Allgemein Archives - Dhammacari Vipassana Meditation Center

Retreat in the Benedictine Monastery in Scheyern/August

Dear friends in the Dhamma,

This year’s traditional retreat will once again take place at the Benedictine Abbey in Scheyern.

From August 17 to September 1

the Venerable Phra Manfred,

Hannah and Mohamed Ahmad

will lead the retreat as teachers.

More than 25 years ago Hildegard started to organize retreats in Germany and to invite Khun Thanat and Khun Kathryn, our two senior teachers and leaders of the International Vipassana Meditation Centre in Chomtong, to lead a larger retreat once a year. Since around 2001, the August retreat has become a regular occurrence, as the conditions at Scheyern Monastery were ideal.

The departure of our highly esteemed teacher Khun Thanat in 2022, and also the fact that Khun Kathryn and Hildegard are currently unable to lead the retreat at Scheyern Monastery for personal reasons, has already brought about change in recent years.

We are therefore delighted that Venerable Phra Manfred, Hannah and Mohamed, who have been teaching at the International Vipassana Meditation Center in Chomtong for several years, have accepted the invitation to Scheyern for the third time to accompany the meditators through the retreat.

This year there is another change in the organization of the retreat: Arthur, who has also been a member of the association for many years, is now taking registrations for the retreat: meditation-2025@gmx.de

With this link you will find more information about the retreat at Scheyern Monastery

The registration deadline is July 17th.

At the same time this year (for the first time!) meditation will continue here at Dhammacari in Sonnenthal. From 17.08. – 24.09. Asher Gal will be in the house as a guest teacher.

We are looking forward for your registration.
With Metta
Your Dhammacari Team

Hildegard + Shell construction + topping out ceremnoy + Dana

Dear friends in the Dhamma,

A lot has happened since the beginning of December. Although we are in the middle of our retreat period and I have already completed a retreat…., our construction site has continued until now.

Hildegard was discharged from the specialist clinic and stays on “vacation” here at Dhammacari for a few days since last Friday. She is currently planning her next step towards rehabilitation therapy in order to regain her strength and actively support the healing process…she is looking for the right place to do this.

Shell Construction

Even though the roof was already closed at the end of November, work continued intensively. The weather conditions were still good, so some sections of the shell could still be completed. On December 12, the last components were delivered…including the staircase, canopy and balcony.

Here the canopy is added to the south side

working on the roof of the north side….

…the installation of the stairs

The Topping out Ceremony

On December 18, the topping-out ceremony was celebrated with the craftsmen, planners and others involved in the construction. Our carpenters erected the beautifully decorated topping-out wreath on the roof to express their good wishes for the rest of the construction work, the builders and the tradesmen.

Angelika and Robert were asked as representatives of the association to hammer in the last nails…. so that the roof will last a long time 😉

This event was then toasted with non-alcoholic “sparkling wine” and all guests were invited to the future meditation room for a snack. The carpenters had already built a 15 m long table there the previous week, which was now beautifully decorated and offered enough space for all the guests. It was a lovely celebration and among the lively conversations, some construction discussions were also underway.

The installation of the windows also began last week…there will be a few photos of this in the next newsletter……now the roof is well packed for the Christmas vacations and the building site will be closed until January 6th.

Further permanent donations...

The number of permanent donors has now grown to 51…lots of metta again for this great support for the building project.

Actually, Daniel also wanted to increase the number of permanent donors with another €1,000/month…but now that he has donated the amount of €12,000 in a bank transfer, he has been added to the list of major donors.

Lot’s of metta for this generosity too.
May all those who support this project be blessed and sustained in many ways.

The next stages of construction

Depending on the weather, work on the roof – insulation and covering – will continue in January. Towards the end of January, the remaining windows should be installed and the heating engineers and electricians can start their work. Preliminary discussions and planning are already underway to determine the sequence in which the work steps can be carried out.
Our credit is now shrinking and we need further large sums for these trades.

Around €150,000 for the heating and €100 – 150,000 for the electrical installation, depending on the progress of the construction and when the individual work steps can be carried out.
The carpenters’ work on the roof and the roofing will incur further costs.

At the same time, the first work on the sanitary facilities is also necessary,

…so further costs here too.

Loans + donations + permanent donations

As already announced in the previous newsletters, we now want to continue the construction until completion…so that more places for meditators will be available as soon as possible.

This work makes it possible to express appreciation for the growth in the Dhamma. Every giving also causes an echo in the giver, the joy of giving and supporting deeply moves us and strengthens the direction in which we give this form of energy.
Who would like to participate?

There are now several ways of financing the project:

Which of you can provide loan money for this project?

Please let us know how much you can provide interest-free and for how long.

There are already a few offers and we are still clarifying the form to define this clearly in writing and, above all, legally.
Who is willing to give Dana for the next trades?

As always, any amount is welcome, once or several times.
And more permanent donors are needed to ensure a continuous flow of money.

Who will become a permanent donor and is prepared to give €100 or more per month for a year or longer?

How can you give?

When making the transfer, please state
purpose “Extension”
and in the case of a standing donation also
“standing order”.

We would also be pleased to hear from you if you are participating and whether you can commit for 1 year or longer.
As always, the transfer is made to the association account:

Dhammacari Vipassana Meditatioszentrum e. V.
Sparkasse Erding-Dorfen
IBAN DE74 7005 1995 0010 1839 03

Now we wish you a contemplative time for the holidays,
the opportunity to practice
and a harmonious time together with your loved ones.
Health, happiness and inner peace
and the courage to master the challenges
that the New Year brings
in the spirit of the Dhamma

With Metta
Your Dhammacari Team

Shell construction & Dana Call – Progress

Dear friends in the Dhamma,

Before we retire to the retreat, here is a construction report:

Last Saturday the roof was closed with the last panels.

Robert in action with the last plate, sure-footed and free from giddiness…

The afternoon coffee could therefore take place on the roof…. and somehow Angelika was also conjured up on the roof…

And here everything is well packed again…

he last timber delivery will arrive next Friday and there will now be a break in work for about a week. The work will then continue until shortly before Christmas, and the roof covering with tiles is planned for next year.

The topping-out ceremony is planned for December 18, with the craftsmen and planners also attending. This is a traditional ceremony at which a topping-out speech is spoken by the carpenters to bless the new building and the builders express their appreciation for everyone involved in the construction work.

We are looking for 100 long-term donors

The number of monthly permanent donations has now grown to 49….almost half!

Maximiliano has pledged a permanent donation of a
further €1,000 for one year.

….thus 10 places of the permanent donations have been taken over

And Ronald, our master carpenter, has also pledged a permanent donation.

We are delighted together with them and with everyone else who supports this project.

Why does it need long therm donors?

In order to be able to carry out the other trades following the shell construction,

such as exterior cladding, heating electrical installations, plumbing, flooring, etc., the further financial resources are required.
We will announce the expected costs shortly.
The contracts will then have to be awarded to the contractors soon.

As we now want to complete the construction without further breaks, we will also accept private loans if necessary. The KfW grant of €375,000 must be drawn down by April 2026 at the latest. This is only possible if the building is fully functional.

In order to repay these loans step by step, we will need continuous donations:

If someone wants to end after 1 year, he/she should be replaced by new permanent donors.
Of course it is also welcome to give a higher monthly amount.

Who is willing to support this growth for the Dhamma in this way?

This project can be shared by many people.
Everyone can play a part in creating this “rock in the surf” in these turbulent times.

Another 51 permanent donors are needed

Who will join in?
Who will become a permanent donor with €100/month for a year or longer?
As always, every contribution is welcome!

Furthermore, one-time or repeated offerings of Dhamma in any amount are also welcome and meritorious. Everyone can make a contribution within their means to make the Dhamma accessible to many people.

How can you donate?

Please indicate in the bank transfer
purpose “Extension building”
and in the case of a standing donation also
“standing order”.

We would also be pleased to receive a message from you if you are participating and whether you can pledge for 1 year or longer.

As always, the transfer is made to the association account:

Dhammacari Vipassana Meditation Center e. V.
Sparkasse Erding-Dorfen
IBAN DE74 7005 1995 0010 1839 03
BIC BYLADEM1ERD

As in previous years, we have scheduled a special retreat time from 6.12. – 6.1., when only experienced meditators are in the house and we therefore also have the opportunity to do one or more retreats.

I – Angelika – am particularly looking forward to this, as hardly any breaks were possible last year and I feel really “retreat-ready”…

We also wish you a truly silent time
With Metta
Your Dhammacari-Team

Hildegard / Shell construction / Dana Call – Update

Dear friends in the Dhamma,

It is time for another report.

Hildegard is still undergoing follow-up treatment. The progress is good and she is training diligently.

The treatment there will certainly take another 2 weeks and we will see what further steps are then possible.

Hildegard would like to thank you very much for all your good wishes for her recovery and your metta for her healing process. She still feels very supported by it.

Our shell construciton is growing....

And here in Dhammacari, the building shell is growing upwards. So far, despite the fog, some rain and snow, the weather conditions have been so good that the carpenters have been able to work continuously. As rain has been forecast for tomorrow, they are even working until 22:00 today so that they can still cover everything up nicely.

Site visit by Ellen, one of our architects, here together with Robert and Ronald, our master carpenter.

This will be the view from the large window in the meditation room

Robert, Alexander and Julian, Ronald our master carpenter, Ellen, Christoph und Torben

The second storey ceiling is screwed down…..

….and protected with foil

….finished…

The first binder takes its place……

….and gradually all the others…

The first roof surfaces above the meditation room….

…and here you will soon be meditating: a view of the future meditation room with the large window opening.

The entire shell is covered with a thin insulating layer of wood fiber boards, which also serves as weather protection and seals all window openings until the windows are installed.

The tall crane not only moves heavy components….it also serves as a climbing frame for the carpenters to take beautiful panoramic photos…

…yes, we also had sunny days again…

We are looking for 100 permanent donors

The number of monthly permanent donations has now grown to 36….has already reached 1/3…

Many thanks to all those who express their appreciation for this Dhamma project on a monthly basis for a year or more.

Traditionally, the Buddha’s teachings are preserved and growth is encouraged through voluntary giving.
Here at Dhammacari we have also been passing on the teachings on a danabasis for more than 18 years. Only in this way is it possible to make the teachings accessible to all people.
Thus, not only the foundations, such as the house and previous expansion steps, but also the ongoing operation have been supported on a Danabasis.

This project can be shared by many people.
Everyone can play a part in creating this “rock in the surf” in these turbulent times.

Another 64 permanent donors are needed

Who will join in?
Who will become a permanent donor with €100/month for a year or longer?
As always, every contribution is welcome!

Furthermore, one-time or repeated offerings of Dhamma in any amount are also welcome and meritorious. Everyone can make a contribution within their means to make the Dhamma accessible to many people.

How can you donate?

Please indicate in the bank transfer
purpose “Extension building”
and in the case of a standing donation also
“standing order”.

We would also be pleased to receive a message from you if you are participating and whether you can pledge for 1 year or longer.

As always, the transfer is made to the association account:

Dhammacari Vipassana Meditation Center e. V.
Sparkasse Erding-Dorfen
IBAN DE74 7005 1995 0010 1839 03
BIC BYLADEM1ERD

With Metta
Your Dhammacari-Team

Hildegard + Shell Construction + Dana

Dear friends in the Dhamma,

I am sure you are already waiting for the next news that has developed with Hildegard and also here at Dhammacari.

Hildegard moved to a specialist clinic for rehabilitation therapy today. No further surgery was necessary and the wound is gradually healing. Further examinations are planned at the university hospital, but what will be necessary depends on the further course of her recovery.

Many thanks once again to all those who have been so intensively involved – far and near – sharing their merits with Hildegard, sending good wishes and visiting her…. Hildegard and we are always very touched by your sympathy.

I have passed on your messages to Hildegard again and again.

All your help has had such a positive influence on the process.

May all your work come back to you in many ways.

The shell is growing...

The building shell is progressing well. Even if the thick high fog is not really desirable, we were quite happy to be spared the rain. This allowed the carpenters to diligently erect wall after wall:

A view from the dining room towards the kitchen. The dividing wall that the carpenters will build later is still missing here. An insulating layer of wood fiber boards is already being installed from the outside. This will also serve as protection against the weather in winter and for the window openings before the windows are installed in January and the wooden cladding can then be fitted in spring.

One of the largest parts – the wall of the stairwell with a height of around 10 m – was already in place. It was already a masterpiece to handle in terms of production and transportation, and everyone was happy to see the component in place.

Here’s a view of the future report room, which also attracts attention from the outside with its large round window.

A view from the high crane of the ground floor with some rooms, the office, report room and Hildegard’s future apartment.

Work continues into the evening hours in order to take advantage of the favorable weather conditions. Our Venerable Phra Ajahn Ofer is also frequently at the construction site to take all these photos, which we can send you here.

We are looking for 100 permanent donors

The number of monthly permanent donations has now grown to 30.

Venerable Phra Ajahn Ofer has made the 30th permanent donation with his pledge.That is great!

Many thanks to all those who express their appreciation for this Dhamma project on a monthly basis for a year or more. Many thanks also for the wonderful feedback.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have been providing ongoing support for the meditation center for many years.

Traditionally, the Buddha’s teachings are preserved and growth is promoted through voluntary giving.
Here at the Dhammacari we have also been passing on the teachings on a danabasis for more than 18 years. Only in this way is it possible to make the teachings accessible to all people.
Thus, not only the foundations, such as the house and previous expansion steps, but also the ongoing operation have been supported on a Danabasis.

In order to be able to carry out the other trades following the shell construction,

such as exterior cladding, heating, electrical installations, plumbing, flooring, etc., the further financial resources are required.
We will announce the expected costs shortly.
The contracts will then have to be awarded to the contractors soon.

In order to repay these loans step by step, we will need continuous donations:

In order to be able to carry out the other trades following the shell construction,

such as exterior cladding, heating, electrical installation, plumbing, flooring, etc., further funding is required.
We will announce the expected costs shortly.
The contracts will then have to be awarded to the contractors soon.

As we now want to complete the construction without further interruptions, we will also take out private loans if necessary. The KfW grant of 375,000 euros must be drawn down by April 2026 at the latest. This is only possible if the building is fully functional.

In order to be able to repay these loans step by step, we need continuous donations:

Furthermore, single or repeated offerings of Dhamma of any amount are also welcome and meritorious. Everyone can make a contribution within their means to make the Dhamma accessible to many people.

How can you donate?

Please indicate in the bank transfer
purpose “Extension building”
and in the case of a standing donation also
“standing order”.

We would also be pleased to receive a message from you if you are participating and whether you can pledge for 1 year or longer.

As always, the transfer will be made to the association account:

Dhammacari Vipassana Meditationszentrum e. V.
Sparkasse Erding-Dorfen
IBAN DE74 7005 1995 0010 1839 03
BIC BYLADEM1ERD

With Metta

Your Dhammacari-Team

Report Dana Call and Construction site

Dear friends in Dhamma,

since our last message in September, almost 20 meditators have already set up a standing order.

That’s great!

Many thanks to everyone who has expressed their appreciation for this Dhamma project every month for a year or more. Many thanks also for the lovely feedback.
At this point, we would also like to thank everyone who has been providing ongoing support for the meditation center for many years.

Traditionally, the Buddha’s teachings are preserved and growth promoted through voluntary giving.
Here in Dhammacari, too, we have been passing on the teachings on a dana basis for more than 18 years. This is the only way to make the teachings accessible to everyone.
Not only the basics such as the house and previous expansion steps, but also the ongoing operations were supported on a dana basis.

For this major expansion step, many “shoulders” are now needed to complete the work.
Everyone can take part in creating this “rock in the surf” in these turbulent times.

We still need another 80 regular donors

Who’s joining in?
Who will become a regular donor of €100/month for a year or longer?
As always, every contribution is welcome!

Further information: Link

Purpose:
“Extension, standing order”

Dhammacari Vipassana Meditationszentrum e. V.
Sparkasse Erding-Dorfen
IBAN DE74 7005 1995 0010 1839 03
BIC BYLADEM1ERD

Report on the Construction Site

A look into our new pellet storage. Until the room is fitted with a sloping floor, door, etc., the wooden box will serve as a temporary storage space. In the last few weeks, heating has been provided by electricity…the boiler has been in operation since last Thursday.

In the last few weeks, not only has the walls been chiseled but also brickwork has been done…and the foundations have been sealed…also this week, a few preparatory jobs will be completed before the large solid wood components are delivered the following week.

With lots of Metta

Your Dhammacari Team

Two important Birthdays and a Dana Call

Dear friends in the Dhamma,

today, September 21st, the
Most Reverend Phra Prom Mongkol Vi Ajahn Tong would have
turned 101 years old.
It is the greatest gift for us that we were able to meet him and that he gave us such a powerful tool with his Vipassana technique.
We fondly remember his blessed visits to us in Dhammacari

Our association was founded 20 years ago

on September 21, 2004 as a sponsor for the creation of the meditation center.

A lot has happened since then:

In 2005, the house in Sonnenthal was found, bought and rebuilt

Retreats have been taking place here since 2006.
A few years later, we were already thinking about expanding. However, we put this on hold on the instructions of the Most Reverend Ajahn Tong… “It is still too early…”

In 2015, the first Kuti (a small house) was built to provide additional accommodation for helpers

In 2017 , the former horse stable was further expanded with two additional rooms.

In 2018 , the impetus for the larger expansion plans was given.

In 2020, the barn, the larger sewage treatment plant and the parking lot were built

In 2021, the foundation for the large extension to the house including a natural cellar was built

All of these steps were made possible by the generous donations of meditators.
Once again, I would like to say a big thank you on behalf of all those who value Dhammacari.

May your generosity be returned to you in many ways.

2024 - The shell

As we reported in the last emails, work on the extension is now continuing. Since July with the dismantling of the roof and now this week with the demolition of the garage and the conversion in the area of the pellet storage.

The noise of the necessary chiseling work and the demolition of the garage were an outstanding meditation object for several days, which the meditators mastered excellently

The construction of the extension had to be postponed until the second half of October because the clarification of a few planning details took a while.

Dana

In order to be able to carry out the other trades after the shell construction, such as exterior cladding, heating, electrical installations, plumbing, floors, etc., further financial resources are then required.
We will announce the expected costs shortly.
The contracts must then be awarded to the tradesmen soon.

Since we now want to complete the construction without further breaks, we may also accept private loans. The KfW grant of €375,000 must be drawn down by April 2026 at the latest. This is only possible if the building is made functional.

In order to then gradually repay these loans, continuous donations are required:

Can we find 100 people among you who are prepared to give €100 a month for at least 1 year?
If someone wants to stop after 1 year, he/she should be replaced by new permanent donors.
Of course, it is also welcome to give a higher monthly amount.

Who is willing to support the growth of Dhamma in this way?

Since we have been carrying and communicating the idea for a few weeks, we have already found a few regular donors.
Who of you is joining in?

Furthermore, one or more donations of any amount are welcome and worthwhile. Everyone can make a contribution within their means to make Dhamma accessible to many people.

How can you donate?

When making the transfer, please state
“Extension Building” as the purpose
and, in the case of a regular donation, also
“Standing Order“.

We would also be pleased to hear from you if you are joining in and to know whether you can commit for 1 year or longer.

As always, the transfer will be made to the association’s account:

Dhammacari Vipassana Meditation Center e. V.
Sparkasse Erding-Dorfen
IBAN DE74 7005 1995 0010 1839 03
BIC BYLADEM1ERD

With Metta

Your Dhammacari-Team

Merit’s

Dear friends in Dhamma,

in the second half of July, the necessary dismantling work was carried out with the help of a few helpers from our Dhammafalmily and two carpenters. Everyone pitched in and the hot weather was an additional challenge. Lots of metta and thanks to everyone who used their strength so eagerly and willingly! A great dana for this project, so that more people can continue to come and practice the teachings of Buddha .

Some of the work went hand in hand…..

….in a balancing act……..reaching high….

….deep inside….

…..and provided a great overview for the daring ones….

…..this needs grounding:

May the merits support you on your path.

Further help for the fruit harvest, house and garden...

In September we’ll continue with our abundant fruit harvest… who can come for a few days, a week or two from September 9th to the end of October to help with the harvest and in the house and garden?
There will also be daily activities for those who live in the local area.

We look forward to your feedback…

Lot’s of Metta for all of you

Your Dhammacari Team

Best wishes for Christmas time and Happy New Year

…. there is no fire like the fire of passion,
no evil like anger and hatred;
there is no disease like greed,
and there is no bliss like the perfect peace of Nibbana.”
(Dhammapada)

Dear friends in the Dhamma,

We wish you and your loved ones happy christmas days, good health and peace for the New Year!

As in previous years, this year we have organized the house from 6 December to 6 January so that we too can practice intensively.

There is a special silence in the house that makes you feel reverent…..

A brief review of the last few months:

Hildegard came back from the clinic at the end of September much stronger. She continues to work diligently to continue the healing process….

Next year is already planned with guest teachers until August to make this possible.

On November 21, we had a distinguished visitor with us.
The abbot of the temple in Götzenhain, Venerable Phrakhrubhavanbuddhivides (Phra Ajarn Od), and other monks accepted our invitation to bless the straw bale house together with Venerable Phrakhrubhavanabidhan Phra Ajarn Ofer

With lots of Metta for all of you

Hildegard * Angelika * Maximiliano

Highest Award for Robert

Dear friends of meditation,

We would like to report you about a special event:

On February 23, Robert was awarded with the Sema Dhammachak (The pilar of the Dhamma) by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in Bangkok.

It is the highest award given by the Royal Family of Thailand for outstanding merit in spreading the Dhamma to lay people and to those who are ordained.

The award ceremony had been repeatedly postponed over the past two years, but now it could take place and Robert was able to receive the honour.

We are happy for Robert and congratulate him warmly for this special award.

Through Robert’s generosity in buying the property in Sonnenthal about 17 years ago and making it available for the Dhamma, it has already been possible for several thousand meditators to encounter the teachings of the Buddha and to find help in all possible life situations through the practice of meditation. So many people who have incorporated this meditation into their daily lives know the value of intense practice.

Giving shelter to meditators has always been an immeasurable merit….

may it support Robert on his way in many ways.

The tirelessness of our honoured teacher Khun Thanat Chindaporn should also be mentioned here. Through his immense commitment to spreading the Dhamma, many retreats have been established around the world, either on a regular or an intermittent basis. For many years, he has been active in making the awards possible. This means a considerable effort for him and also serves to spread the Vipassana meditation in the tradition of the Most Venerable Ajahn Tong.

In the days following the ceremony in Bangkok, the honourees had the opportunity to pay their respects to a number of high-ranking monks.

….and he arrived back home safe and sound.

With Metta
Your Dhammacari-Team