With a mind trained in meditation, you will be able to focus on what matters, to turn off the noise and concentrate on exactly one thing for as long and as intensely as we want. By practicing to keep your mind calm and clear, you will more calmly and deeply consider all aspects of a problem and find creative, successful solutions to your problems.

Experience how you can extinguish negative emotions such as anger, envy and uncontrollable desires. This will make your mind clear and strong and so you are naturally much more successful than other people who are at the mercy of their emotions. Learning to dive deep into your mind to remain peaceful and calm brings more joy in everything in your life. Imagine being able to live in greater harmony with everyone around you!

A very good meditator can see what his life will be like making daily challenges much easier. A very regular meditator slowly begins to anticipate the future and all your decisions and actions will be driven by love and compassion. Your “instincts” and “feeling” for action will be sharpened making you much more successful in everything you do! This means making progress on your spiritual path.

In order to be able to do these things, we must learn to meditate properly. Without that the doors are closed to us and we will be unable to read the signs.

Come with us on a journey and learn to quiet your mind in a chaotic world.

Youtube Playlist: Classes

Youtube Playlist: Meditations

Who are my teachers?

Hanlie van Wyk

“For me, the value lies in applying the principles to every encounter, situation, and interaction. As a closet nerd, I strive at all times to bridge the gap between theory and real world practice. The result is equanimity, perpetual learning, and loads of fun!”

An adventure seeker and serial entrepreneur she started her first of several businesses at the age of 23 followed by a career that spans three decades and four continents. As a social scientist she was inspired by Nelson Mandela who said: “People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love”.
She started meditating and doing spiritual retreats in the early 2000’s. A friend introduced her to Asian Classics Institute courses where she received teachings from Geshe Michael Roach, Lama David Stumpf, and Lama Marut. She taught herself yoga from The Tibetan Book of Yoga, expanded her repertoire to Ashtanga, Inyengar, and Bikram only to find her way back to the yoga of Lady Niguma. A trip to the temples of Thailand forever changed her life.

Hanlie’s unique quality is to present complex concepts in a simple and structured way so that you can apply the principles consistently and reap the positive effects in your daily life.

Venerable Sunam

Venerable Sunam is passionate and joyful in everything she does and mixes “rock ’n’ roll” with a touch of German efficiency. She is a licensed veterinarian, successful IT project/program manager, and is working as a database specialist for multi-million dollar international projects. After decades of chasing her own happiness with egoism, hazardous sports, lots of work and not getting anywhere, Ven. Sunam discovered Dharma in 2005 by reading the Diamond Cutter by Geshe Michael Roach. Ever since she has been studying, teaching, and translating ancient texts with joy and happiness, transforming herself into a kinder person.

Ven. Sunam has studied all 18 ACI Courses and 11 DCI Seminars, has attended nearly all LAM RIM Retreats and several Translator Terms. She is also a certified Sivananda yoga teacher since 2004. Ven. Sunam has done many retreats and has a wealth of experience in meditation and teaching. She successfully practiced the “Circle Day” for more than 10 years and has done lots of short retreats and a 3-month-retreat in our lineage.

She teaches with humor and lots of tips on how to apply the teachings in everyday life.

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Do you have extra time on your hands, have you always wanted to do a retreat? Grab the bull by the horns, retreat at home!   We are offering a series of videos walking you through the steps on how to set up and do a retreat in your own home while you have the chance.

Now is the time. Stop putting it off.

Need to catch up with your studies? Give yourself the time to let the teachings sink into your heart, and wisdom will spread into your daily life and practice.

Have you always wanted to do a solo retreat, but haven’t had the time or courage to do your first one? We will guide you through your first home retreat. You will receive all the advice and instructions you need to do your first retreat at home. We will pass on the knowledge of the lineage and our own personal experience on how to do a retreat.

We know the ups and downs and can guide you through any difficulties. And you will be surprised by the many moments of bliss.

Content:

• How to set your motivation
• How to prepare for retreat
• How to do retreat
• Retreat schedule
• How to eat during a retreat
• What to do and not to do during the retreat
• How to stay balanced
• How to retreat if you share your home with others
• Advise on content and meditations
• How to deal with lung*
• Special guest classes with Diamond Mountain Three Year Retreaters
• Q&A sessions
• Option to ask personal questions by email personalretreat@diamondmountain.org

Open to everybody who wants to learn how to do retreat.

Offered by Diamond Mountain as a gift to you

Language: English (If you need translation, please let us know.)

Teachers:

Ven. Gyelse: Practicing Buddhism for more than 20 years. She is Director of Diamond Mountain Retreat Center and has done countless retreats in our lineage, including a 3-year-retreat at Diamond Mountain. She teaches with lots of compassion and is always willing to share her personal experience.

Ven. Sunam: Practicing Buddhism for 10 years. Successfully practiced the “Circle Day” for more than 10 years and has done lots of short retreats and a 3-month-retreat in our lineage. She teaches with humor and lots of tips on how to apply the teachings in everyday life.

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Results of the SUMMIT by Caleb Weaver
Recordings: English, Pусский, Español, Slides

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This event is online “only”, you can join using this link: https://xuanzang.live/class
The teaching goes from 4 pm till 6.30 pm. You may stay for as long as you wish.

If you are not at Diamond Mountain, you have the amazing opportunity to watch it online from the comfort of your home.

The post Mondays, 4pm: Asian wisdom word by word. Join us for Xuanzang’s Tower with Geshe Michael Roach appeared first on Diamond Mountain Retreat Center.

Explore timeless teachings and how they meet the challenges of everyday life.
All are welcome—come curious, leave inspired.

Please check in with us if you want to join.

The post Tuesdays, 4pm: Dharma Talk appeared first on Diamond Mountain Retreat Center.

TRAIN YOUR MIND – Learn how to focus and make your mind do what you want it to do.

We regard meditation as mind training to be able to have deep realizations which help us progressing on the spiritual path.

Each week, we provide short instructions on how to meditate, how to overcome obstacles, what is needed to have a successful meditation. And we do it! We actually meditate.

Teacher: Ven. Sunam

As we navigate larger retreats and programs, the dates and times may change. Reach out to us if you want to join.

The post Wednesdays, 4pm: Meditation appeared first on Diamond Mountain Retreat Center.

In a world filled with constant demands and distractions, taking the time to attend this recitation holds immense value for your well-being and spiritual growth.

When joining in the recitation of these verses, you open the door to a profound journey of connection, healing, and empowerment.

Tara, the embodiment of compassion and wisdom, is revered for her ability to guide us through life’s challenges and lead us toward liberation. This practice offers a space to cultivate mindfulness, inner peace, and a deep sense of purpose. So, whether you seek solace, guidance, or wish to nurture your spiritual path, attending this recitation can bring about transformative benefits that resonate far beyond the duration of the practice.

We are reciting the “The Twenty-One Verses in praise of Tara, the Lady of Liberation” 7 times (This takes about 50 minutes).
Link to prayer, click me

If you want to familiarize yourself with the prayer beforehand:
Teaching from GMR about the 21 Verses:
https://www.theknowledgebase.com/archive/en/twenty-one-verses-in-praise-of-tara-the-lady-of-liberation-1999-tucson-geshe-michael-roach/

You can also join online: Mondays, 4pm, Arizona Time 

During larger retreats and programs, dates and times, are scheduled to changes. Please check in with us if you want to join.

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Join us to embrace the power of a peaceful mind through stretching exercises. Moving your body with the knowledge of ancient classic wisdom, you will not only cultivate physical health but also foster a resilient, sharp, and focused mind. Come to discover a journey where body stretching is the key to mental peace and where the wisdom of the past shapes a powerful present. Your path to a healthier body and a more centred mind starts here – are you ready?

As we navigate larger retreats and programs, the dates and times may change. Reach out to us if you want to join.

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Awakening Your Life Purpose in Stillness

In-Person @ Diamond Mountain
March 4-15, 2026

In this retreat event, broadcast online as well, Geshe Michael will continue preparing us for his new Diamond Way teaching series, called Clear Diamond.

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This retreat welcomes individuals who have some prior experience with solo retreats and are eager to embark on a month-long journey. You will have the freedom to select your own content, while we provide the support necessary for a fulfilling experience.

The post Month-long Retreat & Lerung 2026 appeared first on Diamond Mountain Retreat Center.