The Dzokden Kalapa Center (formerly Kalachakra Kalapa Center) is located at an altitude of 1,000 meters in the southwestern Styrian municipality of Bad Schwanberg, in the district of Garanas. The absolutely quiet location, the wonderful view, the good air and the water from our own spring offer since 2001 optimal conditions for spiritual practice, collection and body work, such as yoga.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave the center the name "Kalapa". Kalapa is the center of the legendary pure land of Shambhala. In 2021, the highly respected Tibetan teacher, the Honorable Shar Khentrul Rinpoche, took over the spiritual direction of the center. He bestowed upon it the name "Dzokden," a Tibetan word meaning "golden age" or "perfect peace and harmony," which describe the qualities of Shambhala.
The Kalachakra Stupa in Garanas
Thanks to generous private donations, in 2002, through the initiative of the Graz-based association "She Drup Ling", a Kalachakra Stupa was erected on the site. A stupa is a religious Buddhist structure and shrine that represents the enlightened mind of Buddha and his qualities of wisdom and compassion. Worshipping the shrine, by walking around it in a clockwise direction, as well as making offerings such as flowers, incense, etc., is considered especially auspicious.
The Kalachakra Stupa was consecrated by the then Abbot of Namgyal Monastery, Venerable Jhado Rinpoche, in the presence of 20 monks. It is the exact same stupa as the one on the grounds of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India.
The Kalachakra Temple in Garanas
Thanks to private donations and great volunteer efforts, the Kalachakra Temple was completely renovated in 2022 and now invites interested people to visit and retreat. The renovation took place in compliance with traditional specifications and guidelines in order to comply with the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. A special feature is the authentic Kalachakra statue blessed by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama. On the way to the temple, visitors can turn the traditional prayer wheels for the benefit of all people and beings.
The Dzokden Kalapa Retreat Center
The Dzokden Kalapa Retreat Center offers overnight accommodations for 25+ people. This includes a yoga/seminar room, a dining room, a small library, and a store with various books, ritual items such as incense, prayer flags, etc. The center offers regular retreats, Buddhist rituals and guided meditation practice. Rental of the center's premises, as well as private accommodation is available. Thus, external seminars & workshops on various topics are also offered. There are also international weeks of volunteer work for the community.