Dear Rick Ross, Probably the reason is that I can not express my thoughts very well in English, another thing is that just writing is limiting the communication. Situation in Diamond way centers is the same as in every other Vajrayana Buddhist group. So if you prefer to consider Diamond way as a cult, that is applying to all Vajrayana Buddhist schools also. From Buddhist point of view -
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I forgot to say something maybe important. My view for other lamas is the same. Actually this is my view for all sentient beings. We are all perfect. We all have Buddha-nature. Well, at least I am trying to have this view. :-) This is absolute view, on relative level of course we all make mistakes. Anyway, once again best wishes and much love to all.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

rrmoderator, Everyone has freedom of opinion. I respect yours. Best wishes and much love to all.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Quoterrmoderatorvalontin: I asked you specifically if you could see anything wrong with Ole? Me personally - No. _________ QuoteIs any of the criticism directed against him valid? From my point of view - No. _________ QuoteThat is, what in your opinion does he do wrong? In my opinion - Nothing. _________ QuoteYou still have not answered these questions, but instead have offered va
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Quoterrmoderatorvalontin: So what you are saying then is that whatever criticism exists about Ole is invalid and you can't think of anything he does that is wrong or even that questionable. And anyone that leaves his group has no meaningful basis for criticism either, it's just about "the lineage" or something else, which is their problem. No. I did not say that. I am jus
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuoterrmoderatorValontin: Ole seems to have his critics and he has become a somewhat controversial figure. Do you think that some of that criticism is valid and warranted? If so, what do you feel is wrong with his approach and behavior? Please be very specific. I think there are some students of Ole who did no like his style. And they are moving to another teacher. Sometimes I was
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Corboy, the story is good, but on relative level it is impossible to bring only joy. When Buddha died that caused suffering for many of his students. Maximum benefit, for maximum people, for the longest possible time. - This is what Ole answers to question - how to behave in our life. (Or how to make choices) Corboy, if you are saying that Lama Ole has crusade mentality probably it is g
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuoteTo my knowledge vajrayana translates as etiher diamond vehicle (yana, as yati means "to go") or rather vehicle of vajra - where vajra would signify natural state of mind. Anyways Diamondway does not really represent a vajrayana tradition, at least not from the viewpoint of traditional vajrayana lineages. Yes, you are right for the terminology. Diamond way is translation of Vajray
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuoteLama Ole's activities have done many things for those within the Diamond way only, Diamond Way does not do anything for society as a whole. Diamond Way has given Trinley Thaye Dorje's parents a comfortable house in Spain, given himself much publicity and marketed him as the 17th Karmapa and fed the controvosy involved, stoked the fire is one way to put it. In the same way it is pos
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

There are people who did two traditional 3-year retreats and who are not lamas. There are people who did not make 3-year retreat and they are lamas. This is something depending on your teacher. If your teacher says you are lama, so you are. On the question: What word Lama means? HH 17 th. Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje answer is: "We use word Lama, because it refers to somebody with
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Well, by my opinion adept is not quite suitable word, we are more friends and colleagues. For the last 10 years I did not notice somebody to encourage anybody else to go to more and more meditation courses. This is free choice and the art of what is possible. It is good to go, but if you don't go it is also good. For the last 10 years I was on 5 meditation courses, and the price for w
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I can speak about the situation in Bulgaria. Quoterrmoderatorvalontin: You say that Diamond Way is a "very democratic cult" and "the finances are transparent." How is that? As I said before in Bulgaria we are registered according the law of religion. I don't have very much interest in book-keeping, but I know that we have an accountant and book-keeping is according
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Some words from my personal experience for the last 10 years: Diamondway is very democratic cult. Here one can ask all kind of questions and can get answers. One also can be as critical as want, one even can make jokes with oneself. :-) This is kind of cult where the finances are transparent. Actually in our center we are collecting money because we have to pay rent and some expenses, but e
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

The version of Mandala offerings meditation given here by Emma C is fake. Everyone who want can go and check. There are more than 550 Diamondway Buddhist centers under the spiritual guidance of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje, and directed by Lama Ole. It is very good to receive instructions on the practice. Lama Ole gives such instructions. There was 2 week long Ngon
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"