommodation, and equipment for Lho Ratna Rinpoche (spiritual leader of our center Drikung Namchag Mebar Dzong / Buddhist Center Staufenberg e.V.) and Khenchen Nyima Gyaltsän (connected to our parent monastery in Tibet).
Donating is easy
Set up a standing order at the beginning of the month or make a one-time transfer with the reference RETREAT DONATION + name of the recipient:
Buddhistisches Zentrum Staufenberg e.V.
IBAN: DE88 5135 0025 0253 0058 76
BIC: HELADEF1GIESS
If you have any questions or would like to coordinate your donation, please contact me or Rita. We will forward the names and amounts you provide directly to Lho Ratna Rinpoche or Khenchen-la.
With your support, you will not only strengthen the practice of our teachers, but also sow seeds of peace, wisdom, and compassion throughout the world. Be part of this profound community transformation—every contribution counts!