April Newsletter 2026
- KSD London
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Dear all,
Welcome to the April Newsletter and, as the clocks go forward this weekend (my least favourite of the two clock changes each year), we'll be treated to much lighter evenings over the coming months!
Volunteering at the Centre - as you probably know, the Centre is only able to operate due to the generosity of the volunteers who give us their time. Right now, we could really do with a few more short-term weekly volunteers who could help with our Reception and the Tea Room. Full details and an application form can be found on the website. Any time you can give would be greatly appreciated, not to mention earning you some really great karmic brownie points!
This month we have the great news that Ringu Tulku Rinpoche will be visiting us in June (details below). If you've not had the chance to have teachings from him before, I'd strongly urge you to grab the opportunity. Like all the best teachers, he mixes deep knowledge with great insight, and a gentle disarming humour which can help us see through some of the less skillful patterns of thought and behaviour that we're inclined to hang onto.
Bookings are now open for the 6th UK Kagyu Monlam in Samye Ling Monastery, (20th to 26th May 2026). Anyone who is interested in participating in the Monlam can see more about it and book at place on the Samye Ling website.
Coming soon:
Taming the Wild Mind - we live in a culture where our minds are encouraged to be busy, over-stimulated, and we suffer for it. Over three Thursday evenings, from the 9th - 23rd April, you will have the opportunity to receive instructions from Lama Zangmo, and gain more familiarity with Shinay/Shamatha meditation, which is done regularly at Samye Dzong. Full details can be found on the website.
A Death Cafe will be taking place in the Tea Room on Saturday 11th April, from 5.30 - 7.00 pm. The Death cafe is an opportunity to explore your unheard views on death and to listen and delight in the views of others on the same subject. The objective is 'to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives'. Find out more on the website. Advance booking is essential as there are limited places.
The Tibetan Doctor will next be available in KSDL on the weekend of the 18th - 19th April. To make an appointment for a consultation please contact Doctor Soktsang directly. If you want to check Dr Soktsang's availability in 2026, the dates of his attendance at the Centre are available on the website.
Simply Meditation Day takes place on Sunday 19th April. This is an excellent opportunity to experience the power of group meditation. Feel free to join in any or all of the sessions during the day. Full details on the website.
Medicine Buddha Weekend - 25th-26th April. This weekend is an opportunity to immerse yourself and get more familiar with the sadhana. It is especially beneficial for those who have attended previous instructions. This weekend will be spent in chanting and meditation, there will be no instructions, although Lama Zangmo usually gives a brief introduction at the beginning of the first session.
Are you thinking of Taking Refuge when Lama Yeshe Rinpoche visits in July? Then you may want to consider attending these two talks by Lama Zangmo. The Meaning and Benefit of Refuge takes place on two Thursday evenings - the 7th and 14th May, from 6.45 - 8.00 pm. Full details can be found on the website.
Tibetan Film Season at KSDL - We are delighted to announce a special partnership with the Tibet Film Festival London. Together, we will be hosting a curated weekly series of Tibetan film screenings at KSDL beginning Thursday 21 May and ending Thursday 11 June. Full programme details and booking information will be posted soon. They may even get a mention in the next newsletter!
Finally, I hope you're able to enjoy the forthcoming Bank Holidays, not to mention warmer weather.
All the best,
David Bates
Newsletter Editor
Lama Yeshe Rinpoche's visit in July
As we mentioned in the last newsletter, Lama Yeshe Rinpoche is visiting the Centre over two weekends in July - the 11th - 12th and 18th - 19th, and as we get closer, more details will emerge.
Today we can tell you that he will be giving the Aspiration Bodhisattva Vow during his visit, as well as giving refuge to those wanting to become Buddhists. There will also be several Q&A sessions, as well as talks by Gelong Thubten and Gelongma Lhamo.
We hope you will be able to join us to celebrate and rejoice in all the wonderful years and guidance we have had from our Abbot so far.
Ringu Tulku Rinpoche visiting in June
We are delighted to welcome back Ringu Tulku Rinpoche to Kagyu Samye Dzong London.
Ringu Tulku will be giving teachings on Tuesday 23 June, 19.00 - 20.30 and Wednesday 24 June, 19.00 - 20.30.
The topics of the teachings are to be confirmed but, in the meantime, you've got a chance to book these evenings in your diary.
Letter to a Friend from May till Nov - New Sign Up
Please note that the instructions on Nagarjuna's Letter to a Friend with Lama Zangmo will continue till November this year. All are welcome to attend, but you need to sign up.
The text gives a practical approach to daily conduct for both the layperson and the ordained, with an explanation of the different stages leading to enlightenment. The great Indian Buddhist master Nagarjuna wrote his celebrated Letter to a Friend as a gift of advice to a South Indian king, and it has since become a monument in the Indian shastra tradition. Despite its short length it covers the entire Mahayana path.
It has been a source of scriptural authority for many of Tibet’s greatest scholars over time. It is an ideal guide to understand the Buddhist teachings and to apply the teachings to our lives with clarity and wisdom. It is suitable for anyone who wishes to study and learn more about Buddhism.
All are welcome to attend. When booking onto this course it is a requirement to attend all the dates in full (with the exception of illness) and give it priority over other activities. Booking for the May date will register you for the whole course.
Dates for this course:
*Please note there is no teaching in April.
16 May
20 June
19 Sept
24 Oct
21 Nov
The Foundations of Buddhism - with Lama Zangmo
On Saturday 4th April, Lama Zangmo will be teaching on the Four Noble Truths, the very first teaching the Buddha gave after he attained enlightenment.
This will be the first of a series of teachings over the next six months, which will give an overview and understanding of the framework for the Buddhist path. It is intended especially for those who are new to Buddhism or those who would like to learn more.
The Four Noble Truths is referred to as the 'First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma' because it represents the first phase of the Buddha's teaching.
This day can be attended as a course on its own or as a part of the monthly Buddhism series. The day will also include time for Q&A and meditation. Lunch will be available in our Tibetan Tearoom.
Please note that each day needs to be booked separately in advance.
Dates for the Foundation in Buddhism Series are :
