A brief history of KMC Germany
Kadampa Meditation Centre Germany [KMCD] was established by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in 2007 and is the main seat of the New Kadampa Tradition of Buddhism in Germany. It developed from the Berlin based 'Dipankara-Zentrum' which had existed since 1993. Right from the beginning Venerable Geshe-la helped the Centre's development both materially and spiritually in every conceivable way, without ever being discouraged by any difficulties or hindrances that occurred in its process. Venerable Geshe-la had founded Dipankara-Zentrum which became a registered Charity in 1994. In its early days it was accommodated in a small flat in Prenzlauer Berg, later on in other parts of the city such as Kreuzberg, Rudow and again in Kreuzberg. Already in 1999 Venerable Geshe-la had spotted 'Schloss Sommerswalde' as a future seat of the Centre. However this vision could not be realised until 2006 when the real estate was offered for sale again. After some essential repair works in 2007, in April 2008 the Centre could move into its new venue and continue with its activities.
Venerable Geshe-la visited Germany three times: First in 1995 when he gave a course on the Buddhist practice of refuge, then 2000 in order to re-establish the Centre after some tribulations, and finally in 2005 when he granted 3500 people the Highest Yoga Tantra Empowerments of Buddha Heruka and Vajrayogini at Werbellinsee north of Berlin – for the first time ever on the European continent.
The history and development of KMCD would be utterly impossible without Geshe-la's infinite dedication, immovable patience and intense love for others. In 2002 he said, 'I shall always help the Centre.