Kagyu Samye Ling
Tibetan Buddhist Monastery
and Centre for World Peace and Health
1967
Established in Scotland
1st
Tibetan Buddhist Centre in the West
10+
Countries Worldwide
365
Days a year
Open to Visitors
Kagyu Samye Ling
Tibetan Buddhist Monastery and Centre for World Peace and Health
1967
Established in Scotland
1st
Tibetan Buddhist Centre in the West
10+
Countries Worldwide
365
Days a year
Open to Visitors
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.
First in Europe
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.
A Living Community
Samye Ling is home to a residential community of around 40 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.
For information about becoming a resident volunteer at Samye Ling, please contact our Volunteer Team:
Five Golden Rules
- To protect life and refrain from killing.
- To respect other’s property and refrain from stealing.
- To speak the truth and refrain from lying.
- To embrace health and refrain from intoxicants.
- To respect others and refrain from harmful sexual activity
རོགས་པ། [Rok-pa]
Friend & Helper
Samye Ling is part of Rokpa Trust, a registered charity which has three main areas of activity: Spiritual Growth, Humanitarian Aid, and Tibetan Medicine & Therapy.
Our activity extends across an international network of Dharma centres.
Rokpa Trust – A registered charity in England & Wales (1059293) and in Scotland (SCO38628)
> For more information on our mission and transparency, please view Governance & Compliance Documents.
You are always welcome to join us
Visit Samye Ling
Experience the tranquility of the Temple and Monastery grounds. Cafe & Shop. Guest accommodation available. Open to everyone.
Take Part
Join upcoming Dharma activity, courses, and social events.
Discover Buddhism
Learn about Buddhism, The Kagyu Lineage, and Dharma Study & Practice in Samye Ling.