Diamond Way Buddhism Trondheim

On the passing of Lama Ole.

With gratitude beyond words, I offer this humble tribute to Lama Ole.

No one like Lama Ole.

A lion hearted yogi,
walking endlessly for the benefit of beings,
crossing countries, cultures, and countless hardships,
with nothing but devotion in his heart
and the blessings of the Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje above his head.

He did not live for comfort.
He lived to bring the Dharma where it had never reached before:
to awaken courage where there was fear,
meaning where there was emptiness,
and hope where there was darkness.

For countless people,
meeting Lama Ole was like seeing a door open
in a world that once felt closed.

He gave everything
his strength, his breath, his very life
so that others may find meaning, courage, and the path.

Now his voice is silent,
yet it still echoes in meditation halls,
in prayers whispered at dawn,
in the tears of students around the world,
and in every heart he awakened.

The sky feels emptier today.
A great light has gone beyond our sight.

But lights like his do not truly disappear.
They continue to shine in the minds of those he touched,
guiding beings long after the form is gone.

Some lives are ordinary.
Some become history.
And some become legend.

No one like Lama Ole.
And perhaps there never will be again.

Lama Ole passed away

Dearest friends,

It is with a heavy heart that I am reaching out to you today. This morning, our beloved teacher, Lama Ole, left his Viking body, which he tirelessly devoted to benefiting others. His passing unfolded in a completely natural and peaceful way — marked, as always, by immense love and strength.

Wherever we are, we are united in gratitude for everything Lama Ole taught us and for all he accomplished for Buddhism in the West and within our Karma Kagyu lineage.

May we cherish his extraordinary example and continue to carry it forward in everything we do.

With love,
Anne Nydahl

P.S. You are all very welcome to come to the Europe Center. After some quiet days of meditation, there will be an opportunity to pay your last respects.

With profound sorrow, wishes and deep gratitude, we mourn the passing of the great Dharma teacher Lama Ole Nydahl, who entered parinirvana on this day, 18th May 2026.

Lama Ole Nydahl was among the closest disciples of H.H. The 16th Gyalwa Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje and dedicated his entire life to carrying the precious teachings of the Karma Kagyu lineage across the world. With fearless devotion, unwavering faith and inexhaustible energy, he worked tirelessly to establish the Dharma in countless countries, benefiting beings beyond measure.

At a time when the Buddhadharma was still unfamiliar to many in the West, Lama Ole became a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern society. Through his courage, humor, directness and deep devotion to His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, he inspired thousands to enter the path of Dharma, meditation and compassion. Under the blessings of the Karmapas and lineage masters, he established numerous Dharma centers where countless beings encountered the teachings of Mahamudra and the profound lineage of Karma Kagyu.

Though the form body is impermanent, the impact of his Dharma activities and the merit generated through his efforts will continue to benefit sentient beings for a very long time. To all his students and disciples around the world who are grieving today, may you find solace in remembering that a true Dharma master never truly departs from the hearts of devoted students. The connection forged through Dharma, blessings and devotion transcends physical separation. In moments of sorrow, may you remember his teachings, his laughter, his fearless spirit and the immense compassion with which he guided beings toward the path of liberation. The greatest offering to one’s guru is to continue practicing sincerely and to keep the lamp of Dharma shining for the benefit of all beings. May his students remain united in Dharma and continue to uphold the teachings with wisdom, compassion and devotion.

 At this moment of loss, we also remember the words of the Buddha that all compounded phenomena are impermanent. Yet the enlightened activity born from bodhicitta never fades. May all who were connected with Lama Ole transform grief into deeper practice, stronger refuge and greater compassion for all sentient beings.