To register

Ten Day Silent Retreat

The Treasure of Knowledge, Levels 1 - 8

Course number
4.2
Instructor/teacher
Description

The basis of this course is The Treasure of Knowledge, a unique ten-volume encyclopaedia containing the teachings and meditation practices of all Tibetan Buddhist schools. It was written by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye (1813-1899). One of his aims was to restore the practice and application of the Dharma in daily life.

In this course, participants learn the basics of meditation of calm abiding (shamatha), training in compassion (karuna) and the methodology of deep insight (vipashyana). This seven-year methodological approach leads to the teaching of Mahamudra in the eighth year.

Overview of the eight year levels of this course in silence

– LEVEL 1: Shamatha 1 – The search for happiness in the mind
– LEVEL 2: Shamatha 2 – Bringing home one’s boss, the mind/Meditation on the Now
– LEVEL 3: Compassion Training 1 – Opening the heart to others
– LEVEL 4: Compassion Training 2 – Helping others / Healing yourself
– LEVEL 5: Vipashyana 1 – Enlightenment is ubiquitous in one’s own mind
– LEVEL 6: Vipashyana 2 – Stress as an antidote to stress
– LEVEL 7: Vipashyana – Drawing strength from your own mind
– From LEVEL 8: Mahamudra meditation

The course starts again each year with Level 1. The levels are taught in parallel.

There will be silence throughout the retreat except during the teaching sessions. Smartphones and laptops should not be used or brought into the Institute during the retreat.

For more information on the individual levels and the relevant literature (in German only), please look up: Alle 8 Stufen im Detail

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.

Register for this course

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

Payment Method

  • I will transfer the costs of the event to the account of the Kamalashila Institute® at the latest ten days after receiving the confirmation email from the office, stating the course number and the course title on the transfer form.

    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 4.2 on 25. April 2025

    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.

Standard Business Terms

Ethical guidelines

I have read the ethical guidelines and I hereby agree to them.

All Courses & Application

To courses

Buddhist literature, meditation supplies, and much more in the Dharmashop

Books from all traditions, statues, thangkas, meditation cushions, malas, posters, singing bowls, incense, and much more for your dharma practice.

To the online shop


Support Kamalashila Institute

Donate now

Our Newsletter