The Reconstruction of Buddhist Landscape Planning of Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery in Scotland

Xin Li,Piiilei Ma,Xiuyao Ma,Wen-Pei Sung,Tao-Yun Han

doi:10.1051/matecconf/201817504011

Abstract

By comparing the differences in the Buddhist landscape between Scottish Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and the Samye Ling Temple in Tibet, the article points out the former has three problems such as an inadequate Buddha-Hall, unbalanced distribution of Buddhist landscapes and incomplete Mandala landscape pattern. It is proposed that to enlarge Buddha-Hall and build out corridors for more circumambulations, and to construct new landscape in four directions to form a complete Buddhist pattern including Dvipa and Eight Small Continents. The conclusion is the reconstruction of Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery in Scotland brings new spatial distinction, which will enhance its influence and sustainable development.So the modernity method of Tibetan Buddhist temples overseas is based on the inheriting the traditional Tibetan Mandala Buddhist pattern, and then to develop the Five-Holy style Buddhist landscape pattern which inculturation with the native site situation.

Highlights

In 2001, there were 7,000 Buddhists in Scotland, just over half were British whites whose parents were non-Buddhists, and the largest group was Chinese
The Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery is situated in a level ground by the River Esk in the southwestern valley in Scotland
That Tibetan Buddhist temple can grow and develop in this remote valley is benefit from their space strategies that changing for survival

Summary

A brief introduction of Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery in Scotland

In 2001, there were 7,000 Buddhists in Scotland, just over half were British whites whose parents were non-Buddhists, and the largest group was Chinese. Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery in Scotland was built since 1967 and dedicated in 1988, and it gradually became the largest Buddhist temple in Europe. A bird’s eye view of the present situation of Samye Ling Monastery; 1.Buddhist Temple; 2.Johnstone House; 3.White Stupa; 4. Guru Rinpoche is known as “The Lotus Born” who was born spontaneously from a lotus flower, and he introduced Buddhism to Tibet His statue sits in the pond at the foot of the White Stupa. The Buddhist Monastery along the river has magnificent scenery, and from north to south it plans the camp site, Buddhist Temple, Buddhist landscapes, cabin guest houses, parking lots and so on. It’s main Buddhist landscapes are White Stupa and Prayer Wheel House, Nagarjuna Statue and pond in the southwest, and Green Tara Tibetan Herbal Medicine Garden in the southeast (Figure 2)

Budda Hall space is narrow and needs to be enlarged

Perfecting the Quartet Buddhist Landscape

Problems of Five-Holy Style Pattern of the Buddhist Monastery in Scotland

Conclusion