Diamond Way Buddhism South Africa

23/12/2025

Is it true that we gain more power if we go beyond our limits again and again?

Lama Ole’s answer:
If you only do the number of chin-ups you can do easily, then you keep the muscles you already have. But to let your muscles grow, you have to do the couple of extra chin-ups at the end of the workout that hurt and are difficult.

Wherever we go beyond our limits, new space and freedom arises. Life can be compared to a rubber band: if it is never used, then one day it simply gets weak and breaks. But if one uses it again and again, then it stays pliable and useful. This means that it is good to give up one’s old habits and time and again go a little bit further than before. We should do this by trusting in space and in our own possibilities—never as an escapist reaction. This way we expand our potential—our life always stays fresh and new things can appear.
https://lama-ole-nydahl.org/.

22/12/2025

A joyful year-end celebration for the Cape Town Sangha! Join us in the New Year again for meditation every Monday and Wednesday @ 18h30. Newcomers are welcome on Monday at 18h00. Contact is on info@buddhism-southafrica.org for any questions you might have.

18/11/2025

Question: Should we consciously avoid ideas and concepts, or just consider them tools?

Lama Ole’s answer:

I wouldn’t avoid concepts, because they can be convenient and useful. On the other hand, I would always remind myself that they are all only a dream. They weren’t there yesterday and will be gone tomorrow. So we know that concepts are pictures in the mirror but not the mirror itself. The truth and wisdom of space itself are profoundly meaningful. It’s in the vibration of every atom. It’s truer than all our concepts, ideas, and thoughts, and we are part of this space.

In fact, we can act much more effectively if we don’t continuously ask “why?” and “what for?” and so on. A lot of our everyday mental activity is like a coup d’état in a banana republic: Only two or three aspects of the radiant jewel that is our mind tries to dominate everything. The ability to understand mathematics, to create poetry, or to do many other things is suddenly dominated by our intellect, pride, expectations, fears, and so on.

It’s beneficial to dissolve this so that these abilities can arise when they are needed and disappear when they are no longer necessary. This has deep meaning. At work, one or another quality is very useful, and when it’s not needed anymore, one can do something else—maybe fall in love, explore nature, or discover how exciting the here and now is. But if one always hangs on to everything, is never in the moment, then one is neurotic.

It is this “both-and” state of mind that we should strive for. Try to always do what is right in front of your nose without being distracted. That is real freedom.

Source: https://lama-ole-nydahl.org/questions/category/view-and-meditation/

10/11/2025

A wonderful meditation weekend enjoyed by all. Curious? Join us on Mondays and Wednesdays @ 18h30 for meditation. We hold introductory lectures on Mondays for newcomers. Email info@buddhism-southafrica.org for more info 🧘‍♂️☀️

05/07/2025

Meeting the Buddha presents the life and legacy of the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje—the head of the Karma Kagyu “lineage of practice”, one of four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

The film captures the remarkable presence of this spiritual teacher, known as a Living Buddha and the King of the Yogis.

29/05/2025

How does mirror-like wisdom express itself in everyday life?

𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐎𝐥𝐞’𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫:

If one simply lets anger pass by without getting involved, clarity arises, which is completely radiant. We call it mirror-like wisdom because it shows everything as it is, without adding anything or taking anything away. I would say that today the best expression for this is “keeping cool.”

You see how things come and go. You know that the emotion wasn’t there before and won’t be there later. So why get involved with it now? You just keep cool; you take it easy; you rest within yourself, in you center. You are simply the “fool on the hill” who watches worlds emerge and vanish, as Paul McCartney sang. But at the same time, try to stay completely clear and conscious of what’s going on, and, of course, try to share the experience with others.

12/05/2025

08/05/2025

A great time had by all at our latest Eastet Course in April this year. Curious about discovering the nature of mind? Join us for mediation on Mondays and Wednesdays at 18h30. A friendly member will gladly give you an introduction into what we do.

21/03/2025

Happy birthday, Lama Ole 🎉🎂🥳

28/02/2025

23/02/2025

Curious about finding lasting happiness? Join us on Monday nights for our introductory Buddhist lectures at 6pm. Newcomers welcome!
Email info@buddhism-southafrica.org for more information.
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09/02/2025

A great weekend of lectures and meditation at the Diamond Way Buddhist Centre Cape Town.
Curious? We offer introductory lectures every Monday at 18h30.
Contact us on capetown@buddhism-southafrica.org for more info.