Our Centre
A Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Centre for World Peace and Health in the heart of London
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In June 2009, after many years of searching and fund-raising, Kagyu Samye Dzong London finally bought a building to be our permanent home.
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It was worth the wait – the former Bermondsey library is perfect! The official opening of the Spa Road centre took place in June 2010 and, it is clear that the building is an excellent home for Kagyu Samye Dzong London for generations to come, making Buddhist meditation and Buddhist teachings easily accessible to Londoners and beyond esepecially meditation for beginners.
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The former Bermondsey library, near the centre of London, was opened in the 1890’s as the first free public library in London. Alfred and Ada Salter (the first lady mayor of Bermondsey) used the library as a base to launch a number of public health initiatives and playwright Harold Pinter admitted, many years after the event, to having stolen a book from the library! In the 1930’s a large hall was added to the building, complete with Art Deco sunbeam motifs. This now forms the main shrine-room, including a 2.5m Buddha statue, with space for more than 200 people to practice meditation and learn more about Buddhism.
We are delighted to have returned this handsome building to its original use as a peaceful place of learning. The Tibetan Buddhist teachings are universal and timeless and can bring benefit to everyone.
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Kagyu Samye Dzong London offers a unique place for people to unwind from the stressful pace of inner city life. The many meditation classes including beginners meditation and mindfulness courses along with more specialised Buddhist teachings are offered on a purely donation basis. The use of the shrine rooms for personal meditation practice as well as group meditation is free of charge. With regular meditation days, weekly meditation and our courses and events the activities of the centres are dedicated to peace, harmony and happiness in the world.
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