Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa

Diamond Way Buddhism

Diamond Way Buddhism is a lay organization of the Karma Kagyu lineage, which belongs to one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The meditation methods used by Diamond Way Buddhism – while all traditional – are presented in a modern, Western setting accessible to all.

Where does Diamond Way Buddhism come from?

The highest of the three levels of Buddha’s teachings is called Vajrayana in Sanskrit, or Dorje Thegpa in Tibetan, which translates to “The Diamond Way”. Of the various schools that teach Vajrayana Buddhism, the Diamond Way organization was founded by Lama Ole Nydahl in order to preserve and make available the teachings of the Karma Kagyu, especially in the West. His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, Ranjung Rigpe Dorje, asked Lama Ole and his wife Hannah to carry out this task and to teach Buddhism and found centers in his name.

What makes the Diamond Way Buddhism special?

As a lineage of direct oral transmission from teacher to student, the Karma Kagyu gives central place to meditation and, through interaction with a qualified teacher, can bring about the full and direct experience of the nature of mind. Mind in its essence is understood in Vajrayana Buddhism to be limitless like space, open, fearless, and joyful. Diamond Way Buddhism uses authentic Karma Kagyu teachings and translates them into Western languages, allowing many more people to access the valuable instructions on working with the mind without unnecessary cultural baggage. Our work is based on the friendship and idealism shared amongst the practitioners. As such, all work is carried out on the basis of voluntary work and contributions.

What is lay Buddhism?

Lay Buddhists are those who are fully involved in life: with jobs, relationships or families. Rather than retreating from the distractions of the world, as monks and nuns do, or meditating alone in caves like the yogis, lay Buddhists integrate their meditation practice within society.