One of the Tutors
Module: Advanced Level 1 – Essence of the Mahayana Teachings
Credits: 100 CP upon completion
When: Mon. 19.01. 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: online via Zoom
Languages: German
Fees: • Single session: €15 (€12 reduced) • Complete course: €840 (€700 reduced, and early bird price: €600 with registration and payment by November 30, 2025)
Course Content
The course is dedicated to one of the central texts of the Drikung Kagyu tradition: The Essence of the Mahayana Teachings by Ngorje Repa, a close student of Jigten Sumgön, the founder of the lineage.
In 30 concise verses, the text describes the entire path to Buddhahood – beginning with the foundation of Buddha-nature through the practice of the three vows (Pratimoksha, Bodhisattva, and Mantra vows) to the goal of perfect awakening. It integrates both the classical stages of the path (Lamrim) as well as central elements of Vajrayana teaching, particularly the five-fold path of Mahamudra.
Together with the traditional commentaries, the work is excellently suited for systematic, in-depth study and simultaneously provides a solid foundation for meditative practice.
Teacher
Khenchen Nyima Gyaltsen is a highly respected scholar of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. His teachings are characterized by exceptional clarity and depth. During the course, he is in a three-year retreat; the sessions are based on carefully translated video teachings recorded specifically for the Dharmadhara program.
Tutorial Team
Claude Jürgens, Dr. Jan-Ulrich Sobisch, Dr. Katrin Querl, and Sonam Spitz – experienced Tibetan translators and long-time experts in Tibetan Buddhism – accompany the study, provide supplementary explanations, and are available for questions.
Drubpön Kunsang, an experienced retreat master (Drubpön) who has lived in Switzerland for over two decades and speaks fluent German, provides monthly supplementary input on the practical implementation of the teachings and addresses questions about practice.
Participation Requirements
Completion of the basic level of the Dharmadhara program or comparable prior knowledge in Buddhist study and practice is recommended.
Credit Recognition in the Dharmadhara Program
For the recognition of 100 Credit Points, live participation in at least 70% of the events from January to December 2026 is required. Alternatively, the CP can be earned through self-study of the recordings and an examination.
Registration
Please write us an email at info@dharmadhara.de
Important note for all participants of the Dharmadhara Study and Practice Program:
To receive credits for the course, please have the certificate of participation signed by the instructor.
