Diamond Way Buddhist Center Seattle
Diamond Way Buddhist Center Seattle is a unique meditation center part of the Diamond Way Buddhism network. This network comprises approximately 650 centers globally. It adheres to the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
The first center was established in 1972 in Copenhagen by Hannah and Ole Nydahl under the guidance of the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. Today, these centers operate under the guidance of the 17th Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje.
The emergence of Diamond Way Buddhism was influenced by the Chinese invasion of Tibet, which led to the spread of Tibetan Buddhism to the West. Many Westerners, including Hannah and Ole Nydahl, came into contact with Tibetan teachers during this time. They became students of Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche and took refuge with the 16th Karmapa, later establishing meditation centers in the West at his request.
The Seattle Center, like others in the Diamond Way network, offers a non-monastic and Western approach to Buddhism. They are rooted in the oral transmission lineage from the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, dating back 2500 years. This approach is an adaptation of the Karma Kagyu tradition to Western culture, without traditional Tibetan customs and organizational structures.
Ole Nydahl is one of the key figures in spreading Karma Kagyu Buddhism in the West. It describes Diamond Way as a lay tradition, suitable for people with jobs, partners, families, and responsibilities. This approach avoids the more ritualistic aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. It favors practices that bring freedom and independence.
The Seattle Center offers guided 16th Karmapa meditations on Sundays at 7:30 PM and Wednesdays at 8:00 PM. It is accompanied by introductory talks about the Diamond Way and Buddhism in general. These sessions are in-person, fostering a sense of community and engagement.
The most important practice in Diamond Way Buddhism is the identification with the teacher and sustaining the Mahamudra view. It is about integrating meditation experiences into daily life. Various standard Vajrayana meditation methods are used. Moreover practitioners receive guidance from more experienced members authorized to teach.
Key Takeaways:
- Official Website: https://www.diamondway.org/seattle
- Contact:
- Email: seattle@diamondway.org
- Phone: (206) 452-1985
- Location: 2114 Western Ave #6-10, Seattle, WA, 98121
