Name: Samye Ling
Item: Samye Ling
Author: Send an Enquiry

Samye Ling is a monastery and international centre of Buddhist training, known for the authenticity of its teachings and tradition. It offers instruction in Buddhist philosophy and meditation within the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. It is also a centre for the preservation of Tibetan religion, culture, medicine, art, architecture and handicrafts.

Founded in 1967 by two spiritual masters, Dr. Akong Tulku Rinpoche and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Samye Ling was the first Tibetan Buddhist Centre to be established in the West and was named after Samye, the very first monastery to be established in Tibet. More details

Samye Ling is home to a residential community of over 60 people, made up of both monastic and lay volunteers. It is not a requirement to be a Buddhist to live here, but residents are expected to live according to the Five Golden Rules.

6.00 - 7.00am Tara Prayers

7.00 - 8.00am Breakfast

8.00 - 9.00am Meditation session

10.00 - 12.30pm Teaching session during courses

12.30pm Lunch

1.30 - 3.00pm Mahakala Prayers

3.00 - 5.30pm Teaching session during courses

5.00 - 6.00pm Meditation session

6.00 - 7.00pm Supper

7.00 - 7.45pm Chenrezik Prayers

(Sundays: 7.00 - 8.00 Amitabha Prayers, 8.00 - 8.30 Chenrezik Prayers)

10.00pm Temple Closed and quiet time.
Weekend Courses
Friday (course arrival day):

1.30 - 6.00pm Course Registration

6.00 - 7.00pm Supper

7.00 - 8.30pm Course time

Note: Class times may vary in some courses.

Course leaders will advise tea breaks and variations in the timetable. Courses take place in the back or the middle sections of the temple or the back of the new dinning room. Prayers, Dharma teachings and initiations are held in the shrine room.

All guests are welcome to attend prayer and meditation sessions if they wish.

Is it possible to get meditation instruction at Samye Ling?
A:

Samye Ling offers many different meditation courses, for beginners and those more experienced. You can see what is currently available on our courses page. Our Abbot and resident meditation teacher, Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, is available for personal interviews most mornings whilst resident in Samye Ling. For more information please contact his secretary at [email protected]
Q:

How does one become a monk or a nun?
A:

It is recommended that you first contact our Abbot, Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, who has overall responsibility for the sangha. Prospective monks and nuns are required to first keep the 5 main precepts (not to kill, not to steal, not to tell lies, not to take intoxicants and to remain celibate) for a period of time within Samye Ling - normally one year. This will allow them to decide whether or not the lifestyle of a monk or nun is suited to them. After this time, if they are still interested and Lama Yeshe Rinpoche agrees, they can take ordination for a period of one year and if they wish they can then renew their vows for another one or three years until such time as they are ready to take life ordination.
Q:

I am coming to stay for a few days, how can I contribute to the monastery while I am there?
A:

We respectfully ask guests to contribute 2 to 3 hours help a day within the monastery if they are able. Help is often required in different areas such as the kitchen and with cleaning. You can go to the administration department once you have been booked in to find out where help may be needed.
Q:

I am coming to visit with my family, is there anywhere we can't go in the monastery?
A:

Visitors are welcome to visit the temple, walk around the gardens and relax in the shop and cafe. The temple is open daily from 6am to 10pm and you are welcome at any time. We do ask however, that if you visit during meditation time (8am to 9am and 5pm to 6pm) you enter the temple at the start and remain until the end, so as not to disturb those who are meditating. After lunch we have our daily Mahakala prayers and you are more than welcome to enter and stay for as long as you wish.
Q:

I'm booked to come and stay at Samye Ling soon. Is there anything special that I should bring with me?
A:

You are required to remove your shoes before entering the temple and dining area and so a pair of shoes that are easy to slip on and off is very handy and some people like to bring a thick pair of socks or slippers. The weather can be changeable here and so a pair of waterproof shoes and jacket is essential - especially in the winter months. During the winter months we also recommend that you bring a torch - especially if you are booked to stay at Purelands. Please note that the nearest cash point is in Lockerbie (14 miles away). Card payments are accepted in the shop and reception.

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