Sixty-five years ago, a pair of Tibetans fled their country in 1959 after it was invaded by China.
Arriving in a small village in Dumfries and Galloway with a vision to set up a Buddhist monastery to preserve their culture, Samye Ling was built.
One of the co-founders, Akong Rinpoche, oversaw the development of the site until his death in 2013. Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche is now the abbot of the monastery, and continues Akong’s vision. Here are some photos showing some of the grounds and inside the temple at Samye Ling. The monastery operation has grown from just one former shooting lodge to a large temple that can hold up to 500 people, accommodation for resident and visiting monks and nuns, and gardens with various Buddhist and world peace-themed sculptures.
The site is still being developed to this day.
One of the co-founders, Akong Rinpoche, oversaw the development of the site until his death in 2013. Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche is now the abbot of the monastery, and continues Akong’s vision. Here are some photos showing some of the grounds and inside the temple at Samye Ling. The monastery operation has grown from just one former shooting lodge to a large temple that can hold up to 500 people, accommodation for resident and visiting monks and nuns, and gardens with various Buddhist and world peace-themed sculptures.
![The gardens at Samye Ling have a contemporary layout, but statues and symbols that are traditionally Buddhist, including stupas, prayer flags, Avalokiteshvera/Chenrezig and Green Tara. They draw on themes connected with world peace, health and wellbeing, sustainability and organic vegetable growing. Samye Ling is free to visit all year round, but it does have some rules, including no use of illicit drugs, no fishing, and no dogs or other pets allowed (unless guide dogs).](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/05/27/15/18/20240520_094029.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
9. Samye Ling grounds
The gardens at Samye Ling have a contemporary layout, but statues and symbols that are traditionally Buddhist, including stupas, prayer flags, Avalokiteshvera/Chenrezig and Green Tara. They draw on themes connected with world peace, health and wellbeing, sustainability and organic vegetable growing. Samye Ling is free to visit all year round, but it does have some rules, including no use of illicit drugs, no fishing, and no dogs or other pets allowed (unless guide dogs). | Katharine Hay
![In the Prayer Wheel Walkway at Samye Ling is space for the ashes of beloved pets, accompanied by photographs and short descriptions of their lives. They are also referred to in prayers for the dead.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/05/29/9/10/20240520_093524.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
10. Pets ashes
In the Prayer Wheel Walkway at Samye Ling is space for the ashes of beloved pets, accompanied by photographs and short descriptions of their lives. They are also referred to in prayers for the dead. | Katharine Hay