This course will give an introduction to the basic meditation techniques such as posture and the use of the breath as a focus. The evening is open to all, whether Buddhist or non-Buddhist.

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This is an opportunity for anyone interested to learn more about the Buddhist philosophy and how to apply the teachings to everyday life.

Karma Choden is an ordained monk who has completed a three year retreat in Kagyu Samye Ling in Scotland.

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This weekend will be an overview of the Buddhist path and will involve study, reflection and practice. On Saturday we will look at the Hinayana, or foundation path of Buddhism, concentrating on the Four Noble Truths, while on Sunday we will look at the Mahayana tradition, concentrating on the development of bodhicitta, the awakened heart of enlightenment. There will also be meditation instructions given for calming and settling the mind and simple visualisation exercises for cultivating the open heart of compassion. This course is suitable for anyone. Bring lunch to share.

Karma Choden is an ordained monk who has completed a three year retreat in Kagyu Samye Ling in Scotland.

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Chenrezig is the embodiment of the limitless compassion of all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The Chenrezig visualisation practice gives us the opportunity to awaken our own potential for compassion.

This short course in drawing the form of Chenrezig is suitable for anyone - no previous experience necessary. After this course you may never see Chenrezig in the same way again... Please bring a drawing pad (a4 or a3), pencil, sharpener, eraser, ruler and some coloured pencils.

Ani Senchi has studied thanka painting for many years with master painter Sherab Palden Beru, and currently paints and teaches in Samye Ling and associated centres.

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An introduction to meditation where concise instructions will be given in how to start a meditation practice. The class will be a good foundation for further courses in meditation and an ideal start for beginners.

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Tai Situ Rinpoche is one of the Regents of the Karma Kagyu tradition and the root teacher to His Holiness the 17th Karmapa. The Heart Sutra is the essence of the second turning of the Wheel of Dharma, and encompasses the teachings on voidness. These teachings were given by His Eminence in Kagyu Samye Ling in 1998 and will be shown over 3 Thursday evenings here.

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An opportunity to come and help out at the centre, gaining lots of merit in the process. Leafsweeping is on the top of the agenda. Lunch will be provided.

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This special evening event will be held at Kagyu Samye Dzong London to launch the new book ‘Kagyu Samye Ling -The Story’. Commissioned by Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche the book charts Kagyu Samye Ling’s unique history from 1950s Tibet to the present day. Packed with fascinating stories and rare photographs it paints a vivid picture of the first arrival, growth and blossoming of Tibetan Buddhism in the West.

Acclaimed author Mick Brown ('The Dance of 17 Lives') will chair the event in which Lama Yeshe Rinpoche will answer questions and also personally sign copies and Ani Rinchen Khandro will read extracts from the book.

The evening will feature traditional songs from the talented Tibetan singer Dolkar Lhamo and music from virtuoso piper Robert White dressed in specially designed Samye Ling tartan. Drinks and refreshments will be served. This event is free, but donations are much appreciated.

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Tai Situ Rinpoche is one of the Regents of the Karma Kagyu tradition and the root teacher to His Holiness the 17th Karmapa. The Heart Sutra is the essence of the second turning of the Wheel of Dharma, and encompasses the teachings on voidness. These teachings were given by His Eminence in Kagyu Samye Ling in 1998 and will be shown over 3 Thursday evenings here.

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A day devoted to practising the shinay meditation of calm abiding. There will be instructions in meditation techniques such as breathing and visualisation in order to develop relaxation and inner peace. There will be time for questions and an opportunity to clarify your understanding. Bring lunch to share.

Lama Zangmo is the resident Lama and teacher at Samye Dzong London. She has spent a total of eleven years in retreat and now oversees both the Samye Dzongs at Carlisle Lane and Manor Place as well as giving spiritual guidance.

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Simple breathing exercises and visualisation techniques, gentle movement and fully clothed massage. This course offers an opportunity to explore the methods and benefits of this unique, practical relaxation programme. Jane is a massage therapist and a course leader of the Tara Rokpa relaxation programme.

Bring lunch to share.

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A 7-week course for people who wish to study classical Tibetan. The classes will focus on learning the alphabet and participants will gain practice in drawing the tibetan characters and reading aloud. Some simple grammar will also be taught. This course represents a good starting point for a further study of the original tibetan texts.

Please bring paper and pen. The course must be booked in advance.

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