Rangjng Yeshe UK was established in a rather quiet and unassuming way, after visits to the UK from Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche. Our beginnings were small, with study and meditation groups in the ´south´ and ´north´ of England. We also hosted twice yearly practice weekends which were blessed with great harmony and a real sense of sangha family.
In July 2009, during the annual seminar in Gomde, Denmark, the UK sangha formally asked Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche about our future direction. We were surprised but overjoyed when Rinpoche was extremely positive about the creation of a centre in England. Rinpoche gave his blessing, saying “now is the time to search and have” a centre in England which should be beautiful, remote, secluded with a house and buildings.
We left Denmark on 8th July 2009 and, as Rinpoche said he would like photos as soon as possible, we started the search upon our return. We imagined, that finding easily accessible, remote, beautiful land with a house in England would be extremely difficult and take many months of searching. However, just 12 days later, thanks only we feel to Rinpoche´s blessings, we were able to find a truly wonderful place; the LINDHOLME HALL ESTATE.
Upon receiving the details about Lindholme Hall Estate, Rinpoche described Lindholme Hall as “a Jewel” and said “I feel it is not possible to find something superior to this place”.
AuspiciousnessIn January 2010 Rinpoche visited Gomde Lindholme Hall to formally consecrate the house and land.
Lindholme Hall is situated in the centre of Lindholme Island, which in itself is in the centre of Hatfield moor; a National Nature Reserve. It is therefore very secluded and private with no near neighbours and as the land surrounding the hall is protected there is no local development.
The hall is distinguished and beautiful, with a formal garden with mature monkey puzzle trees and views to the south over the estate. There is an orchard and walled vegetable garden.
The Hall has seven large rooms downstairs plus a fully fitted kitchen and eight large bedrooms on the upper floors. There are numerous outbuildings in various states of repair, including a large coach house, an undeveloped wing to the main house, large barns, stable blocks and workshops.
Meditation Hall
To the north east of Lindholme Hall, we have a beautiful meditation hall, with a beautiful oak floor which comfortably seats up to 120 people. The hall is graced by a large, beautiful, gilded statue of the Buddha and Thankas (traditional scroll paintings), arranged around the Hall which depict the Buddha´s life story.
The meditation hall was transformed from one of the outbuildings with a handful of volunteers and very little resources; after the completion of works, when first entering the meditation hall in September 2010, Rinpoche commented ´this is a miracle´
