There are 14 Diamond Way Buddhist Centres in major capital city and regional towns (listed in the menu to your right) for lay practitioners with jobs, families or other responsibilities.
These people work or study, run the centres and take part in centre activities, 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 empowered some students to give public talks, and interviews about Buddhism on radio and television.
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.
Weekly meditation evenings are open to the public.
There is a relaxed social atmosphere in the centres, and questions are encouraged.
The centres around Australia and the world are run in a spirit of idealism and friendship.
The centres 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.
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. Diamondway 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 it's own timetable. A list of centres is shown to the right 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.
Is any prior meditation experience or reading necessary before I come for the first time?
No, newcomers are welcome at 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, all you need is 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 to become a financial member, but its optional. Donations are always welcome as centres cost money to run and keep open.
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.