The Sangha of the Xuanfa Dharmazentrum is a community of practitioners from various regions. While we primarily meet and connect online, formal steps on the path, such as taking refuge or receiving tantric empowerments, traditionally require meeting in person.
Our Virtual Sangha
Sangha means community. At the Xuanfa Dharma Center, this community comes together online: via video calls, in practice groups, and through direct exchange.
This is not a substitute for a physical center. It is a conscious choice. It allows people to practice seriously and be part of a community, regardless of where they live.
Self-cultivation—the systematic work on oneself on the Buddhist path—is not a solitary endeavor. Those who practice seriously need Dharma brothers and sisters: people who are honest with one another, support each other, and take shared responsibility for their path.
The Karmic Affinity Collective is the most concrete expression of this shared practice.
Karmic Affinity Collective
The Karmic Affinity Collective is a community for practitioners who wish to advance their self-cultivation together. At its heart are mutual support, honesty, and the building of genuine connections among Dharma brothers and sisters.
The Collective operates in two formats.
Accountability Partner Project
Small groups of two to four Dharma brothers and sisters meet on a regular basis via video call to honestly reflect on their own practice. The meetings follow a clear structure:
- Protected space: Each person has at least five minutes to reflect on the past week without interruption.
- Clear focus: The guiding questions are: What advanced the practice? What hindered it? What is the greatest obstacle?
- Listening rather than advising: The others listen attentively without interrupting. Clarifying questions are allowed, but giving advice is explicitly not.
- Mutual commitment: At the end, each person makes a specific, written commitment for the following week. At the next meeting, everyone openly reflects: What was the outcome?
Strengthen the Community Project
In changing small groups (up to four people), Dharma brothers and sisters get to know each other better outside of regular practice. A set structure applies here as well:
- Shared theme: Each meeting revolves around a shared question. The first question, for example, is: “What is the story of your life and your path to Buddhism?”
- Equal speaking time: Each person has at least five minutes to answer this question openly while the others listen attentively.
- Absolute confidentiality: Everything shared in these sessions remains strictly among the participants.
Dates & Events
Current and upcoming events of the Xuanfa Dharmazentrum. All events take place online unless otherwise specified.
Regular Events
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Sunday 14. June20:00 – 21:00Karmic Affinity Collective - Accountability Partner Project ENOnline
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Sunday 28. June20:00 – 21:00Karmic Affinity Collective - Strengthen the Community Project ENOnline
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Sunday 12. July20:00 – 21:00Karmic Affinity Collective - Accountability Partner Project ENOnline
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Sunday 26. July20:00 – 21:00Karmic Affinity Collective - Strengthen the Community Project ENOnline
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Sunday 9. August20:00 – 21:00Karmic Affinity Collective - Accountability Partner Project ENOnline
Karmic Affinity Collective (English-speaking)
On the first and last Sunday of each month. You can find more information about the exact content and structure further down this page.Karmic Affinity Collective (German-speaking)
We are currently forming a German-speaking group.In-Person Meetings in Cologne
Additional formats are being planned. Even though we do not have a permanent building, anyone from Cologne or the surrounding area can arrange an in-person meeting with Gongjue Tuji Rinpoche at any time.The Path into the Sangha: A Personal Conversation
Do you have questions about Buddhism, our practice, or the Xuanfa Dharma Center? Gongjue Tuji Rinpoche is personally available. The meetings take place via video call and last 30 minutes. Appointments are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
When booking, please briefly describe your inquiry. This helps both sides prepare well for the conversation.
For general organizational questions or to request an in-person meeting in Cologne, please use our contact form.
