10 February 2025
When the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa came to visit Samye Ling in Scotland during the 1970’s, he instructed the 2nd Akong Tulku to build the Samye Project and establish the first major Tibetan centre in the West. The traditional architecture and artwork were carried out to the highest standards, with and profound blessings from the many great lineage holders who visited. However, one day a visitor asked Akong Rinpoche why it was that Tibetan Buddhists spent a lot of time and resources on magnificent buildings but didn’t do much to help the immediate needs of people who were suffering. Akong Rinpoche reflected on this criticism and for the rest of his life he was engaged with many humanitarian projects all over the world alongside his more conventional Dharma activity.
It is well known that the 2nd Akong Tulku encouraged his students to set up “Soup Kitchens” throughout Asia, Africa and Europe, offering food to whoever asked, serving them with kindness and respect and expecting nothing in return. From 2006 until 2012, students of Akong Rinpoche came to the Kagyu Monlam in Bodhgaya every year. They started to offer food and friendship to the people of Bodhgaya and surrounding areas. After Akong Rinpoche’s tragic death in 2013, with the blessing of His Holiness 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, the Akong Tulku Memorial Soup Kitchen became part of an ever-increasing range of Compassion in Action projects under the direction of Lama Chodrak assisted by his wonderful team.
Everyone is made to feel welcome. There are lots of children (who really love the oranges!), rickshaw drivers, men on polio bikes, people on sticks and crutches, elderly women, mums and babies, dads with their young children too. All who come are looked after by volunteers from all over the world who are happy to have this opportunity to express their aspirations to benefit others through Compassion in Action. Those who give and those who receive are all touched by the experience.
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche again managed to find time in his busy schedule to visit the Soup Kitchen. He renewed his connection with Bhikkhu Pragya Deep, the highly respected leader of the All-India Bhikkhu Sangha who host the Soup Kitchen in the grounds of their centre. The team of volunteers felt blessed by Mingyur Rinpoche’s joyful effortless presence, and they particularly cherished the precious opportunity to work alongside Rinpoche as he immediately got involved in helping to serve the food which has been prepared each day throughout the Monlam by the cooks from Tergar Monastery. This year Ani Jampa Norzom and Annetty from Spain represented the Samye Ling Dharma centres. They worked closely with some regular members of the Soup Kitchen team, Carrie from South America and our many local friends including Tun Tun, Chhotu and their families.
The Akong Tulku Memorial Soup Kitchen is dedicated to the limitless compassionate activity of His Holiness Gyalwang Karmapa and all Kagyu Lineage holders. The project is supported by the Hart Knowe Trust in co-operation with the Kagyupa International Trust. Vin Harris, co-founder of the Hart Knowe Trust, said: We received this simple message from a new volunteer: “It’s such a lovely job!” It certainly is and I’m so happy that this project has truly taken on a life of its own as it continues to create new positive connections and helps us all to keep Akong Rinpoche and his vast compassionate vision alive in our hearts and minds.
