April Newsletter 2025
- KSD London
- Apr 3
- 5 min read
Dear All,
Welcome to the April newsletter, not to mention the sunshine, the warmer weather and spring very much in progress. I'm sure that by the time we get to the talk and auction on Sunday 27th of April, the Centre's garden will be in full bloom. I'm particularly looking forward to this event on two counts:
First of all, we've been missing Akong Rinpoche for a long time now, and talks such as this, from somebody like Barbara Pfeiffer who spent so much time with him, is a wonderful way of reconnecting for those who knew him. For those who didn't, it's an introduction to a remarkable man who I would describe as short on words and big in deeds.
Secondly, auctions at the Centre have always been good fun, plus there's the feelgood factor of knowing that any money bid is going to a really good cause!
We've got more details of the day below, including timings, and we hope to see as many of you there as possible.
Volunteer Day, Saturday 19th April. Of course, when you've got people visiting, you want to tidy up a bit and make the place warm and welcoming. If you'd like to help spruce the Centre up in advance of the talk and auction, you are more than welcome to join the Volunteer Day. Not only will you get some physical activity, it will be in good company with tea, snacks, and lunch provided. You will need to commit to the full day (9.30 - 4.00), and you will need to book in advance so we know how many people are coming. Full details, including a timetable for the day are on the website.
Also coming up:
An Introduction to Meditation for Beginners, with Lama Zangmo starts this Thursday, 3rd April. It runs over four Thursday evenings and is especially suitable for complete beginners and those who would like to refresh their knowledge and understanding.
The Tibetan Doctor will next be available in KSDL on the weekend of the 19th - 20th April. To make an appointment for a consultation please contact Doctor Soktsang directly. If you want to check Dr Soktsang's availability in 2025, the dates of his attendance at the Centre are available on the website.
There will be an additional day of Ngondro Instructions on Saturday 17th May for those who missed the previous instructions. If you would like to start the practice and join the Ngondro Group, please see the event page for full details and to book your place.
I think we might have mentioned this before, but the 5th UK Kagyu Monlam is taking place at Samye Ling from the 30th May - 5th June. Full details, including booking information, can be found on the Samye Ling website.
Centre closure, 30th May - 5th June inclusive - by some strange coincidence, the Centre will be closed on those selfsame dates! It may be something to do with our volunteers attending the aforementioned Monlam. Please note - the weekly classes of Tai Chi and Pilates will continue as normal and will not be affected.
I think that's about it for now - so enjoy the weather, the many practice opportunities at the Centre, and I'll hope to see you at the talk and auction on the 27th.
David Bates
Newsletter Editorial
Refuge Ceremony with Lama Yeshe Rinpoche at Samye Ling
On the auspicious 15th day of Saga Dawa (Wednesday 11th June, 2025), the anniversary of Lord Buddha’s Enlightenment and Parinirvana, our Abbot, Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche will give Refuge to anyone wishing to enter the Buddhist Path. It is also the anniversary of Lama Rinpoche’s own Bikkhu ordination.
Anyone who wishes to formally take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha is welcome to take part.
A short explanatory talk will be given by a member of the Sangha before the ceremony.
This ceremony is mainly intended for people who wish to take refuge for the first time. However, those who wish to renew or confirm their refuge commitment are also welcome.
There will also be the opportunity to take precepts, whether you are taking refuge for the first time or are already a practicing Buddhist. It is possible to take new precepts and also to renew any you already have.
Please inform the Reception Office (reception@samyeling.org) if you are planning to take refuge on this day. Please also tell the office if you would like to have lunch or to book overnight accommodation.
The ceremony will take place in the temple during the morning - exact timings will be publicised once they are confirmed.
Remembering Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche
- Sunday 27th April
As we're approaching April, here are some updates about this very special day at the Centre.
First of all, to tell us about Rinpoche's activities in Tibet, we have Barbara Pfeiffer from ROKPA Germany who will be sharing her memories of travelling with Rinpoche to visit the many ROKPA projects in the region. Accompanied by slides, the talk will also include details of life in the monasteries and nunneries. Barbara's talk and slides will start at 2.00 pm.
Following this, an auction to raise funds for Akong Rinpoche's monastery in Tibet will be kicking off at 3.30 pm and you can see a good selection of the things on offer on the event page. It's no longer just a skills auction, and I don't think I'm giving too much away when I say that I'll definitely be bidding for the homemade marmalade!!!! It will go extremely well with the bread I bake, and which you can learn how to make at home if you're successful in your bid!
Please book a seat via the website if you intend coming - it would be really helpful if we can get an idea of the likely numbers. If you don't get around to it though, please come anyway if you can.
Sunday 27th April, 14.00 - 17.00. Full details of the day, as well as a booking link, can be found on the website.
A Precious Garland of the Supreme Path
- with Lama Zangmo
Join Lama Zangmo on Saturday 12th April for the first of four monthly teachings on A Precious Garland of the Supreme Path by Gampopa.
A Precious Garland by Gampopa succinctly outlines what we need to know at every stage of the path. The text gives precise instructions on what is needed to develop one's understanding, meditation and conduct on the spiritual path.
Lama Zangmo will give a short explanation of some of the verses in the text starting with The Ten Things That Are Great Kindnesses to Yourself, and will give plenty of time for questions and meditation.
The course is suitable for anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of the Buddhist path.
For more information, and to book a place on this course, visit the event page on the website.
Weekend Chenrezig Retreat,
5th - 6th April with Lama Zangmo
Over this practice weekend Lama Zangmo will give some instructions on the visualisations, meditations and benefits of this practice, but the emphasis will mainly be on getting familiar with the meditation through having plenty of time for actual practice on both days. The weekend will also include some guided visualisations.
It is preferable to have your own text, (available from our shop) although we do have Chenrezig texts available in the shrine room.
Please Note That It Is Required To Attend Both Days Of This Event, It Is Not Possible To Atttend Individual Sessions Only
For full details of this event, including the daily schedule, and to book your place, please visit the event page on the website.