StPauli, your questions have motivated me to delve deeper into the financial structures of Diamondway. Interestingly, the yearly Summer Course, the main event of Diamondway, isn't organised by the Diamondway foundation, but by the Buddhistische Union Diamantweg e.V., a different kind of non-profit association. The articles , found at [
summercourse.ec], differ from the articles of the Diamondway foundation.
Among them are §2 (2)
2. inviting Buddhist teachers of the Karma Kagyu School from throughout the world for
lecture and seminar activities
4. sponsoring persons who practice the Buddhist teachings, provided that they are in
need according to paragraph §53 AO of the German tax code for charitable purposes
Again, 2. is not clear cut proof that the proceeds go to those teachers, but the wording implies it.
4. might finally solve the question how Nydahl is financed by Diamondway - since he has no income, he is likely in need given the above definition.
Also of note is §2 (4)
The purpose of these articles is also fulfilled by acquiring funds for the promotion of the
Buddhist religion in the tradition of the Karma Kagyu School from other entities (e.g. the
Diamantweg-Stiftung der Karma Kagyü Linie, e.g. the Buddhistischer Dachverband
Diamantweg e.V.). If the sponsored association is taxable in its entirety, it must be taxprivileged.
While the western foundation and the other german e.V. are given as examples, the BUD may also give to Sharmapa's and Thaye Dorje's organisations.