The Garchen Stiftung (Garchen Foundation) promotes Tibetan Buddhism in teaching and practice. It thus contributes to supporting the continued existence of the Tibetan Buddhist religion, philosophy and literature. The Foundation promotes and preserves the Drikung Kagyu Lineage, an authentic tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, and pursues exclusively charitable purposes. The Foundation was founded in 2007 in Munich and has its administrative headquarters there, while its operational headquarters are at the Milarepa Retreat Center in Schneverdingen in the Lüneburg Heath.

In order to preserve and spread the precious teachings and associated religious practices in the West, visits from authentic Buddhist masters are just as essential as the preservation of places for study, meditation, and retreats, and the dissemination of Buddhist scriptures.

The Foundation's connection with the Drikung Kagyu tradition dates back to His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche, one of the most important masters of the Drikung Kagyu tradition. For decades, Garchen Rinpoche has traveled the world spreading the authentic Buddhist teachings. The foundation may use his name in its title. The Foundation also owes important inspiration and vision for its work to His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Thinley Lhundub, the head and lineage holder of the Drikung Kagyu tradition.

The Garchen Foundation is active in many areas:

• Construction and maintenance of our study and retreat houses ⇒ Milarepa Retreat Center
• Granting scholarships to students and scholars doing research in the field of Tibetan Buddhism
• Organizing and conducting lectures, courses and meditation retreats in the Drikung Kagyu tradition
• Promoting text projects, especially translations and printings of ancient Tibetan Buddhist teaching or prayer texts

Only through generous support can the Foundation achieve its goals and ensure that Buddhist teachings flourish for future generations. ⇒ Support