The Budapest Diamond Way Buddhist Center
Short history of the Center
In October 1988, Lama Ole Nydahl visited Budapest for the first time. Following this, at the end of July 1990, his first Hungarian meditation group was founded under the name Karma Dechen Özel Ling (Island of the Radiating Light of Highest Joy). The first center operated in two Buddhist apartments on Buday László Street. In February 1992, the Metropolitan Court officially registered our Buddhist organization. For several years, the Buday László Street location served as base for our growing center. From there, we moved to Liszt Ferenc Square, then to the Astoria area, and later to Teréz Boulevard—always into a rented apartment.
A major event took place in Budapest in January 2000: the 17th Karmapa, Thaye Dorje, gave teachings and empowerments here for the first time. Five thousand people attended the four-day program. In March 2001, after a long search, we purchased a former brewery building in the heart of Budapest, in the pedestrian section of Huszár Street near Rózsák Square. This was made possible through the generous financial support of many dedicated practitioners. This building became our current center, and with its 3,600 square meters of floor space, it is currently the largest Diamond Way Buddhist Center in Europe. Our long-term goal is to develop it into an international and national cultural and meditation center. On June 30, 2001, Lama Ole formally inaugurated the center.
The building houses a modern gompa with a capacity of many hundred people, a library, a dharma shop, and residential quarters. The center welcomes visitors every day from 6 to 10 PM, and between 50 and 150 people regularly attend our public meditations at 7 PM. New visitors can always receive information from 6 PM about Buddhism, meditation practices, and the center itself.
» Regular events and meditations
» If you visit for the first time
The Diamond Way Buddhist Center in Budapest – A Unique Urban Meditation Hub
Since 2001, the Diamond Way Buddhist Community has had its permanent home in Budapest's 7th district, near Keleti Railway Station, in a former brewery building at Rózsák tere 4–5. Even at the time of purchase, the building was enormous—it took over an hour just to walk through. It was hard to imagine how we’d ever move in and fill the space with meditators and visitors each night. Yet within a few years, that’s exactly what happened.
Through extensive renovations—including the restoration of the protected historic facade—we’ve transformed the once-ruined building into a vibrant center. Today it includes a modern meditation hall (gompa), a café, a well-stocked dharma shop and library, and even a gym. On the building’s corner, you’ll also find a restaurant.
Over the years, the center has steadily filled with residents and daily activity. We’ve converted and refurbished more and more apartments in the old structure to support this growing, dynamic community.
Why do people come here?
Because there are many ways to connect. Many seek lasting values and want to learn more about their own mind. We offer access to our "main product"—the Buddhist teachings—in several ways:
-
The center is open every evening from 6 to 9 PM, and we’re happy to answer any questions over tea.
-
A guided meditation is held daily at 7 PM, and on Monday evenings, visitors can attend a public talk covering essential Buddhist topics. (Both are free of charge.)
Our library offers a wide range of Buddhist literature for borrowing, and our shop features statues, thangkas (Tibetan scroll paintings), and meditation tools like malas and gaus (reliquary pendants). Those who get a feel for the atmosphere often find further ways to engage. Our community is built on voluntary work and meritocracy, meaning anyone who contributes also has a say in decisions. This naturally leads to a strong, tightly-knit community.
People from all walks of life come here. The center’s friendly, youthful spirit makes it easy for anyone to connect.
We also host exhibitions (such as the 2009 BuddhaFest), national meditation courses, and social events like carnival parties. Together, we attend similar events abroad, organize meditation weekends, and visit our sister centers throughout Hungary and Transylvania.
What are our future challenges?
Naturally, we have plans for further development. Living in the heart of society, we present the Diamond Way Buddhist teachings wherever there is interest—often to thoughtful, independent-minded people. To support this, we must offer high-quality conditions.
Having outgrown our current communal spaces, we launched a two-year expansion in 2010 to transform our building into a true architectural gem of District VII. The vision includes a new, modern wing—built with unique features—while preserving the protected facade on Huszár Street.
Once complete, the center will include a 450 m² meditation hall, larger community spaces, a new dharma shop, library, and supporting facilities.
This major investment is being funded by years of donations, especially from the 1% income tax contributionsallocated to religious organizations.
Of the 650 Diamond Way Buddhist centers worldwide founded by Lama Ole Nydahl, the Budapest center is the largest urban location. It also serves as an international hub for Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans, supporting centers in Transylvania, Subcarpathia, and nearby Slovakia, Serbia, and Bulgaria. So anyone stepping into this space will also experience an energetic, international atmosphere.
We warmly invite everyone to meditate with us, and—if interested—get to know Diamond Way Buddhism, our community, and our work.