Diamond Way Buddhism Australia
Diamond Way Centres in Australia
Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please note that temporary arrangements are now in place at Diamond Way Buddhist centres in Australia. For all the details, please check your local Centre’s webpage.The Australian Diamond Way Buddhist centres meet every week for group meditations, courses and special events. Throughout the year, we host national and international teachers. Please check this website regularly to keep up-to-date with the latest information.
Centres
In every centre around Australia, friends and newcomers alike get together at least once a week to do the Three Lights Meditation on the 16th Karmapa. For more information on what to expect when visiting our centres, see the Diamond Way Centre FAQ.
Brisbane
16th Karmapa meditation
Mondays 6pm
Cairns
16th Karmapa Meditation
Wednesdays 7:00pm
Canberra
Intro talk and Meditation
Mondays 8pm
Weekday Meditations
Tuesday – Friday 8pm
Meditate More Weekend
Third Weekend of the month
Coolum Beach
16th Karmapa Meditation
Thursdays 6:00 pm
Gold Coast
16th Karmapa Meditation
Wednesdays 7:30 pm
Melbourne
16th Karmapa Meditation
Thursdays 8:00 pm
Naracoorte
16th Karmapa Meditation
Thursdays 7:30 pm
Newcastle
16th Karmapa Meditation
Tuesdays 7:30 pm
Northern Rivers
16th Karmapa Meditation
Wednesdays 7 pm
Perth
Talk and Meditation
Monday and Wednesday 7:30 pm
Sydney
30-minute talk on Buddhism
Tuesdays 8:00 pm
16th Karmapa Meditation
Thursdays 8:00 pm
Sydney – Northern Beaches
16th Karmapa Meditation
Mondays 7:30 pm
You can find Diamond Way Buddhist Centres in major capital cities and regional towns. The centres around Australia and the world are run in a spirit of idealism and friendship. The practitioners work together to organise retreats, lectures and workshops throughout the year.
Events happen through the energy and diligence of generous volunteers. All meditations, courses and lectures are open to members and non-members alike. See our events page for courses near you.
These centres are run by and are for lay practitioners, that is, members of society who do not live a monastic life but rather have jobs, families or other responsibilities. The members who work or study, run the centres may work or study while integrating Diamond Way teachings and meditation into their everyday life.
Members share the responsibility of guiding group meditations and explaining Buddhism. This is unpaid work, and Lama Ole Nydahl has also asked some students to give public talks about Buddhism.
The main practice in Diamond Way Buddhist Centres around the world is the Guru Yoga meditation on the 16th Karmapa. The meditation is guided in English and takes about 20 minutes to complete. This involves imagining a Buddha form and mantra recitation.
Meditation evenings are open to the public. There is a relaxed social atmosphere in the centres, and questions are encouraged.
Centres FAQ
What should I expect on my first visit to a Diamond Way Buddhist centre?
Turn up roughly on time, and expect to meet a relaxed and friendly bunch of people who seem remarkably normal and un-holy. Diamond Way Buddhism is for regular people after all, and no formal meditation experience or Buddhist knowledge is required.
What is the schedule in my local centre?
Each centre has its own timetable. A list of centres is shown at the top of this page. Please see the individual webpage of your local centre for their activities schedule.
What happens on a meditation night?
There is usually a talk before the free guided meditation begins, given by members of the group keen to practice sharing their knowledge. The guided meditation runs for about 20 to 30 minutes. The presenter for the evening will outline the details of the meditation prior to commencing. Please check the centres schedule for their weekly program, the public evenings are free to attend.
Is any prior meditation experience or reading necessary before I come for the first time?
No, newcomers are welcome to all of our meditations. The meditation is guided in English and the host of the meditation session can answer your questions.
Do I need to bring anything?
You don’t need to bring anything along. Mats, cushions and chairs are all provided.
Do I have to sit cross-legged on the floor?
During the meditation, it is recommended to have a straight back and to be comfortable. You can meditate while seated on a cushion or a chair; after all, it’s your mind that gets enlightened, not your knees!!
Is there a fee for the meditation evening?
There is no fee. If you attend regularly you’ll hear about how you can support the centre or become a financial member, but it is optional. Donations are always welcome to help cover regular centre costs.
Do you have a bookshop and library?
Each centre has a bookshop containing Diamond Way Buddhist meditation booklets, books, DVDs and other Buddhist paraphernalia.
How are centres financed?
Centres are financed mainly through optional membership contributions. All surplus monies from courses and public lectures are used to fund Diamond Way Buddhist projects in Australia and around the world.
How do I become a member?
Just make an enquiry at your local Diamond Way Buddhist Centre.