Diamond Way Buddhist Association of Australia Incorporated

The Diamond Way Buddhist Association of Australia Incorporated is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Buddhist teachings and practices throughout Australia. It is part of the international Diamond Way Buddhist network, which follows the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.

History and Structure

The Diamond Way Buddhist Association of Australia is rooted in the teachings of Lama Ole Nydahl, who, along with his wife Hanna, established the first Diamond Way center in Europe in the 1970s. This tradition has since spread globally, with more than 650 centers around the world. In Australia, the organization operates through various local centers, fostering a community that practices Buddhist meditation and studies Buddhist philosophy.

Activities

Diamond Way Buddhism in Australia engages in regular meditation sessions and courses, creating a supportive environment for both newcomers and long-standing practitioners. These activities are designed to promote spiritual growth and offer insight into Buddhist teachings. The organization also hosts events featuring national and international teachers, enriching the local Buddhist community with diverse perspectives and experiences.

Centers and Outreach

The organization operates several centers across Australia, including in major cities like Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, and Albury. Each center provides a welcoming space for group meditations, introductory talks, and special events. The focus is on communal practice, often centered around the figure of the 16th and 17th Karmapas, who are revered in the Karma Kagyu tradition.

Spiritual Lineage

The spiritual guidance of the Diamond Way centers in Australia comes from Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa. The organization emphasizes the importance of friendship, idealism, and community involvement, reflecting the broader Diamond Way approach to modern Buddhism.

Registration and Operations

The Diamond Way Buddhist Association of Australia Incorporated is a registered charity, operating under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). Its activities are aligned with its objectives to advance religion and provide educational programs across the country. The organization relies on volunteer efforts and donations to support its mission and community activities.

[1] https://diamondway.org.au [2] https://diamondway.org.au/centres [3] https://www.diamondway-buddhism.org/diamondway-buddhist-centers/country/australia/ [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/0f467a44-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad24077 [5] https://www.karmapa.org/centers/melbourne/melbourne-albert-park-diamond-way-buddhist-center/