This is an Americas event, creating connections between North, Central, and South America.
Get the newsletter and upcoming event info at Americas Project site »
Get the newsletter and upcoming event info at Americas Project site »
“It’ll be a source of great blessing!”
About the Course
The Americas Course represents a powerful turning point as we establish Diamond Way Buddhism in the hemisphere. It is the first of its kind, put on collectively by friends from North, Central, and South America. Momentum for such a program has been growing over the past four years, and after the enthusiasm and inspiration that emerged from the Americas Adventure in Europe 2013, it was clear that the time had come.The four-day course features focused meditation sessions and teachings with traveling teachers from the Americas. It will be a unique chance for friendships to form and deepen amongst dedicated practitioners from as far north as Canada and as far south as Chile. The exchange of experience and ideas will take place both informally and through presentations.
This event is part of the Americas Project, bringing together the activity of over 80 Diamond Way Buddhist centers and groups in the hemisphere. As a part of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, Diamond Way sanghas share the same root teacher—Lama Ole Nydahl—and are under the spiritual direction of the 17th Karmapa Thaye Dorje. Learn more about the Americas Project here: www.diamondway.org/americas.
Inspire
Ask around the center to hear a catchy tune and see a video for some funspiration!
Schedule
27 February16:00 – Tour group arrives and settles in
19:30 – Meditation of the Americas (through google plus for friends not present)
20:00 – Lecture: Refuge
28 February
10:00 – Short talk on meditation practice
10:30 – Meditation
11:30 – Break
12:00 – Meditation
13:00 – Lunch (meet & eat, swim/siesta)
15:00 – Americas Project & Americas Adventure in Europe 2013
18:00 – Dinner (meet & eat, swim/siesta)
20:00 – 16th Karmapa meditation
20:30 – Lecture: Teacher-Student Relationship
1 March
10:00 – Short talk on meditation practice
10:30 – Meditation
11:30 – Break
12:00 – Meditation
13:00 – Lunch (meet & eat, swim/siesta)
15:00 – Americas Project visionary conversation
18:00 – Dinner (meet & eat, swim/siesta)
20:00 – 16th Karmapa meditation
20:30 – Lecture: Transmission – Gratitude and Sangha as an Expression of the Lama
2 March
10:00 – Short talk on meditation practice
10:30 – 16th Karmapa meditation
11:00 – Lecture: Producing Buddhism, Living Buddhism
12:45 – Closing
13:00 – Lunch
Hasta Luegos
Venue
The venue is located on the beach, 20 km from Cancún International Airport, in a small town called Puerto Morelos. There will be a shuttle service from the airport to the venue. See the FAQ for more details on how to get there.Hotel Hacienda Morelos (visit the venue’s site at www.haciendamorelos.com)
Caution: If you take a virtual tour of this place, you most certainly will join.
View Larger Map
Join us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the course?
Read about the venue here.
How much does it cost?
Entire Course:
- $200 USD – normal price
- $180 USD – early registration (before Jan. 1)
Price covers all meals, lectures, and accommodation.
Price per day:
- Feb. 27 – $50 USD
- Feb. 28 & Mar. 1 – $80 USD per day
- Mar. 2 – $30 USD
Child price: Ages 5–17 pay half price; children under 4 come for free.
How do I get there?
Shuttle. We’ll pick you up from the airport. Make sure you provide complete flight information (date, time, flight number) in the registration form. If you don't know your flight details yet, be sure to email them to us as soon as you know: ac@diamondway.org.
By Car
From Cancún (or Cancún Airport): take Carretera Federal 307 south for 20 km after the airport. Stay in the right lane and take the exit to Puerto Morelos following the overhead signs. At the bridge (high pass), turn left under it. Go straight past Calle Jose María Morelos (2 km). You'll see the little town's (cute) square, That's Puerto Morelos! When you cannot drive farther (unless you want to drown your vehicle in the sea), turn right. You'll find Hacienda Morelos after 150 meters on your left-hand side.
From Playa del Carmen: take Carretera Federal 307 north for 35 km. Stay in the left lane and take the exit to Puerto Morelos following the overhead signs. At the bridge (high pass), turn right. Go straight past Calle Jose María Morelos (2 km). You'll see the little town's (cute) square, That's Puerto Morelos! When you cannot drive farther (unless you want to drown your vehicle in the sea), turn right. You'll find Hacienda Morelos after 150 meters on your left-hand side.
Public Transport
From the airport: Take a shuttle bus from the airport to Puerto Morelos. When you get there, take a taxi to Hacienda Morelos (the taxi should cost around $25–$30 MXN).
From Cancún: Take a bus (ADO) from the bus terminal to Puerto Morelos. When you get there, take a taxi to Hacienda Morelos (the taxi should cost around $25–$30 MXN).
From Playa del Carmen: Take a bus (ADO) from the bus terminal to Puerto Morelos. When you get there, take a taxi to Hacienda Morelos (the taxi should cost around $25–$30 MXN).
Taxi: You can book a taxi from the airport at the counters inside the terminal (baggage claim hall). Make sure they’re an authorized service.
By Car
From Cancún (or Cancún Airport): take Carretera Federal 307 south for 20 km after the airport. Stay in the right lane and take the exit to Puerto Morelos following the overhead signs. At the bridge (high pass), turn left under it. Go straight past Calle Jose María Morelos (2 km). You'll see the little town's (cute) square, That's Puerto Morelos! When you cannot drive farther (unless you want to drown your vehicle in the sea), turn right. You'll find Hacienda Morelos after 150 meters on your left-hand side.
From Playa del Carmen: take Carretera Federal 307 north for 35 km. Stay in the left lane and take the exit to Puerto Morelos following the overhead signs. At the bridge (high pass), turn right. Go straight past Calle Jose María Morelos (2 km). You'll see the little town's (cute) square, That's Puerto Morelos! When you cannot drive farther (unless you want to drown your vehicle in the sea), turn right. You'll find Hacienda Morelos after 150 meters on your left-hand side.
Public Transport
From the airport: Take a shuttle bus from the airport to Puerto Morelos. When you get there, take a taxi to Hacienda Morelos (the taxi should cost around $25–$30 MXN).
From Cancún: Take a bus (ADO) from the bus terminal to Puerto Morelos. When you get there, take a taxi to Hacienda Morelos (the taxi should cost around $25–$30 MXN).
From Playa del Carmen: Take a bus (ADO) from the bus terminal to Puerto Morelos. When you get there, take a taxi to Hacienda Morelos (the taxi should cost around $25–$30 MXN).
Taxi: You can book a taxi from the airport at the counters inside the terminal (baggage claim hall). Make sure they’re an authorized service.
What should I bring?
Passport, whatever you need for your meditation practice, cushion, hygiene stuff, swimsuit, sandals/flip-flops, clothing for warm weather, jumper/light jacket (nights can get a little chilly), sun cream (it'll be available on site too), a blanket to sit on in the Gompa. Bring cash to buys snacks and drinks; our cafeteria/bar will accept both USD and Mexican Pesos. If you would like Spanish translation, bring a portable FM radio.
What are the accommodation conditions?
All rooms have either 2 double beds (4 people) or 1 king size bed (2 people). There are beds for around 110 people, and they will be assigned in order of registration. If we have more than 110 friends who register, some people may have to sleep on mats on the floor. If you are late registering, you may have to bring your own sleeping bag and pad—we will let you know if this is the case. Please specify on your registration form if you need a bed for some special reason (older people, people with physical problems, families, etc.).
Can I stay at the venue before and/or after the course?
Yes, but this option depends on availability. The price for a double room per extra night is $500 MXN ($40 USD approx.) We can help you book your accommodation at the venue; please specify any extra nights on your registration form.
Will there be internet access at the course?
Yes, free wi-fi will be available on site.
Will there be childcare?
Childcare will not be formally organized, but parents can organize it among themselves.
How can I join a team to help put on the course?
Email Amadeo at ac@diamondway.org
Can I attend the course if I am brand new to Buddhism?
If you would like to attend the course, we suggest that you visit an urban Diamond Way center beforehand. More information about local Diamond Way groups and centers can be found here: www.diamondway.org and www.budismocaminodeldiamante.com.
How can I support the course even if I cannot attend myself?
Donation can be made online here. For many cities from South America, flights to Cancun cost as much as $1,000. So to help get sangha friends from far and wide to the course, we’ll be offering a few select scholarships to friends who will multiply the benefit of the experience in their home sanghas.
Should I obtain travel insurance to come to the course?
If you are flying from abroad, we would recommend you purchase travel insurance.
Other questions?
Email us at ac@diamondway.org.