FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
Is it possible to get meditation instruction at Samye Ling?
A:
Samye Ling offers meditation courses and retreats, for beginners and those more experienced. You can see what is currently available on our courses page.
Q:
How does one become a monk or a nun?
A:
It is recommended that you first contact our Deputy Abbot, Lama Katen, who has overall responsibility for the monks and nuns. Prospective monks and nuns are required to first keep the 5 main precepts (not to kill, not to steal, not to tell lies, not to take intoxicants and to remain celibate) for a period of time within Samye Ling - normally one year. This will allow them to decide whether or not the lifestyle of a monk or nun is suited to them. After this time, if they are still interested and the Abbot and Deputy Abbot agree, they can take ordination for a period of one year and if they wish they can then renew their vows for another one or three years until such time as they are ready to take life ordination.
Q:
I am coming to visit with my family, is there anywhere we can't go in the monastery?
A:
Visitors are welcome to visit the temple and walk around the gardens. The temple is open daily from 6am to 8pm and you are welcome at any time. We do ask however, that if you visit during meditation time (8am to 9am) you enter the temple at the beginning of the session and remain until the end, so as not to disturb those who are meditating. At 3.30pm we have our daily Mahakala prayers and you are more than welcome to enter and stay for as long as you wish.
Q:
I'm booked to come and stay at Samye Ling soon. Is there anything special that I should bring with me?
A:
You are required to remove your shoes before entering the temple and dining area and so a pair of shoes that are easy to slip on and off is very handy. Many people also like to bring a thick pair of socks or slippers.
The weather can be changeable here and so a pair of waterproof shoes and waterproof jacket are recommended, especially in the winter months.
During the winter months we also recommend that you bring a torch, especially if you are booked to stay at Purelands.
Please note that the nearest cash point is in Lockerbie (14 miles away). Card payments are accepted in the shop and the reception office.
Q:
What are your opening hours for day visitors?
A:
The temple opens at 6am until 8pm at night. You are welcome to visit at these times and take the opportunity to listen to the prayers and participate in the meditation sessions. Visitors are free to come and go at these times although we do ask that during meditation sessions (8am-9am) you arrive at the start and stay until the end.
Q:
Would it be possible for our company to arrange a staff motivational weekend at Samye Ling?
A:
Yes indeed. Please use our contact form to send us times and dates and numbers and we will see what can be arranged.
Q:
I have recently retired from work and would like to spend a few months at Samye Ling to re-orient my life. Would it be possible to volunteer for a restricted period?
A:
Yes, this is possible. There is a procedure for becoming a volunteer at Samye Ling and volunteers stay for varying lengths of time. If you would like to volunteer then the first step is to send an email to our Volunteer Team at volunteer@samyeling.org requesting an application form.
Q:
If a person does voluntary work at Samye Ling, do they receive some meditation training during this period?
A:
At Samye Ling many of our volunteers make a commitment to take full part in the spiritual activities of the monastery and we welcome this. This may include attending teaching sessions with visiting Buddhist Lamas.
Some choose not to, and that is also fine.
Volunteers are welcome to attend any of the daily meditation and prayer sessions during their stay.
Q:
Who should I speak to about volunteering for a limited period of time? I am thinking of spending my gap year at Samye Ling.
A:
There is a procedure for becoming a volunteer in Samye Ling. To enquire or to begin following that process, you can send an email to our Volunteer Team at volunteer@samyeling.org requesting an application form. The Volunteer Team should also be able to help answer any questions you may have.