About

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 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: 

1. To protect life and refrain from killing.
2. To respect other's property and refrain from stealing.
3. To speak the truth and refrain from lying.
4. To embrace health and refrain from intoxicants.
5. To respect others and refrain from harmful sexual activity

For information about becoming a resident volunteer at Samye Ling, please contact our Administration Office at: admin@samyeling.org

Samye Ling is part of Rokpa Trust, a registered charity which has three main areas of activity: spiritual, humanitarian aid, and Tibetan medicine and therapy.  Our activity extends around the world through an international network of Dharma centres.  We may have a centre near you.  To see the list of our affiliated centres including the Holy Isle Project, please click here.

Samye Ling is open all year round for visiting and other activities. Please visit our courses and retreats pages for a full picture of the activities available. There is a Cafe and Shop on site and we have plentiful guest accommodation for overnight and longer stays.

We look forward to seeing you!