Our Patron.
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso)
At the heart of the Buddhist Community Centre UK (BCCUK) stands the profound blessing and guidance of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who graciously serves as our spiritual patron. His Holiness’s support has played a foundational role in shaping the vision, values, and direction of our Centre.
A Spiritual Foundation
His Holiness first visited BCCUK in June 2015, a moment of historic and spiritual significance for our community. With warmth and humility, he formally inaugurated our monastery on 29 June 2015, marking the official opening of a new spiritual home for Buddhists across the UK. His words of encouragement and compassion deeply moved all who were present and left a lasting spiritual imprint on our Centre.
As a gesture of his enduring support, His Holiness also donated 100 volumes of the Kangyur—the sacred scriptures containing the teachings of the Buddha. This remarkable gift symbolizes his trust in BCCUK as a living institution of Dharma learning and preservation.
His Holiness and BCCUK
For us at BCCUK, His Holiness represents more than a figure of global renown—he embodies the Bodhisattva ideal of compassion and wisdom in action. Recognised as the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig), the Bodhisattva of Compassion, His Holiness’s life and work have inspired millions around the world, including our growing community here in Aldershot.
His patronage is not simply symbolic. It serves as a living reminder of our commitment to:
- Practice the Dharma with sincerity and openness
- Serve our community through compassion and mindful action
- Promote harmony among all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds
His Patronage: A Lasting Legacy
His Holiness’s ongoing support continues to energize our spiritual activities, guide our leadership, and inspire our volunteers and members. His teachings inform our approach to:
- Meditation and education
- Youth engagement and interfaith dialogue
- Community outreach and welfare projects
As we expand our facilities and extend our services, we carry his vision of unity, peace, and human values at the core of everything we do.
We are deeply grateful for His Holiness’s guidance and spiritual patronage. His involvement elevates the purpose of BCCUK—not only as a local monastery and community centre—but as a centre of universal compassion, where people of all faiths and cultures are welcome to find peace, purpose, and belonging.