Lama Ole Nydahl, Danish-born Buddhist master, author, and founder of Diamond Way Buddhism Worldwide, visits New York City for a rare, three-day event. The Diamond Way Marpa Retreat, led by Lama Ole, is a lively weekend of interactive talks and guided meditations on Diamond Way Buddhist principles and techniques. Diamond Way Buddhism Worldwide, a global, non-profit religious organization, comprises nearly 600 meditation centers and groups spread throughout 52 nations, including 38 host cities in the U.S. The Diamond Way Marpa Retreat with Lama Ole Nydahl is scheduled Friday, May 8, through Sunday, May 10, at the Diocesan Complex, 630 Second Avenue (at 34th Street) in Manhattan. For complete program schedule, individual sessions and full event package information, go to the website.

"New Yorkers may feel, to use an ancient Chinese proverb that some regard a curse, that they are living in interesting times," states Lama Ole Nydahl. In Tibetan Buddhism, the title 'Lama' is conferred to one of profound spiritual development and the authority to teach others. "Diamond Way Buddhism shows that if one has an unshakeable center, then whatever happens is a gift, and one is a very rich person."

Lama Ole Nydahl first made direct contact with Buddhism in 1968 while trekking through Nepal on his honeymoon. Eventually, he and his wife became the first Western students of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Karma Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism. Years later, following the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa's wish, Nydahl returned to his native Denmark to begin introducing the Diamond Way to the rest of the world. Since then, Lama Ole has been on constant tour, lecturing virtually every day in a different city.

Lama Ole Nydahl is the founder and director of Diamond Way Buddhism Worldwide, a global, non-profit religious organization, part of the Karma Kagyu tradition, and under the spiritual guidance of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje. Established in 1972 in Nydahl's native Copenhagen, today there are nearly 600 Diamond Way meditation centers and meeting groups active in over 52 nations around the world.