February Newsletter 2026
- KSD London
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Dear all,
Welcome to the February newsletter, and let me wish you a happy Losar in advance. This coming Tibetan New Year is the year of the fire horse - which you'd never have guessed from the picture above! I couldn't find a copyright free image so I got out my art box and quickly knocked this image up without any help from AI whatsoever....
Also coming up:
A Letter to a Friend, with Lama Zangmo takes place this month on Saturday 14th.
This month's Simply Meditation Day takes place on Sunday, 15th, closely followed by the next one on the 1st March. An excellent opportunity to experience the power of practicing meditation in a group.
Also on the 15th is the next Ngondro Prostration Practice afternoon which takes place from 1.30 - 4.00 pm.
The Tibetan Doctor will next be available in KSDL on the weekend of the 21st - 22nd February. 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.
Sunday the 22nd is a particularly busy practice day, starting with a Green Tara Puja at 10.00 am, followed by a Vajrasattva Practice Day from 11.30 - 4.00, and ending with a Medicine Buddha Puja at 7.00 pm.
Last, but not least, we have another in-person Death Cafe on Saturday 28th. At a Death Cafe people, often strangers, gather to discuss death. On this occasion we will be hosted in the Centre's Tibetan Tearoom and sit in small groups around a pot of tea, with each table being facilitated by a member of the KSDL Bardo Group. Please note, you DO need to book in advance for this event.
Looking ahead to March, there is a Vajrasattva Practice Weekend on the 21st - 22nd during which we will be reciting the Vajrasattva (Dorje Sempa) 100 syllable mantra as requested by His Holiness 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje.
And to finish where I started, once again, have a happy Losar. Hoping to see you at the Centre soon.
All the best,
David Bates
Newsletter Editor
Losar celebration - Tibetan New Year
We wish you a very Happy Losar, many Tashi Delegs and best wishes for the Year of the Fire Horse*.
You are invited to join us for prayers and celebrations starting at 6.45 pm on Wednesday 18th February at Samye Dzong London to bring in the new year.
We start with lighting 100 Butterlamps in the courtyard followed by prayers and meditation in the shrineroom.
After the meditation there will be food and refreshments. Feel free to bring food to share. (vegetarian or vegan)
Everyone is welcome.
"The Year of the Fire Horse is marked by restless, transformative energy—an amplification of the Horse’s natural drive, sweeping in the potential for bold change. It encourages progress and expansion, though navigating this surge demands wisdom and patience to channel productivity and temper volatility. This is considered an auspicious time for activities that call for physical strength and mental determination, inspiring people to break free from limitations."
The Sutra In Three Sections, with Lama Zangmo
On Saturday 21st Februrary, Lama Zangmo will go through the explanation and the recitation of this sutra which is chanted regularly on the Vajrasattva practice days.
The Thirty-five Buddhas are the special confession Buddhas. While they were still Bodhisattvas, they made vows to assist beings to overcome their negativities, afflictions and hindrances. Sometimes the title is translated as the Sutra of Three Heaps because it is divided into three sections, and it is also called the Confession to the 35 Buddhas. This sutra is often recited for someone who has died, and is also recommended as a daily recitation when possible.
For more information and to book your place, please visit the course page on the website.
The 6th UK Kagyu Monlam, at Kagyu Samye Ling
The 6th UK Kagyu Monlam will take place at Samye Ling from the 20th - 26th May, during Saga Dawa, the most auspicious month in the Tibetan calendar, where the anniversary of Lord Buddha’s Birth, His Enlightenment and Parinirvana all occur.
The Monlam begins on the morning on the 4th day of Saga Dawa and finishes in the evening of the 10th day, Guru Rinpoche day.
As in previous years, both Drupon Khen Rinpoche and our Abbot, Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche will preside over the daily practice sessions. Drupon Rinpoche will also give two teaching sessions daily.
Registration and Accommodation Bookings for the 6th UK Kagyu Monlam will open on 15th March 2026 when you can book by sending an email with your details to bookings@samyeling.org.
Refuge Ceremony at Kagyu Samye Ling
A few days after the Monlam, on the auspicious 15th day of Saga Dawa (31st May 2026), the anniversary of Lord Buddha’s Enlightenment and Parinirvana, our Abbot, Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche will give Refuge to anyone wishing to enter the Buddhist Path.
Please send an email to reception@samyeling.org if you would like to take refuge on this day.