Course Description
Freedom Beyond the Surface
Berlin gives us a lot of external freedom—you can dress how you want, live how you want, and nobody really minds. But even with all these possibilities, many of us still feel stuck in our own habits: snapping at people we love, losing evenings to doom-scrolling, or finishing a whole bar of chocolate when we just wanted a little peace. Are we as free as we think we are? Do we use our precious time for what truly matters?
“Having been born as a human being we have immense freedom to accomplish almost anything we want. (…) We can travel the world or even go to the moon, or we can settle for a simple family life. With so much freedom, we need to ask ourself what is the most meaningful way to use our life. What will make us truly happy? What will benefit others most? And when this life is over, what will help us then?”
– Joyful Path from Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
The Heart of What Matters
Meditation helps us discover a kind of freedom that doesn’t depend on circumstances—the freedom of a calm, steady mind. When we develop inner stillness, we begin to let go of the habits, cravings, and emotional loops that hold us back—patterns caused by deluded states of mind. Mindfulness and the clear mind of concentration bring us back behind the steering wheel of our life. They give us choice, space, and lightness. Meditation helps us become the person we genuinely want to be, with more authenticity and ease in everyday interactions. We reconnect with our natural potential for clarity, healing, and genuine personal growth.
„If we were truly peaceful inside and had our mind under control, nothing would be able to disturb that peace and no one we met would appear to be our enemy.“
– Living Meaningfully Dying Joyfully from Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
These sessions are an invitation to explore that inner freedom together—gently, curiously, and without taking ourselves too seriously.
Nov 27 – Freedom to Choose
Taking your inner destiny back into your own hands.
Dec 4 – When ‘Doing Whatever I Want’ Goes Sideways
Understanding how a misunderstood sense of freedom can create long-term difficulties.
Dec 11 – Mastering Your X-Messy Thoughts
A playful deep dive into the freedom to choose love during the holiday season.
Dec 18 – Revisiting Christmas Past, Freeing Christmas Future
Releasing outdated emotional patterns and opening space for something new.
Who It’s For
Everyone is welcome! Come as you are.
In the darker months, it’s easy to lose touch with ourselves. These sessions offer a quiet, warm space to rest, reflect, and breathe a little deeper. Whether you’re new to meditation or continuing your journey, you’ll find support and gentle guidance here.
Stay afterwards for a cosy cup of tea and good company ♡
Teacher
Volker Knab has been into Kadampa Buddhism for 20 years now, both studying and practicing it. Meditation really helps him stay cool and balanced at work, even when things get stressful. He really cares about sharing the helpful ideas and down-to-earth tools of Kadampa Buddhism in a way that’s clear, friendly, and easy for beginners to get into.