Kagyu Samye Ling

Kagyu Samye Ling

Samye Liberation Gate

This is the formal entrance to Kagyu Samye Ling. The Gate is dedicated to world peace and is decorated with carved mantras and figures that are said to help develop peace of mind in all those who see it or go under it.

The Victory Stupa

A Stupa is a symbol of the enlightened mind of the Buddha and its function is to restore, balance and transform negative energies to heal both our planet and ourselves. The form and contents of the Stupa express the balance and purification of earth, water, fire, air and space. They also express the wisdom and compassion of Buddha nature, the true nature of all living beings. The Victory Stupa was consecrated in 2000 and is the first of its kind in Scotland.

Nagarjuna Statue in Pond

The statue in the lake with a snake rising above it is Nagarjuna, the forefather of the Madyamika school of philosophy, which forms the basis of the Karma Kagyu view of emptiness. According to Buddhist legend, Nagarjuna discovered the Prajnaparamita teachings that had been entrusted to the nagas for safekeeping.

Green Tara Statue

A wonderful 5 metre high Green Tara statue to the right of the Samye Liberation Gate. Green Tara is said to embody the loving compassion of all the Buddhas. Her female form symbolises wisdom and her posture with the right foot extended represents her readiness to help whomsoever needs it.

Green Tara Statue

The Tara Healing Garden is dedicated to the 21 emanations of Tara and will preserve and propagate medicinal herbs native to Tibet that can be cultivated in the climate of the Scottish Borders. Each of the 21 emanations of Tara has the power and the qualities to overcome 21 different kinds of physical and mental disease. Therefore 21 different herbs connected with these different aspects will be planted in separate petal shaped beds around the central statue of Tara.

Green Tara Statue

A wonderful 5 metre high Green Tara statue to the right of the Samye Liberation Gate. Green Tara is said to embody the loving compassion of all the Buddhas. Her female form symbolises wisdom and her posture with the right foot extended represents her readiness to help whomsoever needs it.

Guru Rinpoche

In the pond next to the Stupa is the statue of Guru Rinpoche (also known as Padmasambhava) seated on a lotus flower. Revered as the founder of Buddhism in Tibet, he brought the Buddhist teachings from India to Tibet in the eighth century. Lotus flowers provide one of the most enduring symbols of Buddhism. The flower grows out of the mud at the bottom of a lake, but then rises above the water and blooms into a beautiful flower which is untainted by the mud. This has become symbolic of how enlightened awareness emerges from the confusion of our minds blossoming into the full expression of wisdom and compassion. Consequently, it is fitting that legend depicts Guru Rinpoche as having been born in a lotus flower in a lake.

The Victory Stupa in the Peace Garden

A Stupa is a symbol of the enlightened mind of the Buddha and its function is to restore, balance and transform negative energies to heal both our planet and ourselves.

Guru Rinpoche and the Peace Stupa

Kagyu Samye Ling

Close up of the roof of The Victory Stupa

Kagyu Samye Ling

The Shrine Room (Lhakang)

The magnificent Tibetan Temple is the centrepiece of spiritual life at Samye Ling. Completed in 1988 after ten years of devoted labour by volunteers under the direction of Dr. Akong Tulku Rinpoche and master artist, Sherab Palden Beru, the temple hosts a daily programme of meditation and prayers.

A Buddha in the Temple

Kagyu Samye Ling

Tibetan Tea Rooms

The warm, inviting atmosphere of the Tibetan Tea Rooms with its traditional decor provides a comfortable place to relax. It is open daily from 9am to 5pm and also from 8pm until 10pm on the weekends serving a wide range of beverages and snacks.

Detail of Temple

Kagyu Samye Ling

Detail of Temple

Kagyu Samye Ling

Detail of Temple roof

Kagyu Samye Ling

Detail of Temple roof

Kagyu Samye Ling