Diamond Way Buddhism
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Diamond Way Buddhism (Diamond Way Buddhism - Karma Kagyu Lineage) is a lay group within the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. The first Diamond Way Buddhist centre was founded in 1972 by Hannah and Ole Nydahl. It is led by Ole Nydahl and under the spiritual guidance of Trinley Thaye Dorje, one of the two claimants to the title of the 17th Karmapa (See Karmapa Controversy). There are approximately 600 Diamond Way Buddhist centres world wide.
Early History
Hannah and Ole Nydahl went on their honeymoon to the Himalayas. Like other hippies at that time, they came into contact with, and became deeply fascinated by Tibetan Buddhism. They became students of Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche. In 1969 they met the 16th Karmapa, the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu lineage, and became his closest Western students. After a 3 years period of meditation and study, the 16th Karmapa asked Ole and Hannah to start meditation centres in his name in the West.[1][2] The 16th Karmapa gave them a letter to deliver to the Queen of Denmark which stated, among other things, that "we have some very remarkable results with young people who are going through the trials of what might be called a war-torn and drug-deluded generation. We have our own way of showing the way to peace, and a natural healthy life".[3]
The first Karma Kagyu center was founded in 1972 in Copenhagen, Denmark.[1]
Development
In 1973, the 16th Karmapa visited Europe, by the invitation of Ole and Hannah Nydahl.[4][3] After the 16th Karmapa left Europe, Ole Nydahl himself began travelling further across Europe in order to teach the basic doctrines of Karma Kagyu Buddhism. As more became interested, more centers were founded, and their number increased over time, particularly in Germany and Poland. The individual groups grew steadily.[3] He later also travelled to the United States and across South America and Russia founding more centres.
The first Diamond Way Buddhism website was launched in 1997.[5]
Karmapa Controversy
In 1992 controversy erupted over the recognition of the 17th Karmapa when Tai Situ Rinpoche announced Ogyen Trinley Dorje as his candidate for the title. The scandal forced Hannah and Ole Nydahl to take sides.
Although an alternative candidate to Ogyen Trinley Dorje had not yet been revealed, they trusted Shamar Rinpoche, who stated that the prediction letter presented by Tai Situ was forged. Although the majority of Tibetan lamas, including the Dalai Lama, supported Tai Situ’s choice, Hannah and Ole Nydahl supported Shamar Rinpoche, who stood in opposition.[6]
During the two years before Trinley Thaye Dorje was announced as Shamar Rinpoche’s candidate for the title of 17th Karmapa, Karma Kagyu Buddhist centres choose whether to accept Dorje, who was recognised by Tai Situ, the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government, or to support Shamar Rinpoche. During the 1990s, while the majority of Kagyu monasteries chose to accept Ogyen Trinley Dorje, most Diamond Way centres under Ole Nydahl accepted Thaye Dorje. [7][6]
Founding of Diamond Way Buddhism
The Karmapa controversy resulted in the founding of Diamond Way Buddhism as a separate lay organisation in order to avoid political influence from Tibetan Lamas. Until then, the Nydahls had transferred all ownership of the centres they founded to the Karma Kagyu administration.[2] This however was not a separation from the Karma Kagyu lineage, and the goal of the organisation remained promotion of “persons who teach the practice and theory of the Karma Kagyu lineage”, Buddhist Art, supporting translations of authentic Buddhist text, and real estate property for retreats etc.. The “spiritual counsel” of the foundation is the 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje (India), Kunzing Shamar Rinpoche (India) and
Jigme Rinpoche (France).[8]
Ideals of Diamond Way Buddhism
Diamond Way describes itself as an adaptation of the Karma Kagyu to Western culture, combined with a need to dispense with unnecessary Tibetan customs, trappings and organisational structures,[9] They feel this has culminated in a distinct Western approach and style of practice.
Ole Nydahl describes Diamond Way as a lay tradition offering methods for people who have jobs, partners, families and responsibilities. He states "...our work is grown on the basis of friendship and trust... since the Diamond Way teachings aim to bring freedom and independence, it is people who already have those qualities who are generally attracted to our centers."[7] He also says he is keen to avoid what was perceived to be the more exotic or ritualistic aspects of Tibetan Buddhism such as pujas sung in Tibetan with Tibetan musical accompaniment. In 1998 Ole Nydahl stated "I simply don’t want the gifted and critical people who discover us to step right into a puja, as has repeatedly happened in the past. They then think they landed with the Catholics or some sect, and we won’t get a second chance to benefit them or their like-minded friends." [7] Instead, most mediation texts (except mantras) are translated and used in native European languages.[10]
Teachers
The 16th Karmapa
The 16th Karmapa Ranjung Rigpe Dorje (1924 – 1981), was born in Derge province in Eastern Tibet. Due to the occupation of Tibet, Karmapa fled his country in 1959, realizing that the Dharma would be served better outside Communist China. The Karmapas was the first incarnations to start the tulku-system, and are the heads of the Karma Kagyu lineage.
He was the Lama telling the Nydahls to start Karma Kagyu centres in the West, and has later visited many Karma Kagyu centres, mainly staying in centres founded by the Nydahls or Kalu Rinpoche.[11]. His first visit in the West was in 1974,[4] and he gave numerous teachings and empowerments in the centres.[2][3]
The 17th Karmapa
Trinley Thaye Dorje (born 1983) is the current head of the Karma Kagyu School, and one of the candidates to the reincarnation of the 16th Karmapa. He is considered the true incarnation of the Karmapa by the Diamond Way Buddhist Centers.[12]
Trinley Thaye Dorje was born in Tibet, but managed to escape in 1994, and became enthroned by Shamarpa at the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute (KIBI).[2] He has since visited the West several times in order to teach, first time he visited Europe was in year 2000, and the first time he visited the United States was in 2003. Thaye Dorje is currently residing in Kalimpong, India, where he continues his traditional spiritual training combined with Western education.[12]
Ole Nydahl
Ole Nydahl (born 1941 near Copenhagen, Denmark), is a Buddhist Lama and one of the main figures in the spreading of Karma Kagyu Buddhism in the West.[11][13]. Since the early 1970s he has toured the world, giving lectures and meditation courses, and together with his wife Hannah Nydahl (1946-2007), he founded Diamond Way Buddhism. He is often referred to as Lama Ole Nydahl or Lama Ole. He teaches in an unconventional style, using boxing, parachuting and fast motorcycles as metaphors.
Hannah Nydahl
Hannah Nydahl (1946 –2007), wife of Ole Nydahl, was an important Danish teacher and translator in the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.[3] She was born and died in Copenhagen, Denmark.
She met Buddhism together with Ole Nydahl on their honeymoon to Nepal in 1968. They had met the first time when Hannah was 5 and Ole 10.[1] After years of study, they were sent back to Europe together by the 16th Karmapa, in order to found centres in his name[2][1][13]
She was a Buddhist teacher like her husband (sometimes referred to as Lamini or female Lama[14]), but main role of Hannah Nydahl was as a translator for Lamas like the 16th Karmapa[11], Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, Kalu Rinpoche etc.[3] In an interview she explains "I do not mind teaching, but when I am together with Ole, it is more natural that he teaches. When I am not with him, I mainly translate and organize for the Tibetan lamas."[15]
In the magazine Kagyu Life International she is described in this way: "Hannah Nydahl is a much sought after translator and interpretor of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. She divides her time between translating for the lamas at the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute in New Delhi, India, participating in various Buddhist text translation projects, organizing schedules and visits of high Rinpoches in the lineage, and traveling around the world with Lama Ole."[15]
She spoke German, English and Tibetan fluently. As few teachers spoke English, she learned Tibetan, from Tarab Tulku at the University in Denmark. Since all texts were in Tibetan, they had to translate themselves, which Hannah did.[15] Her work included translating for the teaching Lamas at the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute in New Delhi, India, participation in various Buddhist text translation projects, as well as organizing and translating lectures for Tibetan Lamas. [12][16]
She was deeply respected for her work, devotion and accomplishments as a Buddhist practitioner.[17][18][19] A Danish newspaper even referred to her as the "Mother of Buddhism".[20] Jørn Borup, Department of Study of Religion at University of Aarhus said: "The most lasting influence on the Buddhist practice scene in Denmark was triggered by Ole and Hannah Nydahl, backpacking in the spiritual East during their honeymoon to Nepal in 1968."[13]
Shamarpa
Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche (born 1952) in Derge, Tibet, is second to the Gyalwa Karmapa in the spiritual hierarchy of the Karma Kagyu School. He fled Tibet at the age of 9, together with the 16th Karmapa. Shamarpa is also known as Red Hat Karmapa, and is together with the 17th Karmapa the current holder of the Karma Kagyu lineage. Shamarpa completed the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute (KIBI) in New Delhi, India, after the death of the 16th Karmapa. He is the one who officially recognized Trinlay Thaye Dorje as the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa. Shamarpa spends most of his time teaching around the world.[12]
He is the founder of Bodhi Path, another Karma Kagyu Buddhist group.[21].
Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche
Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche (1918 - 2003) was the first teacher of Hannah and Ole Nydahl. He was born in Bhutan, but left the country when he was 13 in order to study and practice Buddhism in Nepal. He met the 16th Karmapa in 1944, and the Karmapa became his most important teacher. He visited Europe for the first time in 1987 at the invitation of the Nydahls, who where his first Western students. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Americas, and Australia giving teachings and initiations. He completed 17 stupas (Buddhist monuments) in Europe and Asia, including two important stupas in Spain: A Kalachakra stupa and the Enlightenment Stupa in Benalmadena,[12] the biggest stupa outside Asia.[22]
Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche
Maniwa Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche (born 1950), in Nepal. He was ordained in Rumtek by the 16th Karmapa. The title "Maniwa" is a title given to a master of the Chenrezig practice, who have accomplished a billion Om mani peme hung mantras.[23][24]
Other lamas
Other teachers mentioned as teachers by DiamondWay-Buddhism.org[12]
Practices
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Diamond Way Buddhism uses a variety of Vajrayana meditation techniques found within the Karma Kagyu tradition. When the practitioners meet at lectures or for meditation, they will typically do the "16th Karmapa meditation", where the practitioner identifies with the enlightened qualities of the 16th Karmapa in order to develop these qualities. This is then followed by the "Invocation of Black Coat", sung in Tibetan.[10]
Individual practitioners then usually do a preliminary practice called the ngöndro, consisting of 111,111 repetitions each of 4 different meditations. The ngöndro is required to be completed before practitioners can move on to other practices. In most cases, following completion of ngöndro, students practice a meditation on the Eighth Karmapa, Mikyö Dorje, called "The Guru Yoga in Four Sessions" (Tibetan Tun Shi Lame Naljor).[10]
Other practices include a variant of the meditation on Chenrezig (Sanskrit Avalokiteśvara) composed by the 12th Century siddha Tang Tong Gyalpo and the phowa (transference of consciousness at the time of death).[10]
One can receive an explanation of the meditations from more experienced members in the Diamond Way Buddhist Centers.[10]
What is considered the most important practice in Diamond Way Buddhism is however identification with the teacher, and to try keeping the Mahamudra view and bringing what is learned in mediation into the daily life.[25][26][27]
Criticism
See also: Ole Nydahl - Criticism
Criticism has been made towards Diamond Way Buddhism's founder Ole Nydahl. His qualifications have been questioned, and criticism has been made on the internet about his use of the title "Lama"[28][13] Some people are disturbed by Nydahls critical view on Islam.[29][30] Activities such as bungee jumping, fast motorcycles and parachuting annoy some but inspire others.[29][30]
His qualifications as a Buddhist Lama is supported by a range of highly respected Karma Kagyu lamas, leaving little doubt that he is highly respected and his work is deeply appreciated among fellow teachers.[31][28][28][32] His students often emphasize the spiritual strength they receive from his instructions.[13][29]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d Nydahl, Ole "Entering The Diamond Way, Tibetan Buddhism Meets the West", Blue Dolphin Publishing (1999). ISBN 978-0-931892-03-5
- ^ a b c d e Curren, Erik D. (2008) Buddha's Not Smiling, Uncovering the Corruption at the Heart of Tibetan Buddhism Today Alaya Press ISBN 0-9772253-0-5
- ^ a b c d e f Nydahl, Ole (1992) Riding The Tiger, Twenty Years on the Road - The Risks and Joys of Bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the West, Blue Dolphin Publishing. ISBN 978-0-931892-67-7
- ^ a b Karmapa.org website Retrieved 2009-02-12
- ^ Archive of early Diamond Way Buddhism website Retrieved on 2009-30-01
- ^ a b Lehnert, Tomek "Rogues in Robes, An Inside Chronicle of a recent Chinese-Tibetan Intrigue in the Karma Kagyu Lineage of Diamond Way Buddhism", Blue Dolphin Publishing (1998). ISBN 1-57733-026-9
- ^ a b c 1998 Interview with Ole Nydahl Retrieved on 2009-30-01
- ^ Buddhism Foundation Diamond Way Charter Retrieved on 2009-30-01
- ^ No Need for Too Much Tradition, lecture by Shamar Rinpoche, Vienna, September 1993 Retrieved on 2009-30-01
- ^ a b c d e DWB in UK about meditations Retrieved on 2009-30-01
- ^ a b c Official statement from Lama Karma Wangchuk, International Karma Kagyu Buddhist Organization. 01.07.2004 Retrieved on 2009-02-02
- ^ a b c d e f DiamondWay-Buddhism.org - Teachers Retrieved on 2009-02-02
- ^ a b c d e Journal of Global Buddhism, Article by Jørn Borup, Department of Study of Religion at University of Aarhus, Denmark. 2008, based on research from 2005 Retrieved on 2009-02-02
- ^ Movie: Buddhism in the Modern World (2008), Soulproduction
- ^ a b c Interview with Hannah Nydahl, Kagyu Life International, vol. 4, Virginia, July 1995 Available online
- ^ Open letter regarding Karmapa Controversy by karmapa-issue.org, 26.07.2004 Retrieved on 2009-30-01
- ^ Official letter from the 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje, 2007 Retrieved on 2009-30-01
- ^ Official letter from Ole Nydahl, 2007 Retrieved on 2009-30-01
- ^ Official letter from Jigme Rinpoche, 2007 Retrieved on 2009-30-01
- ^ Nanna Schelde, Farvel til buddhisternes mor (Farewell to the Mother of Buddhism), Kristeligt Dagblad, Denmark, 03. apr 2007 Available online ("In danish")
- ^ Bodhi Path homepage Retrieved on 2009-02-02
- ^ StupaBenalmadena.org Retrieved on 2009-02-02
- ^ http://www.bodhipath.org/48/Retrieved on 2009-02-02
- ^ http://www.berchenling.org/biography-sherab-gyaltsen-rinpoche/ Retrieved on 2009-02-02
- ^ Nydahl. Ole. The Great Seal - Limitless Space & Joy'.The Mahamudra View of Diamond Way Buddhism” Fire Wheel Publishing, 2004 ISBN 0-9752954-0-3
- ^ Video: Nydahl, Ole: Meditation 1997 ThreeBearsMedia. Available online and on Youtube
- ^ Nydahl, Ole (2008) The Way Things are - A living Approach to Buddhism for todays world. O Books. ISBN 978-1-84694-042-2
- ^ a b c Official letter from Shamarpa, 2006 Retrieved on 2009-30-01
- ^ a b c Oliver Freiberger, Department for the Study of Religion University of Bayreuth, Germany, in Inter-Buddhist and Inter-Religious Relations in the WestRetrieved on 2009-30-01
- ^ a b Interview in Willamette Week with Lama Ole Nydahl by Matt Graham. 2008 Retrieved on 2009-30-01
- ^ 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje's foreword Nydahls book: Nydahl, Ole (2008) The Way Things are - A living Approach to Buddhism for todays world. O Books. ISBN 978-1-84694-042-2
- ^ Certificate issued by the Buddhist Institutes of the Gyalwa Karmapa, 1995 Retrieved on 2009-30-01