Kagyu Samye Dzong London

Kagyu Samye Dzong London initially opened in 1998 in the former Holy Trinity School near Waterloo station in the London Borough of Lambeth. The centre remained here until 2007 when the site became subject to redevelopment as part of the Terry Farrell-designed Founder's Place scheme. This development was subsequently cancelled in 2010. The current Samye Dzong London centre is located in the former Bermondsey public library in Southwark, South East London, close to the River Thames, Tower Bridge and London Bridge. Designed by John Johnson, the building dates from 1892 and was one of the first free public libraries in London. Dr Alfred Salter MP and his wife Ada (the first woman mayor in…

The day-to-day running of the centre is overseen by resident director and teacher Lama Gelongma Zangmo. Danish by birth, Lama Zangmo has been practising Buddhism since arriving at Samye Ling in 1977. The main shrine room can seat around 200 people and is used for large events and teachings. The shrine houses a Buddha statue which is approximately 3 metres in height. In April 2013 a second shrine room was opened by Akong Tulku Rinpoche. This followed a five-month project of traditional Tibetan artwork by volunteer artists under the guidance of renowned thangka painter Lama Rigzin who travelled from Nepal to oversee the work. This shrine room is located in the main hall of the original…

In addition to teachings and empowerments from Akong Tulku Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, Kagyu Samye Dzong London has, since its foundation, hosted a number of visiting lineage teachers including Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, Ponlop Rinpoche, Mingyur Rinpoche, Ringu Tulku Rinpoche, Khenpo Damcho Dawa Rinpoche and Drupon Rinpoche Khenpo Lhabu.