Kagyu Samye Dzong Johannesburg (KSDJ) is part of the worldwide network of Samye Dzong centres, under the guidance of the late Akong Rinpoche and his brother, Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, the Abbot of Kagyu Samye Ling Buddhist Monastery in Scotland.
KSDJ has served the community of Johannesburg by providing a space where Buddhist teachings and meditation can be learned. Over the years the centre has hosted many great Tibetan lamas, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The centre offers activities in four spheres of endeavour: Spiritual, Therapy, Humanitarian, and Environmental.
When Lama Yeshe Rinpoche visited the centre in March 2019, he envisioned a traditional Tibetan Temple perched on top of the Kensington Ridge, to serve as a base for the next Akong Rinpoche’s activities in Africa. Since then Lama Rinpoche’s team of local professionals has proceeded with plans to make this vision a reality.
The temple building will house a large shrine room, special accommodation for visiting High Lamas, and a multifunctional space. This temple will be dedicated to the peace and wellness of the people of Africa, and the blossoming of the Buddha’s teaching of loving-kindness and compassion for all living beings.
The main statues for the shrine have been commissioned and completed and are ready to be installed when the temple is complete. Copies of the Kangyur and Tengyur texts have also been specially printed and bound in the famous Dege Print House in Tibet. A beautiful shrine has also been designed and is in the process of construction.
Since the shrine will be large there is plenty of space for the traditional 1008 Buddha statues. KSDJ is now offering the opportunity to make a positive connection with this positive project by sponsoring a Buddha statue.
Thank you to everyone who has contacted the office to sponsor a Buddha already, your donations are deeply appreciated. To sponsor a Buddha at R2900 (or donate any amount for the project), please email 1008buddhas@gmail.com.
Update Feb 2024
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every one of you for your support and generosity towards the Kagyu Samye Johannesburg Temple and 1008 Buddhas in South Africa project.
We are delighted to announce that the temple construction has progressed swiftly to the remarkable 80 percent mark.
This heartwarming achievement stands as a testament to the collective efforts and confidence in the significance of this project.
As we continue on this Count Up journey to 1008 Buddhas that will form part of the temple shrine room, we are pleased to share that there are still 650 Buddhas awaiting sponsorship, offering a meaningful opportunity for further contributions to this special project in South Africa.
Help Us Align Our 1008 Buddha Count-Up with the Temple Build-Up!
THREE IDEAS FOR SPONSORING A BUDDHA
- For Someone of Significance. Sponsoring a Buddha for someone of significance in one’s life acknowledges their influence, guidance, or inspiration. It could be a teacher, spiritual leader, mentor, or anyone who has impacted one’s journey.
- In Honour of a Loved One
Sponsoring a Buddha in honour of a loved one is a beautiful way to express gratitude, and love. It could be dedicated to a family member, friend, mentor, or anyone who holds a special place in one’s heart. - In Memory of a Deceased Sponsoring a Buddha in memory of a deceased loved one offers a meaningful way to honour them. It serves as a symbol of remembrance and connection. This gesture allows individuals to find solace and comfort in commemorating the memories and impact left behind by their departed loved ones.
Update June 2024
We are deeply grateful for your generous participation and unwavering support in our journey to raise sponsorship for the 1008 Buddhas that will be placed in our new temple. Thanks to your kindness and dedication, we are thrilled to announce that we are steadily edging towards the 40% mark of Buddhas sponsored.
To all our sponsors: Your contributions have been invaluable. Your sponsorships are not only helping us achieve our goal but also spreading the light of Dharma.
The temple has been beautifully painted, and internal work has begun.
Support the growth of the Dharma in Africa
If you haven’t already participated in our sponsorship programme, there is still a chance to join.
For those that have already sponsored, please spread the word to your own communities who would find this project of interest.
We encourage you to consider sponsoring a Buddha. This is a meaningful way to honour:
– Friends and family
– Loved ones
– The bereaved
– All sentient beings
Email 1008buddhas@gmail.com to find out how to sponsor a Buddha.
Thank you once again for your incredible support.
Let’s continue this journey together, fostering the Dharma and making a profound impact in Africa.
