Firstly, the topic was about the second generation of Diamond Way Buddhists (the few now in their 20s & 30s and the ever growing baby boom), their experience of growing up in Western Buddhist families and their parents experience of how to manage one’s Dharma and family life successfully. Secondly, as we had more parents and children than usual staying at the EC and participating in the sessions, there was a playful family feeling about the place.

Over weekend we had a very inspiring talk on Compassion & the 6 Liberating Actions, we meditated together, had working groups, and  questions & answers with parents, children and those who have lived & worked in centers for many years.

After days, weeks, and even years of working on the plans, Caty, Gergö and the architects on behalf of the foundation gave the building company the green light for starting the construction today. All the formalities were agreed on and sealed by handshake and a toast with the construction manager and his team afterwards.

“Let us make the big wish that the project will benefit many, many people and that it will be a step on the way to enlightenment!” (Caty)

The road is being fixed this week, the heavy construction trucks will be able to go up and down – the way for the transformation of the old barn into our future gompa, kitchen and dining hall is clear and the kick-off only days away now. We could not be more excited and will keep you updated!

Update: [ECTV] short movie about the event:

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Lama Ole greeted Immenstadt officials, members of the local brass band, and the traditional shooting club, most of them dressed in typically Allgäu region dirndl dresses and leather trousers. The band played to introduce the ceremonies.

Immenstadt mayor Armin Schaupp appreciated the architects’ plans for the new building: “One can feel that there is quality behind the work. The team of architects checks well what fits.”

Following speeches by Lama Ole Nydahl, the mayor, and Caty Hartung, a bumpa was filled. This is a vase which serves as a ceremonial gift to the local environment – with semi-precious stones representing the transformation of disturbing emotions into enlightened wisdoms.

Afterwards, Lama Ole and the mayor put the first strokes in with a pickaxe and a spade, digging a hole to bury the bumpa. Lama Ole placed the vase in the ground. Everyone in the crowd was invited to throw a handful of semi-precious stones in with the bumpa and make wishes for the prosperity of the Europe Center.

The local shooting club put a bang into the ceremonies with a canon, fired five times by Lama Ole, Armin Schaupp, Caty Hartung, and two of the project’s architects.

The huge barbecue proved popular with the band, the Buddhists, and everyone else as well. And this was only the beginning of a very long, lively, and typically Bavarian evening together.

We would like to thank the mayor and the people of Immenstadt once again for welcoming us so open-heartedly from the beginning.  We feel at home in Immenstadt, and Immenstadt seems to feel at home at the EC as well!

Also, don’t miss the ECtv video of the day!

We had the opportunity to thank him for his tireless activity for the benefit of so many – and for the Europe Center. As a gift, we gave him a statue of the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, his main teacher who sent Lama Ole and his wife Hannah to teach Buddhism in the West over 40 years ago.

Lama Ole spent his birthday in Christchurch/New Zealand, giving explanations of great meditation master Tilopa’s pith instructions on Mahamudra/The Great Seal. The lecture was part of Lama Ole’s tour of Australia and New Zealand 2013.

A long and healthy life to our Lama!

And then there are these little moments that make the EC magical in such calmer times – like a few days ago after common meditation with Karola in the evening. The final permission for the new building this week brought up memories of the construction of the Hamburg Buddhist Center in 1998. Back then, it was the biggest Diamond Way Buddhist center worldwide. Hinrich from Hamburg had us rolling on the floor laughing when he recalled Lama Ole’s comments after the new center was finished: he was happy about the beautiful new center – but already had a way bigger picture – and therefore bigger Buddhist centers – in mind all the way back then.

Today, Hinrich knows this was a vision that was to become reality – he and his family and many others by now have moved to Immenstadt to help building up what will definitely be the most extensive Diamond Way Buddhist Center in the world – the Europe Center.

Only ten minutes of shared memories left us once again very inspired and with great thankfulness for finding ourselves in the heart of Lama Ole’s vision – which is now taking form. The ground breaking ceremony marking the beginning of the new buildings’ construction is going to take place in April – guided by the mayor of Immenstadt and Lama Ole.

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