If you are looking for an overnight format instead of a single afternoon, the center also runs the Tage der Stille Auszeit (Days of Silence Getaway). This weekend program runs from Friday to Monday or Wednesday. It includes a private room overlooking the Sitter Valley, three vegetarian meals a day, two guided group meditations daily, and an evening talk led by the resident Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Lachpa.
Course
Learn to Meditate
Learn practical methods to develop a peaceful mind and establish a regular meditation practice
Upcoming Dates
Choose a date that works for you. All sessions are the same course, so you only need to attend once.
Course Details
8:00 am - 1:30 pm
Vairochana Zentrum für Kadampa Buddhismus
Beginners
German
Learn to Meditate
About the Course
PRACTICE & GROW
What You'll Learn
- Concentration and focus: Training the mind to stay fixed on a single point, object, or mantra.
- Mindfulness and open awareness: Learning to observe thoughts, emotions, and sensations in the present moment without judging them.
- Different traditions: Exploring overarching styles such as concentration, mindfulness, and compassion meditation.
YOUR EXPERIENCE
What to Expect
When you attend a meditation course, you can expect a structured, supportive environment designed to transition you smoothly from a beginner into a confident practitioner.
Here is what a typical course looks like in practice:
The Format and Pace
- Guided sessions: The instructor will lead most of the meditations, giving step-by-step verbal cues so you never feel lost.
- Gradual progression: Sessions usually start short (5 to 10 minutes) and slowly increase in length as your mental stamina builds.
- Group discussions: Dedicated time to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from other students’ challenges.
Resident Teacher
Gen Kelsang Lachpa is recognized for his practical, warm-hearted, and joyful approach to sharing ancient wisdom. His teaching format focuses heavily on bridging traditional Buddhist concepts with modern, everyday life. At the Vairochana Zentrum, his duties include:Leading weekly evening meditation classes and introductory courses.Hosting half-day workshops, weekend courses, and deep-dive silent retreats.Delivering public talks, podcasts on mindfulness, and guiding school class visits.
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Meditation as Modern Solution to real happiness and kinder world
Course Program
07:00 – 07:30 | Morning wake-up and gentle stretching
07:30 – 08:30 | Opening circle and introduction to meditation posture
08:30 – 09:15 | Guided breath awareness meditation
07:00 – 07:30 | Silent morning sitting
07:30 – 08:15 | Mindful movement or gentle yoga
08:30 – 09:15 | Breakfast in silence
09:30 – 10:30 | Sitting meditation: Deepening concentration on physical sensations
10:45 – 11:30 | Outdoor walking meditation
Practical Information
What to bring:
Registration infomation
This course is designed specifically for beginners and anyone looking to refresh their practice. Over four weeks, you will learn foundational mindfulness and concentration techniques in a supportive, straightforward environment.
- No experience required: We start from the absolute basics.
- Practical and secular: Focus on accessible techniques backed by modern science.
- Designed for real life: Learn how to integrate small, powerful moments of calm into your busy schedule.
Travel Information
To travel to the Vairochana Centre for Kadampa Buddhism, you will need to head to Amriswilerstrasse 96, 8589 Sitterdorf, Switzerland. The center is located in the Canton of Thurgau in northeastern Switzerland.
If you travel by public transport, you can take a regional train to Sitterdorf Train Station or the nearby Amriswil Train Station. From Zurich, you take an InterCity train to Weinfelden or Amriswil, and then transfer to a local connection. From the Sitterdorf station, the center is a 10 to 15-minute walk. You can check the current bus connections on the official SBB app or website. [1]
If you travel by car from Zurich, the journey takes about one hour. You take the A1 highway eastbound towards St. Gallen, take the exit toward Frauenfeld or Weinfelden/Kreuzlingen, and follow the main roads toward Amriswil and Sitterdorf. From St. Gallen, the drive takes about 30 minutes via Arbon towards Amriswil.
- Prior Registration for Temple Visits: If you simply want to visit the Buddhist temple outside of scheduled courses or retreats, you must register or make an appointment in advance rather than dropping in unannounced. [1]
- Holiday Variations: It is highly recommended to check their official Vairochana Center Calendar before traveling, as special events, weekend retreats, or public holidays can alter the standard operating hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Buddhist to attend?
No. The teachings and meditations are presented in an accessible way meant to help anyone find inner peace, regardless of religious background.
Is previous experience required?
No. Courses like the Meditieren Lernen Halbtageskurs (Learn to Meditate Half-Day Course) are specifically designed for beginners.
How are the courses structured?
A typical session or half-day event consists of practical instructions, guided meditations, and time for questions and discussion.