Kagyu Samye Dzong Edinburgh

25/04/2026

Excellent news from our friends at Sekhar Retreat’s Marpa Translation group. Please also note that hard copies of this invaluable book are also available at KSD Edinburgh for practitioners of The Four Foundations (Ngondro).

EBOOK RELEASED

We are very pleased to present the long awaited eBook version of our English translation of Jamgön Kongtrül Lodrö Tayé’s ‘Torch for the Definitive Meaning’. This edition also includes the original Tibetan.

25/04/2026

Saga Dawa & 10th Anniversary - Sunday May 31st 2.00pm - 5.00pm

2.00 Doors Open for gathering and welcome drink in the Yoga Room
2.30 Enter Shrine Room for Opening Introduction, Recitation of the Praises to and Mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha
3.00 Opportunity for offering Katas to the Buddha and for sitting reflection.
3.30 Tea Party gathering in the Courtyard Garden & Reading Room for Refreshments and catching up with friends old and new!

Everyone is very welcome but please let us know if you're coming so we know how many to cater for. Shrine offerings or finger food to share are also welcome : )
RSVP here to attend: https://www.edinburgh.samye.org/

21/04/2026

19/04/2026

Anniversary of Lord Buddha's Enlightenment & 10th Anniversary of the KSDE Dharma Centre
May is a most meaningful month in the Buddhist calendar.
The holy time of Saga Dawa commemorates the Birth, Enlightenment and PariNirvana of the Buddha, culminating on the full moon, which this year falls on the auspicious date of Sunday May 31st. And in 2026, it also marks the 10th Anniversary since Kagyu Samye Dzong Edinburgh first opened the doors of the historic building which has become our home.

It doesn't seem like ten years since Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche first inaugurated this beautiful, mandala of a temple! But here we are, a decade later, having survived (Covid!), and thrived with old friends and new, both from Edinburgh and around the world, whether in person or online. Heartfelt THANKS to all of you for helping establish KSDE as a flourishing Dharma Centre for Peace and Health, so needed in today's world.

We invite you to join us on Saga Dawa for our 10th Anniversary Celebrations, and indeed any or all of our other activities in May : )

MAY 2026 PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE

TUESDAYS 6.30pm - 7.30pm 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
GUIDED MEDITATION

WEDNESDAYS 6.30pm - 7.45pm 6th, 13th, 27th
WILDGOOSE QIGONG COURSE *

THURSDAYS 12.30pm - 1.00pm 7th, 14th, 28th
LUNCHTIME MEDITATION

SUNDAYS
May 3rd 10.30am - 12.00pm
GREEN TARA PUJA

May 10th 10.30am - 12.15pm
AKONG RINPOCHE'S RESTORING THE BALANCE
*Session 5 - BEING FLEXIBLE IS BEING ALIVE*

May 17th 10.30am - 11.30
CHENREZI PUJA

May 31st 2.00pm - 5.00pm
*SAGA DAWA & ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS*

Please note: Events marked * must be booked at edinburgh.samye.org

10/04/2026

The epitome of loving kindness, wisdom and compassion, Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche
always walked the walk throughout his life. You are welcome to join us for the ongoing sessions based on teachings in his inspirational book,
Restoring the Balance.
Session 5 Topic:
CHANGING HABITS OF A LIFETIME
The way of balancing heals old wounds, prevents new ones and welcomes life's challenges as an opportunity to learn and cultivate our inborn good qualities.
Sunday April 19th
10.30am - 12.15pm
Bookings at:

The way of balancing heals old wounds, prevents new ones and welcomes life's challenges as an opportunity to learn and cultivate our inborn good qualities.

27/03/2026

Courtyard Garden Spring Planting For Peace on Earth
Ahead of Earth Day on Wednesday 22nd, you are welcome to come along this Sunday for a springtime planting of seeds and flowers to brighten our garden and gladden our Earth. Everyone can join in and may also bring plants, or their own gloves and tools, or just take pot luck! But do let us know so we can cater Teabreak refreshments for all.
Sunday April 12th
10.30am - 12.30pm
Bookings at: https://www.edinburgh.samye.org/event/courtyard-garden-spring-planting-for-peace-on-earth/

25/03/2026

We were very saddened to hear of the passing of Chime Tulku Rinpoche, Founder of Marpa House in Essex.
Chime Rinpoche was a very close friend of Akong Rinpoche and visited Samye Ling many, many times over the years.
His visits were always a delight due to his kindness and wonderful sense of humour. His light-hearted, down to earth approach touched the hearts of many and he will always be remembered with warmth and appreciation.
Lama Yeshe, Lama Katen and all the Samye Ling community extend their heartfelt condolences to all Rinpoche’s family and friends and to his many dharma students and supporters.

20/03/2026

Wildgoose Taster
An opportunity to join the flock

We are pleased to offer an opportunity to join our Wildgoose Qigong Course. The Wildgoose form is long and best suited to those with some experience of Qigong or Tai Chi. If that sounds like you then why not try the Taster Session on April 1st , before committing to the ongoing course starting on April 8th.
Taster session 1/4/26
Ongoing course 8/4/26
6.30pm - 7.50pm

Bookings for tater: https://www.edinburgh.samye.org/event/wildgoose-taster-2026/
Bookings for course:
https://www.edinburgh.samye.org/event/wild-goose-qigong-course-2/

We are pleased to offer an opportunity to join our Wildgoose Qigong Course.

20/03/2026

Planting Seeds of Health, Happiness and Peace on Earth
April flowers and showers of blessings

We make no apologies for the positive message of our headlines! In a world beset by conflict and all its sufferings, it is all the more important to raise our sights above the gloom and remember who we truly are and can become, for the benefit of one and all. That is, after all, the basis and pure motivation of the Buddhist view. So let's lift up our heads and grow like the stainless lotus, opening to the light.

In that spirit KSD Edinburgh is pleased to offer a Spring Season of Guided Meditations, Buddhist Teachings, Pujas, Qigong classes and Special Events. Please note that the Wildgoose Qigong Course is ongoing, in several tranches of ten classes, spread over the year. Please click on website link for event details and bookings. edinburgh.samye.org

May all beings be happy and create
the causes of happiness
APRIL EVENTS AT A GLANCE

TUESDAYS 7th,14th, 21st, 28th - 6.30pm -7.30pm
GUIDED MEDITATION

WEDNESDAYS 8th,15th, 22nd, 29th - 6.30pm-7.50pm
WILDGOOSE QIGONG COURSE

THURSDAYS 9th,16th, 23rd, 30th - 12.30pm -1.00pm
LUNCHTIME MEDITATION

SUNDAYS IN APRIL

Sunday 5th 10.30am - 12.00pm
GREEN TARA PUJA

Sunday 12th 10.30am - 12.30pm
COURTYARD SPRING PLANTING

Sunday 19th 10.30am - 12.15pm
AKONG RINPOCHE'S RESTORING THE BALANCE
CHANGING THE HABITS OF A LIFETIME

Sunday 26th 10.30am - 12.00pm
CHENREZI PUJA

26/02/2026

EARLY SPRING PROGRAMME
& News to put a spring in your step!

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring!
At last the days are getting longer and snowdrops herald the spring flowers to come. In keeping with the rising sap we offer a Programme to refresh and revitalise energy of body and mind, see below.

Forthcoming special events start with invaluable teachings from Akong Rinpoche's Restoring the Balance, as session four focuses on How We Come To Be As We Are as well as How to Transform Our Future! Then in the mid March we present the last of the Four Preliminary Foundations exploring the vast topic of Samsara. Whilst on the last Sunday of the month Ani Rinchen Khandro will present an introduction to The Meaning of Taking Refuge, in good time before the Lama Yeshe Rinpoche bestows Refuge at Samye Ling in April and May.

Last but not least, we couldn't resist bringing you the good news of Drupon Rinpoche's upcoming visit, albeit in October! Khenpo Lhabu Drupon Rinpoche will give precious teachings at KSD Edinburgh on October 15th 2026. Further details to follow nearer the time. Meanwhile best put the date in your diary!

We look forward to seeing you at any and all of our activities and events : )

EARLY SPRING PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE

TUESDAYS 3rd,10th, 17th, 24th - 6.30pm -7.30pm
GUIDED MEDITATION

WEDNESDAYS 4th,11th, 18th, 25th - 6.30pm-7.45pm
WILDGOOSE QIGONG (course full)

THURSDAYS 5th,12th, 19th, 26th - 12.30pm -1.00pm
LUNCHTIME MEDITATION

SUNDAYS
Sunday March 1st 10.30am - 12.15pm
AKONG RINPOCHE'S RESTORING THE BALANCE*
Session 4 - How We Come To Be As We Are

Sunday March 8th 10.30 - 12.00pm
GREEN TARA PUJA

Sunday 15th 10.30am - 12.15pm
THE 4th PRELIMINARY FOUNDATION - SAMSARA*

Sunday 22th 10.30am - 12.00pm
CHENREZI PUJA

Sunday 29th 10.30am - 12.15pm
THE MEANING OF TAKING REFUGE*

To book * events, please visit our website: https://www.edinburgh.samye.org/

25/01/2026

February's Events 2026

Happy Losar for the Tibetan New Year.
Greetings dear Friends of KSDE, and all good wishes for the Tibetan New Year of the Fire Horse.

Welcome to our programme of upcoming events in February. As well as our regular weekly Pujas, Courses and Meditations,

FEBRUARY EVENTS AT A GLANCE

TUESDAYS 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th
GUIDED MEDITATION 6.30pm-7.30pm

WEDNESDAYS 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
WILDGOOSE QIGONG (Course Full) 6.30pm-7.45pm

THURSDAYS 5th,12th, 19th, 26th
LUNCHTIME MEDITATION 12.30pm-1.00pm

SUNDAY SESSIONS
February 1st 10.30am - 12.15pm
THE 4 FOUNDATIONS, PART 3 - KARMA

February 8th 10.30am - 12.00pm
GREEN TARA PUJA
To develop wisdom and impartial kindness

February 15th 10.30am - 12.30pm
THE MEANING & MAKING OF OFFERINGS

February 22nd 10.30am - 12.00pm
CHENREZI PUJA
To cultivate limitless compassion