The Venue
Samye Ling Buddhist Monastery – Eskdalemuir, Langholm DG13 0QL
Samye Ling is situated in Eskdalemuir in South West Scotland, 15 miles from Lockerbie. It’s a 2 hours drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports and there is a rail link to Lockerbie from all major British towns and cities. Once you arrive in Lockerbie there is a bus and taxi service to Eskdalemuir.
Founded in 1967 the Centre is located in a peaceful valley on the banks of the river Esk in Scotland. Kagyu Samye Ling was the first Tibetan Buddhist Centre to have been established in the West.
The monastery is an international centre of Buddhist training, known for the authenticity of its teachings and tradition. It offers instruction in Buddhist philosophy and meditation and is also a centre for the preservation of Tibetan religion, culture, medicine, art, architecture and handicrafts.
The Samye Ling Shop and Tibetan Tea Rooms are open to enjoy throughout the summer.
The grounds include religious monuments including the large victory Stupa, which symbolises the body, speech and mind of the Buddha.
Away from the temple, there is a secluded peace garden surrounded by a lake and accessed by a footbridge, a spot the monks use for quiet contemplation.
The monastery offers weekend courses and meditation sessions and has been visited by famous faces such as David Bowie and Leonard Cohen, while Billy Connolly is known to be a frequent visitor.
What to expect:
Shamanic Ceremony Yoga Asana Practice Breathwork Gong Sound Bath with Singing Bowls Shamanic Drum Journey Meditation Kirtan and Aarti CeremonySchedule
- Check-in at reception on Friday 28th is from 3.30pm onwards.
- Supper is served daily at 6pm, supper is soup with various breads and spreads, honey, tahini, peanut butter, jams etc
- Special opening ceremony at 7pm
- Breakfast is served at 7am – choices of porridge, muesli, corn flakes, seeds and nuts, toast and spreads and a selection of fresh fruit is also available.
- Vegetarian Lunch is served daily at 12.30pm – Rice, Dhal and fresh vegetables are served every day along with other dishes of the day, desert varies from compote to fruit crumbles and or yoghurt
- Retreat start time is 7.30am on Saturday morning and finishes at 3.30pm, as the Eco cabin must be vacated by that time.
Accommodation
If you are local, you may just attend the day retreat (no accommodation charge). Otherwise you can stay for Friday night only or Friday and Saturday night.
Sleeping Options below (paid direct to the venue)
Standard Single Room with sink and shared facilities in Potala House, £59 per night
Bed in 6-bed female dormitory with shared facilities in Johnstone House, £35 per night
Three meals are included
Supper on Friday evening
Breakfast and lunch on Saturday
What’s not included
Travel to and from venue
Accommodation at Samye Ling Monastery
Booking Accommodation
Booking is via email, giving the details below to bookings@samyeling.org
Which type of accommodation you would like to book
Date of arrival and departure
Full name of each guest on the booking and contact number
Arrival time at reception (check in is from 3.30pm)