Dechen Scotland

Modern times. Timeless tradition.

Authentic Tibetan Buddhism in the heart of Scotland.

Meditation Classes

We offer meditation classes every other Wednesday from 6:30-7:30pm in the sensory room at the Dunblane Centre. These classes are open to all, whether you’re new to meditation and Buddhism or have some experience. A suggested donation of £3 is encouraged to help cover running costs.

2024
29th May
12th June
26th June
10th July
24th July
7th August
4th September
18th Septemer
Q- What is the format of the class?
A- Most classes start with an explanation of calm-abiding meditation. The group leader will help you focus on your breathing and let go of your thoughts. There will then be a period of silent meditation, for about 20 – 30 minutes. Please don’t worry about having to sit still for so long! People often shuffle about to get comfortable.
After the meditation, there is usually a short talk about a basic Buddhist concept, followed by questions and discussion. Don’t be shy about asking questions, but if you’d rather just listen, that’s fine.
Q- Do I need any special clothes or equipment?
A- You don’t need any special clothes or equipment although you may wish to bring your own cushion to sit on if you have one. There will be a few spare cushions available and plenty of chairs if you prefer not to/ are unable to sit on the floor.
Q- Do I need to be a Buddhist to participate?
A- These classes are open to people of all beliefs or none – you don’t need to be Buddhist. There will be a small table with a Buddha statue and you might see some people who are already Buddhists bow down in front of the statues at the start of the class, to show respect. But please don’t worry – no-one will expect you to do this. Also the sessions begin with a short ‘refuge prayer,’ usually in English, but sometimes in Tibetan. Buddhists say this prayer before any meditation practice to help focus, but you won’t be expected to join in.
Q- I have a question about accessibilty/ parking/ the facilities?
A- The Dunblane Centre has disabled access throughout, disabled toilets, an on site car park with 2 disabled spaces. It is also accessible by train and bus. For more information, see their website: https://dunblanecentre.co.uk/about-us-join-us/contact-us-find-us/
Any more questions? Feel free to contact us at Scotland@Dechen.org

Our Buddhist Teachers: a Living Lineage

Dechen Scotland follows the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It is famed as the school of meditation practice. One of its alternative names is ‘the practice lineage’.

The Kagyu tradition was founded in the 11th century by three celebrated masters, Marpa ‘the translator’, Milarepa, a great ascetic yogin and poet, and Gampopa, a monk and scholar. Through the mastery and activity of these three, a wealth of buddhist teachings that form the Kagyu school was brought from India, translated into Tibetan, systematized, and taught throughout Tibet.

We are fortunate that this wealth of teachings of the Kagyu school has been preserved and passed down through the centuries, from master to student, to our present day teachers.

Lama Jampa Thaye

Lama Jampa Thaye is a scholar and meditation master trained in the Sakya and Karma Kagyu traditions of Buddhism. He is particularly close to HH Thaye Dorje, the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa and has received teachings from over thirty masters. He is authorised as a Lama and Vajrayana master by his two main teachers Karma Thinley Rinpoche and HH Sakya Gongma Trichen.
Karma Thinley Rinpoche

Karma Thinley Rinpoche is a Buddhist master of the Sakya and Kagyu traditions who was born into the noble family of Bongsar in 1931 in the Nangchen area of Kham, Eastern Tibet.
His Holiness the 17th Karmapa

His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje, is the head of the Karma Kagyu tradition of Buddhism.
His Holiness was born in Tibet and then moved to India, where he was educated by many great contemporary Buddhist masters.
He is now based in Kalimpong, India, but teaches around the world.