I'd appreciate receiving input on your experiences of or views on 'diamond way buddhism' (karma kagyu lineage) in Ireland.
I've been mediating on and off on my own for a number of years. I recently noticed that, near me (a rural location), a new diamond way buddhist group is establishing itself. I went along to a talk, which proved quite interesting, despite my general lack of enthusiasm for the Tibetan forms of buddhism (I have very great difficulties with the notion of rebirth, which seems to be a major component of Tibetan buddhism!).
However, I've since googled diamond way buddhism and was somewhat perturbed by what I found, namely, ongoing disagreements internationally about the validity of the lineage of the 17th karmapa and the significant involvement of a Danish 'lama' whose apparent behaviour with female members of the group is less than edifying. There are even some claims of 'cultism' made against diamond way buddhism.
I'd like to join a buddhist group, for companionship in meditation practice, etc., but I don't want to involve myself in a potentially unsavoury grouping. However, there are no other buddhist groups within reasonable commuting distance of me at the moment.
Does anyone have any experiences or advice in relation to diamond way buddhism? Thanks for your help.








