"Trust in dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity ..."
- Kahlil Gibran
(This story originally appeared in the Jan. 2000 issue of Synchronicity Magazine)
Lama 's dreams result in Light for others
By John Geary
Following one's dreams is a path many are urged to follow. However, it is often meant in a figurative sense, rather than a literal one, at least in Western society.
Lama Ole Nydahl of the Diamond Way Buddhist School chose to follow his dreams, literally. As a boy growing up in Denmark - a land of flatlands and fens, a land of Norse gods and Viking influences - he often dreamt of mountainous landscapes, of men in red robes, and battles to protect them.
It was not until 1968, during a honeymoon trip to Nepal that the true nature of those dreams became revealed to him. The 16th Karmapa, Tibet's first incarnate Lama, recognized him and his wife Hannah as former protectors and Lamas of the Karma Kagyu Lineage.
From that point on, they resumed the ongoing journey they had started many lives before and he was literally following his dreams. The journey has led them to many destinations, including a recent stop in Calgary.
It took many years for him to return to his true path. Growing up in Denmark following the end of the Second World War, the Lama was not exposed to any Buddhist teachings, as that country did not have any immigrant populations. However, even at an early age, there were indications as to which path he should follow.
"When I was a very small child, I wanted to be the 'Danish Champion of Consciousness,'" he said. "I don't know how I got that idea, with everyone around me wanting to be the best runner or best skier, but I wanted to be the Champion of Consciousness. It was very deeply inside me."
He did develop quite a reputation as a boxer and - fittingly - a protector of his friends.
Although all of these qualities hinted at what was to come, it was not until his university studies took him to Connecticut in 1958 that he discovered Buddhism.
"I was supposed to write a thesis on Buddhism, and when I read the material, I saw how completely logical and convincing it was," he said. "While it impressed me, though, it did not grab me. It was Theravada, or southern, Buddhism, which is more about helping oneself than about helping others.
"It was the first contact, though, and I didn't forget that."
Ten years later came his meeting with the 16th Karmapa. Ole and Hannah stayed in the eastern Himalayas and meditated for three years. At the end of that period, the Karmapa sent them home to teach Tibetan Buddhism to the west.
In the ensuing years, the Lama has worked at bringing the essence of Tibetan Buddhism without its cultural trappings to the Western world. As part of his work, he has opened over 200 centres around the world, including the Diamond Way Buddhist Centre in Calgary.
The "Diamond Way" is one of three main schools that stem from Buddha's instructions for three different types of people. Those who wanted to avoid suffering were taught Theravada, or the "Minor Way." Those who wanted to do more for others were taught the Mahaynana or "Major Way." Those who had strong confidence in their own and others' Buddha natures were taught the Vajrayana or "Diamond Way."
"The people who were taught the Diamond Way saw Buddha not as a god or a person, but as a mirror to their own face," said the Lama. "This teaching is about behaving like Buddha until we become Buddha, seeing everything from the highest level. Using Mind itself, we try to see more than what we are aware of, try to see the mirror behind the pictures, the ocean underneath the waves.
"That (ability to see that way with the Mind) is what makes it into the Diamond Way."
The Vajrayana is referred to as the Diamond Way because Buddha's teachings are likened to the qualities of a diamond: it is unchangeable in its nature, yet it reflects the color of that which surrounds it. It is this nature that allows Tibetan Buddhism to adapt easily to the cultural conditions of different societies.
There is another aspect to the diamond-like quality of Tibetan Buddhism. The development of Mind - that which enables people to see from the highest level - is analogous to the preparation of that most valuable of jewels.
"We see Mind as a giant jewel with many different shiny sides," said the Lama. "We are trying to liberate that Mind, make all the facets of it - like a diamond - shine in a healthy, good way. "
The Lama brought these messages, and many more, to a full house at the university's Craigie Hall auditorium in November. However, if he had to crystallize everything into one strong message, that message would be one of trust - the key to experiencing the true joy of life.
"I would tell people to trust how good they really are, how much potential they have, how everyone has Buddha-nature.
"They should try to behave like Buddhas until they become Buddhas - keep putting on that mask until one day they cannot pull it off any more."
By doing that, they will be in perfect harmony with one of Buddha's teachings, one that also touches on dreams and how they can guide us:
"All that we are is the result of what we have thought."
If you would like more information about Tibetan Buddhism, visit the website, http://www.diamondway.org/
