Hotels near the Kagyu Samye Ling

Take time out at a beautiful Tibetan retreat in the Scottish countryside. Founded in 1967, Kagyu Samye Ling ("place beyond concept") was the first Tibetan Buddhist Centre to be established in the West. It continues to attract hundreds of visitors every year - Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.

Initially a modest place of refuge, Kagyu Samye Ling has slowly grown over the years to house more than 100 permanent residents, as well as coping with a constant flow of visitors throughout the year, who either attend one of the wide range of courses and retreats on offer, or arrive for a stay to recharge their spiritual batteries. Whatever is going on, however, the hub of activity centres around the temple, which was first officially opened to the public in 1988. The new millennium also welcomed a beautiful new stupa.

Many know of Samye Ling for the unique Buddhist teachings given by Tibetan Masters of the most respected lineage, together with its successful (sister) role as a therapy centre. However, it also works hard to preserve and nurture Tibetan culture through the practice and development of Tibetan medicine, arts and crafts. All of this has been driven by the tireless activity of Samye Ling's co-founder, Dr Akong Tulku Rinpoche, who is at the centre when he isn't in Tibet. His brother, the Venerable Lama Yeshe Losal heads the serious spiritual side - after years of solitary retreat himself, he is well equipped to counsel those entering the traditional 3 year, 3 month retreats.

There is an ongoing programme of events and retreats, many of which focus on the art and skills of meditation, which is an integral part of Tibetan Buddhist practice. For whatever reason you choose to go, there's no better setting for some serious time out.