With Lopön Hans-Heinrich Ramme and Lopön Oliver Ohanecian

Date:
January 16–18, 2026
Friday, 6:00 p.m. to Sunday, 2:00 p.m.

Location:
Buddhist Center Staufenberg e. V.
Treiser Straße 32
35460 Staufenberg
Germany
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Tel.: 0160 2876039

The course is in German!
Course fee: €160 (members: €80)
A discount is possible upon request – no one should be excluded for financial reasons. This is an in-person event only.

About this course
What does emptiness mean in Buddhism? This introductory course is the first in a comprehensive series in which we will explore this central and often misunderstood aspect of Buddhist teaching.
In this first session, we will work together to establish a solid foundation: What is meant by emptiness? Which different philosophical schools have dealt with this concept? And why is understanding emptiness considered the key to liberation?

What to expect
The course combines different approaches to the teaching of emptiness:
• Selected text excerpts: We draw inspiration from individual Buddhist texts to understand the true meaning of the concept.
• Meditation: Through guided meditations, we experience emptiness not only intellectually, but also directly.
• Exchange: In open discussion rounds, you will have space for your questions and reflections.

Who is this course suitable for?

This introductory course is suitable for anyone who wants to seriously engage with Buddhist philosophy, whether you are new to the subject or want to deepen your existing knowledge. Prior knowledge is helpful but not required.

Outlook
After this introduction, the following courses in the series will systematically cover the various stages of the philosophy of emptiness – from the basic concepts to the most subtle distinctions between the different Buddhist schools.

The teachers
Lopön Hans-Heinrich Ramme has been studying Buddhist teachings and practices for over 40 years. His teachers are Geshe Tubten Ngawang (Gelugpa) and, in particular, Lho Ontul Rinpoche. He completed the 1st and 6th seven-year courses at the Tibetan Center in Hamburg, as well as further teachings such as the Madhyamakavatara. A special focus is the practice-oriented course of Yangzab by Ontul Rinpoche and his personal practice.
Lopön Oliver Ohanecian has been studying the teachings and practices of Buddhism for over 40 years – initially with a focus on Zen, then Vajrayana and Dzogchen. His path led him from private study to academic studies in ethnology and religious history to practice under various Tibetan teachers, especially Lho Ontul Rinpoche. His personal focus is on the teachings and practices of Yangzab and Khandro Nyingthig.

Both teachers were invited to teach by Kyabje Lho Ontul Rinpoche. In accordance with Kyabje Lho Ontul Rinpoche's broad intention, they were awarded the title of Lopön by Lho Orgyan Rangjung Drodul Dechen Dorje.
We look forward to diving into the depths of this transformative teaching with you, step by step.