We are really excited to announce that Tomek Lehnert will be visiting Hong Kong in September. Tomek has been instrumental in bringing the timeless methods of Diamond Way Buddhism to the modern world, having been the travelling companion and secretary of Lama Ole Nydahl for more than 25 years.
So, what is Buddhism? Buddha used the best description himself. During the 1,500 years the teachings existed in India, they were called Dharma, and for the last 1,000 years in Tibet, the name was Chö. Both mean “the way things are.”
Understanding “the way things are” is the key to every happiness. Buddha himself is both teacher, example, protector and friend. His teachings allow us to avoid suffering and to enter a state of increasing bliss while also liberating and enlightening others.
Simply put, Buddha’s teachings enable us to experience lasting happiness. By using suitable meditations, our theoretical knowledge turns into direct experience leading to the goal of Buddha’s teachings – the full development of body, speech and mind.
But in today’s fast paced world, how can we use these timeless methods in our modern, busy lives?
Starting with a talk on Friday evening, Tomek will give an overview of Buddhist teachings and their relevance in our modern societies, and will continue with a series of talks about important topics providing a complete overview of Diamond Way buddhism over the course of the weekend. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and take part in several guided meditations.
In summary, the course will explore some of the central teachings of Buddhism and provide practical advice on how one can use the teachings, methods and meditations in our everyday life in Hong Kong – working with whatever situation arises to develop fearlessness, joy and compassion into our lives.
You don’t have to come to all the sessions to attend. All are welcome!
About the teacher
Tomek was born in 1956 in Gdansk, Poland. He studied Civil Engineering at the Polytechnics of Gdansk and English literature at the University of Poznan, Poland. In the early eighties, he became active in the students’ Solidarity movement in the then communist Poland.
In 1983, during martial law in Poland, Tomek met Lama Ole Nydahl, took Buddhist refuge and became his student. He began traveling with Lama Ole in 1987. Together with Ole’s wife Hannah Nydahl, he organised Lama Ole’s activity for twenty years and helped start Diamond Way Buddhist centers in the Americas, Australia and New Zealand, Russia and Western and Eastern Europe. Tomek translated for Lama Ole at his lectures in Poland and Latin America for more than ten years.
He is also the author of ‘Rogues in Robes’ (Blue Dolphin Publishing, 1998), a chronicle of the events surrounding the recognition of HH the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
So please join us to hear Tomek’s inspiring teachings full of humour and tales of his times travelling on the road with Lama Ole (including being kidnapped at gun-point in Columbia by FARC guerrillas!).
Programme
The programme for the weekend is as follows:
Introduction to Buddhism: Friday 23 September, 7pm
Karma – Cause and Effect: Saturday 24 September, 11am
Working with Disturbing Emotions: Saturday 24 September, 3pm
Meditation practice: Sunday 25 September, 11am
The Teacher and Student in Diamond Way Buddhism: Sunday 25 September, 3pm
All are invited to join us for dinner on Saturday evening after the afternoon talk.
Other Information
Cost:
Whole course will cost HK$400 (HK$250 for concessions)
Individual sessions will cost HK$100 (or HK$60 for concessions)
Venue:
Diamond Way Buddhist Centre Hong Kong, 2/F, 3-5 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
All are welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!
Ulrike Markusch spent the early years of her life in South America before moving to Germany, where she now lives and works as a psychosomatic doctor. She has been practicing Diamond Way Buddhism for 23 years and has been teaching for the last 9 years.
Leif Anderson became a Buddhist in 1973. He met and studied with many high buddhist teachers, including Kalu Rinpoche and H.H. 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. He has lived in the Diamond Way Buddhist center in Copenhagen since 1990 and teaching buddhism since 2001. 
