Diamond Way Buddhism is a lay organisation of the Karma Kagyu lineage, which belongs to the 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. Through our meditation centres and courses worldwide, many people are able to use and benefit from Buddha’s timeless methods.
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”. A diamond is a symbol for the highest teachings given by the historical Buddha, as it is the most precious stone that can be found. In Buddhism, properties of a diamond such as indestructibility and it’s radiant appearance correspond to the mind’s inherent qualities.
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 centres in his name.
The Karma Kagyu lineage is a lineage of direct oral transmission from teacher to student, emphasising meditation, which together with interactions with a qualified teacher, can bring about the full and direct experience of the nature of mind.
Being the lay Buddhist organisation, Diamond Way practitioners are fully involved in life: with jobs, relationships or families. Unlike monks and nuns who are retreating from the distractions of the world, or yogis that meditate alone in the caves, lay Buddhists integrate their meditation practice within their everyday life.
See our international Diamond Way Buddhism website for more information about Diamond Way.
