The Drikung Garchen Institute is a center of the Drikung Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The Drikung Kagyu tradition belongs to the Kagyu lineage (“lineage of oral transmission”), which has its origins in the teachings of Buddha Vajradhara and the great Indian master Tilopa (988-1069). The Kagyü teachings came to Tibet via Marpa the Translator and were spread there by the famous Tibetan yogi Milarepa, Gampopa, and Phagmodrupa. The Drikung Kagyü tradition goes back to the heart disciple of Phagmodrupa, Drikung Kyobpa Jigten Sumgön (1143-1217).

The Drikung tradition is known for its meditation practices, especially the Mahamudra meditation. The teaching of the "Single Intention" (Tib. Gongchikby Jigten Sumgön comprises the essence of the teachings. Another major scripture is the "Heart Essence of the Mahayana Teachings" (Tib. Thekchen Tenpe Nyingpoby Zhedang Dorje, a disciple of Jigten Sumgön.

The main monastery Drikung Thil in central Tibet and the monastery Jangchubling in exile in India form the spiritual center of the lineage. Today, the tradition is represented worldwide by spiritual teachers and centers, in particular by His Holiness, the 37th Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang and His Holiness, the 36th Drikung Kyabgön Chungtsang, the lineage holders of the Drikung tradition.

More information about the Drikung Kagyu tradition in Germany can be found here.