The Sakya Buddhist Centre (Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling) is one of the leading centres of Tibetan Buddhism in the UK. It was founded in Bristol in 1977 by Karma Thinley Rinpoche and Lama Jampa Thaye. The Centre enables people to learn the systems of meditation and study of the Sakya tradition of Buddhism, which is currently led by H.H. Sakya Trizin, who has visited the Centre and given teachings on numerous occasions. The Centre has hosted teachings by a number of other distinguished Buddhist masters, such as H.E. Phende Rinpoche, H.E. Sakya Dagchen Rinpoche and H.E. Jetsun Kushog Rinpoche.
The Sakya Centre is run by volunteers and funded by donations. The Centre is administered by the Thinley Rinchen Ling Trust, registered charity no. 282717.
Tuesday evening meditation classes provide an introduction to two types of Buddhist meditation. The class initially engages in guided
tranquillity
meditation through which we can develop a stable, clear and peaceful state of mind. The reflective meditation consists of a brief explanation of a key Buddhist topic, followed by a period of individual contemplation.
Wednesday and Saturday morning classes provide an introduction to
tranquillity
meditation through which we can develop a stable, clear and peaceful state of mind. The class consists of simple instructions followed by two 15 minute meditation sessions.
Wednesdays & Saturdays
10.30am - 11.15am
Drop-In Meditation
No charge
Tuesdays
8.00pm - 9.00pm
Meditation Class
£4 facility fee
Mondays
8.00pm - 9.00pm
Tibetan Language Class (see below)
£3
The Centre also runs an extensive daily programme of group meditation practices (known as 'pujas') including the meditations of Chenrezik and Green Tara. We also celebrate the annual holy days of Buddha. Participation in some pujas is restricted to those who have taken Refuge or received other prerequisites of practice.
The Centre regularly hosts teachings by Lama Jampa Thaye and other visiting Sakya Buddhist masters.
‘Twenty Verses on the Bodhisattva Vow’ by Jetsun Drakpa Gyaltsen (Part 1) and the initiation of Vasudhara from the Hundred Sadhanas of Bari Lotsawa.
Bristol UK
Study Groups
Study groups provide the opportunity to study texts taught by Lama Jampa Thaye and other
visiting Lamas in more depth. The study groups are ideal for beginners who have been attending introductory classes for some time and wish to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Dharma. Please email for details of current study groups: bristol@dechen.org.
Tibetan Language Classes
The Centre runs classical Tibetan language classes for those wishing to read and understand Tibetan Buddhist texts. These classes are intended for those who are new to the Tibetan language and who wish to master the fundamental skills of the alphabet and pronunciation. This is also an opportunity to learn some vocabulary including basic dharma terms. Classes take place weekly on Mondays at 8.00pm, lasting one hour.
Please email for further details: bristol@dechen.org.
Dedications
Pujas performed at the Sakya Centre can be dedicated to the benefit of individuals in the case of illness or death. Please speak to any member of the administration team or the person who is leading the puja. It is traditional to make an offering to the centre when making such a request - a sum of £20 is suggested as appropriate. To request a dedication and make an offering please email: bristol@dechen.org.
Retreats
Further meditation classes and teachings are given at the Sakya retreat centre in the Dordogne, France, Sakya Changlochen Ling.
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