Ole-nydahl-diamond-way-buddhism-cult-teachings/... Apr 2026

Diamond Way Buddhism, founded by Ole Nydahl, is a large Western lay network that has garnered significant criticism and "cult" accusations due to a high-control environment and a strong cult of personality surrounding its leader. Critics frequently cite Nydahl's controversial anti-Islam rhetoric and his unconventional approach to Buddhist tradition as key points of dispute. For further reading on these disputes, independent resources like the Buddhism Controversy Blog provide detailed critiques and internal documents.