We are rational - critical clear thinking counts. We are idealistic - we believe in people. We care - we care
enough to be kind or tough when needed. We are not political - but we think our members should vote and read a
newspaper. We are Westerners - but we value our Tibetan heritage. We trust in our community - but we know it's
no isolated oasis. We believe in the rule of law - but we don't leave anybody's teachings unquestioned. We trust
science over religion - but know happiness is a state of mind. We are doctors and builders and scientists and
nurses and musicians and artists and florists and teachers and cleaners and lawyers and cooks. We are Londoners.
What is The Diamond Way
The highest level of Buddhist teachings (Tib. Vajrayana). These focus on everyone;s happiness and
potential - practitioners live lives defined by fearlessness, joy and a clear motivation to benefit others. We
practice the methods of the Tibetan Karma Kagyu Lineage of Buddhism and are lead by H.H. 17th Karmapa, Trinlay
Thaye Dorje and the Danish Lama Ole Nydahl. This "oral transmission" especially emphasises meditation. The
lineage can trace its roots back to Buddha and came to Tibet from India in the 10th century. The unbroken link
between teacher and student going back all the way to Buddha is a defining quality of this path in Buddhism.
The Diamond Way in the UK and the West
The Diamond Way organisation was established and is lead by the Lama, Ole Nydahl - a "very devout and
industrious student of H.H. 16th Karmapa (Mick Brown, BBC R4 2005). The first UK group started in Cambridge in
1994 and we now have 18 growing groups and centres. The UK charity has been established since June 2002. The
groups are all lay people who have normal every-day western lives. No individual member is paid and all work is
voluntary. There are no monks, nuns or resident teachers. Internationally there are 560 lay groups and centres
that range from a few people to enormous communities with iconic buildings, from retreat centres in deepest
Russia to mountain refuges in the high Alps. The groups are characterised by friendship and idealism. They are
traditional in what they teach, but modern in the way this is given.