ANEW

Exploring Kagyu Samye Ling: The First Tibetan Centre in the West

Founded in 1967 as the first Tibetan Buddhist centre in the West. This guide is compiled from the centre's own published information; we have not visited, and it is not a review.

Visitor reviews · Questions and answers

1000armedChenrezig SamyeLing
Photo: Secretlondon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and colour-graded by ANEW.
Dragon at Samye ling 09
Photo: Secretlondon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and colour-graded by ANEW.
Giant Naga Samye Ling
Photo: Secretlondon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and colour-graded by ANEW.
Guru Rinpoche outside SamyeLing
Photo: Secretlondon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and colour-graded by ANEW.
Hayagriva Samye Ling July 09
Photo: Secretlondon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and colour-graded by ANEW.

The place

Founded in 1967, Kagyu Samye Ling describes itself as the first Tibetan Buddhist centre in the West: a community of monastic and lay practitioners dedicated to benefiting all beings through the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism. It says it makes the teachings available to everyone and aims to foster a path of mental and physical health rooted in compassion and wisdom.

Guidance

The centre says it is under the direct guidance of Choje Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, brother of Khyabje Akong Tulku Rinpoche, and Venerable Lama Katen. Its website lists upcoming teachings, some free of charge, and bookable activities.

Before you go

  1. Read what to expect at a Tibetan centre and what Vajrayana is.
  2. See Kagyu and Diamond Way centres and the UK directory.
  3. Check activities and bookings on the centre's own site.

Been there? Add your own review on the place page. UK directory · All place guides

Questions people ask

When was Samye Ling founded?

In 1967. It describes itself as the first Tibetan Buddhist centre in the West.

Who guides the centre?

Choje Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche and Venerable Lama Katen, according to its site.

Are all teachings paid?

No. Its site lists some teachings as free of charge. Check each event.