In each culture, the teachings of the Buddha find the form that best suits them. One can compare them to a diamond: on a red cloth it shines red, on a blue cloth it looks blue; regardless, the diamond stays the same. Without losing their essence, the teachings have adapted to the cultural conditions of different societies and times. The Buddha's teachings were first transmitted in India for 1500 years and for another 1000 years in Tibet. Today, the timeless view of the Diamond Way (skt. Vajrayana) and its methods are more and more appealing to the well-educated and independent people of the West.

While there are many Buddhist traditions active in the West, this website represents the more than 500 lay Diamond Way Buddhist centers of the Karma Kagyu school founded and directed by Lama Ole Nydahl. They are under the spiritual guidance of H.H. the 17th Karmapa Trinlay Thaye Dorje. Diamond Way Buddhist centers have a democratic structure and function through unpaid, voluntary work on the basis of friendship and idealism. The members share the responsibility for guiding meditations, answering questions, and giving teachings. Lama Ole has also empowered more than 40 of his students to travel and teach Buddhism.

There are currently 19 centres and groups in several towns and cities in the UK. We offer public meditation on week nights where a guided meditation is given and explanations are available to newcomers.

Several times each year various Buddhist teachers visit our centres and offer in-depth weekend study courses, including public lectures about modern Buddhism by Lama Ole Nydahl and occasionally we offer meditation retreats.

Use the place names on the right to select a centre or group in your region.