About Virya-Meditationen


"Meditationen"? Yes! "Meditationen" is the plural in German language for meditation.


And "Virya"? The name "Virya" is one of the transcendent virtues or Pāramitās of Buddhism.


These virtues guide us towards wisdom and ultimately awakening.


Virya is the virtue of energetic effort, diligence, or willpower.


However, Virya is not a rigid or strenuous state. It's about finding the balance between effort and letting go, between determination and acceptance of what arises in the present moment. It's about maintaining a healthy inner attitude of energy and commitment while practicing with patience and acceptance.


  • ...more about Virya...

    The term "Virya" originates from Sanskrit and is often used in the context of Buddhism and Buddhist practice. Virya is frequently translated as "energy" or "effort" and refers to the powerful and directed effort applied in meditation practice. It embodies an inner strength and determination to overcome obstacles and make progress on the spiritual path.


    Virya is one of the five mental faculties or "powers" (Pali: bala) in Buddhism, which are considered crucial qualities to promote spiritual development and enlightenment. The other four powers are Saddha (faith), Sati (mindfulness), Samadhi (concentration), and Panna (wisdom). Together, these faculties form a holistic approach to meditation practice.


    In the context of meditation, Virya refers to practicing with determination and persistence. It involves the willingness to overcome challenging moments, restlessness, or distractions, and to deepen the practice continuously. Virya encourages the meditator to exert a certain effort and endurance to overcome obstacles and focus on the meditative state.


    Overall, Virya plays an essential role in meditation practice by fostering motivation, endurance, and determination to navigate the challenges of meditation and deepen the positive impacts of the practice.

Your Meditation Teacher is Dr. Heiko Barg

What do biochemistry and meditation have in common? At first glance, one might not think of much, right?

In fact, for me, both are expressions of exploration and discovery: in biochemistry, I explore the molecular processes of living systems, and in meditation, I delve into the depths of the mind and our spiritual world.

This might explain why both areas incredibly captivate me and have become a part of my life.

My name is Heiko Barg. I originally come from Hamburg, but I've been living in the southern part of Germany or in other beautiful places around the world for many years. My second home is Singapore in Southeast Asia, where I spend a significant part of the year.


As a biochemist who has worked in large companies for a long time, the transition to meditation might not seem obvious at first. However, I had my initial exposure to meditation during my studies and took a relaxation course.


Even though I felt that meditation was benefiting me greatly, it wasn't until many more years and courses later that I truly understood what meditation really means and how much more it encompasses than just relaxation, although relaxation itself is already a wonderful gain.

My understanding of meditation developed even further after I began living in Asia. There, Buddhism and meditation are almost integral parts of daily life. It was there that I realized the insights into ourselves that meditation allows and the incredible impact it can have on our lives.


I was so fulfilled and inspired by what I had personally experienced that I decided to undergo certified meditation teacher training in both Singapore and Germany.


However, much more important than certificates for my understanding of meditation are the various retreats and courses I participated in. These experiences allowed me to learn techniques like Samatha, Vipassanā, Pranayama, and tantric Tummo as well as the advanced teachings of Spiritual Inquiry and Non-Duality from renowned meditation masters, and today I can pass these teachings on to you.

Meditation am Strand

In addition to various meditation techniques, I have also pursued further education from a psychological perspective of the mind over the years.


I am a certified coach for NI Neurosystemic Integration (NI Neurosystemische Integration ®). This approach involves trauma-sensitive guidance and combines elements of neurobiology, systemic therapy, and psychotraumatology. Neurosystemic Integration offers a compassionate and trauma-sensitive path to integrating traumatic experiences sustainably and gently.


Furthermore, I am a certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) responder, equipped to provide first aid for mental health.


Most importantly, my goal is to assist everyone interested in meditation in uncovering the mysteries of concentration and mindfulness with a sense of joy in self-discovery. I aim to guide you in a way that prevents you from wandering through the thicket of half-knowledge and misinformation, allowing you to gain profound insights about yourself purposefully and relaxed.


For me, the student who approaches me is always at the center—seen as an individual with unique qualities and strengths, possessing a deep, sometimes hidden understanding that each of us already carries within.


I look forward to getting to know you.


Heiko Barg

MHFA Certificate

Heiko's Samatha Meditation guide

is also available as a book:


Unconditional Happiness - Your Journey Through Meditation

A Samatha Meditation Roadmap


Softcover: 161 Seiten

ISBN-13: 978-3-757583-23-1


Virya - Place of Tranquility

For meditation at Virya, we use our peaceful, warmly furnished meditation rooms. In the summer or for walking meditation, we enjoy spots by the pond or waterfall in our spacious garden.