Building our future

At our 2008 CH vision session on the future of our Swiss retreat centre, we decided on a broad as well as a broad spectrum: meditation and courses, retreat and encounter, Dharma work and relaxation, adults and children should have space here.
In order to meet all these requirements, we jointly developed the wish and the idea for an expansion of our Swiss retreat center. This should give Diamond Way Buddhism in Switzerland an even more sustainable home and ensure that future generations here in Amden will also have the opportunity to get to know and practice the timeless values of Buddhism. Inspired by the timeless architecture of Bhutanese “Dzongs” and their significance as guarantors of the Dharma, we call the expansion project “Amdo Dzong”.
In 2009, the vision was expanded to include the “Adlernest” project: some Dharma friends want to implement the idea of a joint housing project. In addition to families, it is above all people who see a meaningful field of activity in their commitment to the retreat centre for the active years after retirement and who also want to meditate a lot.

The “Red Line Concept” or the squaring of the circle

The vision of both and the same is a great challenge. We have found a solution that should make possible the diversity of the activities we all want: the concept of the “Red Line”. The basic idea is a spatial separation of the lively, “loud” activity areas and the quiet retreat zones for lectures, meditation and retreat – so that everyone can feel comfortable.

Our financing principle: We only build when the money is there.

The following applies to all construction measures: We only build when the necessary money has been donated. We don’t want to take on any mortgage debts.
The following buildings are to be financed from donations:

• Forest retreat house – already completed
• car park extension
• farm buildings
• intermediate wing
• gompa dilatation
• Wellness extension

The renovation of the main building is to be financed from operating surpluses or provisions.

The housing project “Adlernest” is financed by the residents themselves.

The realization of Amdo Dzong is only possible, if we all donate to it and/or engage ourselves with manpower. The best financial support is a standing order. A digestible amount, donated on a regular basis, is the least burden on your own budget!

The owner and client of the Amden Retreat Centre is our joint Swiss Karma Kagyü Foundation.

The current planning status

At the Vision Meeting and the subsequent Switzerland Mandala Meeting, we defined the principle of the measures to be taken. We are right in the middle of planning the implementation. It is a dynamic process in which it is crucial to consider all relevant aspects. We want to give ourselves the necessary time to have the opportunity to look at the plans anew from a distance. Priority will be given to measures to eliminate existing infrastructure shortcomings so that the centre can be operated more easily. The first step in approving major construction projects is to approve a design plan.

ZÄME create the future

Many good conditions come together in Amden, which enable us to do everything that is important for our lineage and our personal practice: to meet and receive teachings at any time as a Swiss Sangha at a powerful place of blessing, as well as to have easily accessible retreat possibilities in an inspiring environment. In Amden we want to create a “heart” place for the Diamond Way in Switzerland, which radiates, gives stability and secures development for the future. An essential part of this is the expansion of our retreat center (project name “Amdo Dzong”), as well as the construction of a new Switzerland gompa and a large stupa. Zäme (together) we have already realized the beautiful forest retreat house.

The Swiss Sangha has jointly decided to combine the fundraising for the Amdo Dzong project in Amden and the roof and façade renovation of the Berne Centre, i.e. to collect ZÄME.

But ZÄME is much more than just a fundraising project, many activities will take place that will make us grow more ZÄME and deepen our friendships. In addition to the centre buildings, this will be the real guarantee for the future of the Diamond Way in Switzerland.