Buddhism offers “effective methods that lead to a direct experience of mind,” says Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, one of the most experienced teachers of Tibetan Buddhism. Buddha’s teachings are like a diamond – unchangeable in nature, yet reflecting the color of the ground upon which it is laid. In this way, without losing their essence, the teachings have adapted to the cultural conditions of different societies and times.
The teachings were first transmitted in India for 1500 years, and after that for another 1000 years in Tibet. Today, the limitlessness of the Diamond Way (Vajrayana) Buddhist view and its methods are more and more appealing to the well educated and independent people of the West.
There are now over 600 meditation centres in 44 countries worldwide, with active and energetic centres in North and South America, Russia, Europe, the UK and Oceania. Lama Ole Nydahl works with these meditation centres under the spiritual guidance of the 17th Karmapa, Thaye Dorje.
Diamond Way meditation centres have a democratic structure and function through unpaid, voluntary work on the basis of friendship and idealism. Members share the responsibility for guiding meditations, answering questions and giving teachings. More than 200 of Lama Ole Nydahl’s students are now travelling and teaching in many countries.
The Karma Kagyu School offers practical teachings applicable to everyday life. A wealth of methods are available for lay people and yogis to develop mind’s inherent richness and clarity, both through meditation and in one’s daily activities. The ‘roof’ of the self-liberating Mahamudra or Great Seal is supported by three pillars: verifiable non-dogmatic teachings, meditation, and the means to solidify the levels of awareness which have been attained. The Diamond Way offers the modern world the most skillful methods of the Buddha. It helps us discover and develop our inner richness, for the benefit of all beings and ourselves.