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How does Buddhism understand consciousness and its functions?

The Mind and the 51 Mental Factors

Course number
5.1
Instructor/teacher
Description

In Buddhism, the mind is paramount. It is the mind that, on the one hand, experiences suffering and emotional stress, and on the other it can also experience liberation from suffering and stress and even enlightenment.

This weekend, teachings and meditations on the mind and its functions will be imparted. Lama Kelzang will teach from a text by the Indian scholar Asanga (ca. 4th century CE), the Mahayana Abhidharma Samuccaya, the Compendium of Abhidharma.

This sophisticated Buddhist conception of the contents of the mind has already influenced Western thought, for example in psychology.
To be precise: There is the Higher Abhidharma according to Asanga and the Lower Abhidharma according to Vasubandhu, the younger half-brother of Asanga.

For decades, the book by Chöyam Trungpa Rinpoche, “Glimpses of Abhidharma”, has been in circulation, giving students of Tibetan Buddhism some idea of what Abhidharma means. In this course you have a chance to know more about it and understand its meaning and purpose.

Other information

We can provide gluten/lactose free and vegan meals on request for an extra €3 per day. Please use the registration form below to notify us of your nutritional requests. The extra amount will be charged on-site during your registration.

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Course fees

Accommodation desired

Room bookings are made on the basis of availability and in the order in which registrations are received. You will receive a registration confirmation from us in which we will inform you of whether we are able to provide you with the accommodation desired. Please pay the room fee only after you have received the confirmation email from our office.

Total
Since our room contingent is limited, you may choose to rent a room or apartment in the village or the surrounding area. List of accommodations (PDF).

Additional donation*

* This donation will be used, among other things, to support low-income participants and to cover organizational costs.

Personal Information

Special Meal Requests

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  • Karma Kagyü Gemeinschaft Deutschland – Tibetisch-Buddhistische Religionsgemeinschaft e.V. (not “Kamalashila Institut”!)
    IBAN: DE33 5765 001 001 9949 1127
    BIC: MALADE51MYN
    Kreissparkasse Mayen
    Reference: Course 5.1 on 15. May 2026

    If you indicated that you would like to stay at Kamalashila Institute, please pay the room fee only after you have received the confirmation email from our office.

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