BCCUK

Our Story & History

The Buddhist Community Centre UK (BCCUK) was founded in 2007 with the vision of serving the spiritual, cultural, and communal needs of the growing Buddhist population in the United Kingdom — particularly those with roots in the Nepalese and Himalayan traditions. What began as a modest initiative by a small group of devoted individuals has blossomed into a dynamic and inclusive spiritual hub located in Aldershot, Hampshire.

BCCUK was created not only as a place of worship but also as a home for mindfulness, community connection, and intercultural understanding. Over the years, it has welcomed people from all walks of life who seek the timeless wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings — fostering a space of peace, reflection, and spiritual growth.

A major milestone in our journey was reached in 2014, when our monastery was consecrated and named Tashi Dongak Choeling by His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche. This sacred act marked a profound spiritual foundation for the centre, anchoring it within the revered Vajrayāna Buddhist lineage.

Just one year later, on 29 June 2015, BCCUK received an extraordinary honour: a formal inauguration by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. This momentous occasion not only sanctified our space but also elevated BCCUK’s role as a respected centre for Buddhist learning and practice in the UK and beyond.

Mission & Vision

At the heart of BCCUK lies a deep commitment to preserving, practicing, and sharing the timeless teachings of the Buddha. Our mission is to create a compassionate, peaceful, and inclusive community that encourages individual transformation through spiritual practice, cultural celebration, and dedicated service to others.

We aspire to build a world where mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom guide human thought and action. Through accessible teachings, inclusive programs, and meaningful community engagement, BCCUK serves as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern life — empowering people to live with intention, purpose, and harmony.

Our centre stands as a beacon for those seeking to cultivate inner peace and contribute to a more mindful and compassionate society. Whether one is new to the path or a lifelong practitioner, BCCUK offers a welcoming space for learning, reflection, and spiritual connection.

The Dalai Lama’s Visit

One of the most cherished moments in BCCUK’s history occurred on 29 June 2015, when His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama graced the centre with his presence to officially inaugurate the monastery. This historic event was a profound blessing and a source of inspiration for thousands of devotees and well-wishers.

During his visit, His Holiness offered profound teachings on compassion, ethical living, and inner development, reinforcing the core values that BCCUK strives to embody. His words resonated deeply with all who attended and continue to shape the centre’s activities and aspirations to this day.

The visit not only honoured the work of the founders and community but also elevated the spiritual standing of BCCUK on a global stage — affirming it as a place of authentic practice and spiritual refuge.

Our Lineage

BCCUK is grounded in the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism, with a strong focus on the Tibetan and Himalayan Vajrayāna path. The centre draws profound inspiration from the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, while being deeply connected to the unbroken lineages of Tibetan masters who have preserved and transmitted the Dharma across generations.

We are especially honoured to receive blessings and guidance from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche, and other revered spiritual leaders and lineage holders. Their wisdom and presence continue to inspire our community’s practice, study, and way of life.

At the core of our lineage are the principles of loving-kindness (metta), compassion (karuna), wisdom (prajna), and the Bodhisattva ideal — the aspiration to attain enlightenment not for oneself alone, but for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Through devotion to these teachings and values, BCCUK seeks to empower individuals to live with awareness, serve others selflessly, and walk the path of awakening in the modern world.