Did you know?
The only educational institute in Europe that has been personally commissioned by the Dalai Lama to pass on his teachings is located in the Görtschitz Valley. More precisely: in the former mining village of Knappenberg in Hüttenberg. His Holiness’s mission to the director, Geshe Tenzin Dhargye, was to teach those aspects of Tibetan Buddhism that are helpful and useful for people of all denominations and world views. “We certainly have no missionary zeal. No one has to be or become a Buddhist to take part in our courses and seminars,” says Lama Gesche Tenzin Dhargye, Director of the Tibet Center Knappenberg. It’s much more about training the mind, philosophically dealing with human emotions and learning how to meditate. Last but not least, Knappenberg also teaches Tibetan medicine and massage, which are increasingly in demand in our part of the world.
Like a short trip to Tibet
In fact, a visit to this educational center is like a short trip to Tibet. Colorful Tibetan prayer flags are already waving in front of the house. Large red prayer wheels are waiting to be turned clockwise to spread their blessings. Inside the house itself, Tibetan artists have uniquely embellished the walls with their authentic paintings; various depictions of Buddha and a huge sand mandala greet visitors in the foyer.
Diploma courses and courses in Knappenberg!
If you would like to continue your education here, the annual training program is available on the Tibet Centre website. This includes several diploma courses, for example in Buddhist psychology, and professional training in Tibetan massage.
Four-star hotel next door
In the first ten years of its existence, the Tibet Center Knappenberg has already made a name for itself far beyond Carinthia: over 8,000 people have already attended training courses here, and teaching takes place 150 days a year.
