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Lama Ole and Hannah Nydahl first visited New
Zealand in 1989, and the first Centre was established
in 1992, in the city of Christchurch. In 2001
we purchased a beautiful piece of retreat land
at Glentui, 50 minutes west of Christchurch.
Many mediation courses with Lama Ole and other
teachers have since been held there. In 2006
the Christchurch Sangha purchased a new centre.
Lama Ole visits New Zealand each year and many
locals also travel to Australia and further
afield to attend courses. The New Zealand centres
are part of the Diamond Way international network
and work closely with the Australian groups,
bringing experienced teachers from Europe and
other parts of the world to hold courses in
both counties throughout the year.
Local Centres meet every week with a program
consisting of a 10 minute talk or video, a Q&A
session and a 30 minute guided meditation. This
is followed by an informal get together. The
centres stock Diamond Way Buddhist books, meditation
booklets and magazines. Diamond Way Centres
have a democratic structure and function through
unpaid, voluntary work on the basis of friendship
and idealism. They are financed mainly with
the help of voluntary membership contributions
and donations. The members share the responsibility
for guiding meditations, answering questions
and giving teachings.
As we are registered as a charitable trust,
all donations qualify for a tax rebate.
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