Kaygu Samye Dzong London

Kagyu Samye Dzong London

Kagyu Samye Dzong London is the London branch of the renowned Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery, located in Scotland. The center serves as a vital hub for the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism within the Kagyu Tradition, offering a peaceful environment for meditation and teachings.

History and Location

The center first established its presence in London in 1998, initially situated near Waterloo station in the London Borough of Lambeth. By 2007, plans for redevelopment necessitated a move, and the center eventually found its permanent home in the former Bermondsey public library in Southwark, South East London. This historic building, designed by John Johnson and dating back to 1892, was one of London's earliest free public libraries. It was purchased by Kagyu Samye Dzong London from Southwark Council in 2009 and, following extensive renovation by a dedicated volunteer workforce, officially opened to the public in June 2010.

The Centre's Facilities and Activities

The day-to-day operations of Kagyu Samye Dzong London are managed by its resident director and teacher, Lama Gelongma Zangmo, who has been a practitioner of Buddhism since 1977. The main shrine room is a significant space, capable of seating around 200 people for larger events and teachings. It is adorned with a prominent Buddha statue, standing approximately three meters in height. In 2013, a second shrine room was inaugurated, featuring exquisite traditional Tibetan artwork created by volunteer artists under the supervision of renowned thangka painter Lama Rigzin. Beyond its core Buddhist offerings, the center engages in a variety of activities designed to promote well-being and mindfulness, including Yoga, Tai Chi, martial arts, Parkour dancing, and mindfulness training.

Teachers and Programs

Kagyu Samye Dzong London benefits from the guidance of respected lineage teachers, including Chöje Akong Tulku Rinpoche and Venerable Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, the Abbot of Samye Ling. The center regularly hosts visiting lineage teachers such as Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, and others. In addition to teachings from these distinguished figures, resident teachers like Lama Zangmo offer weekly classes on core Buddhist texts and Kagyu practices. Lay teachers such as Rob Nairn, Alistair Appleton, and Clive Holmes also contribute, leading sessions on various dharma topics, meditation, and mindfulness. The center is also a venue for certificated training courses offered by the Mindfulness Association.

Community Support

An important initiative associated with Kagyu Samye Dzong London is the London Bardo Group. This volunteer-run organization provides crucial practical and spiritual assistance to individuals facing critical or terminal illnesses, extending support to those in need within the community.