This is what 40 years of Diamond Way Buddhism in Poland looks like - for the gathering here in Wroclaw is not only to come together, to practice together and meditate together, it is also to celebrate these past forty years of continuously expanding Dharma in Poland.
This is a group for which Lama Ole Nydahl has been diligently visiting non-stop since the late 70s, and as he proclaimed over the loudspeakers on several occasions during the two day course, he has such a strong connection with them, they are wonderful people, and he holds them dear to his heart. I second this feeling with absolute certainty. This truly is a wonderful Sangha; full of smiling faces and devoted meditators, spirited and adventurous in their style, they carry with them a strong sense of overtly committed fun and naturally arising joy at the same time. And a Sangha of baby makers they are! Never before have I seen such an abundance of family at a course. The day care was jam-packed. Strollers and makeshift playpen blankets strewn about. The arena gompa surging with people, and nary a shortage of babies and their willful parents chasing after them to bring non-stop entertainment and smiles to my face throughout the entirety of my time spent scanning the crowds in search of photo-tastic opportunities. Ole even gave a blessing just for babies and their parents and over 400 families were standing in line, a queue swirling around the entirety of the complex. This is what forty years of Dharma brings you - second and even third generations all coming together, growing up and old together, all supported and nourished as a part of this ever growing Dharma family we call home.
Thank you Lama Ole, as always, for bringing such joy, humor, fun, wild and rampant energy and spiritual adventure into my life. Every time I tag along for one of your courses I am treated to a great slice of life not found anywhere else on this planet. Your students honor you with their open hearted joy and deeply moving devotion, along with great energy and a wit and zest for life that inspires me every time. Your whirlwind energy, your concept shattering military style that brings along with it a heavy dash of love and heart at the same time has always perplexed and amazed me that so much can live inside one person without exploding at the seams. I have come to understand that this is simply what makes you, you. Thank you for being you, and inspiring such love and family around you, for this I cannot possibly thank you enough. But don’t take my word for it, I think the ten minute standing ovation of 5000 strong speaks plenty loud for all of us.
