THUBTEN CHÖKOR LING
GOMDE UK
BUDDHIST TEMPLE UK - THUBTEN CHÖKOR LING
'The Island Where the
Buddha's Teachings Turns'
A Buddhist Temple, situated in the heart of Yorkshire, Thubten Chökor Ling is an extraordinary project envisioned to create a landmark Buddhist temple and monastery within the serene, 180-acre grounds of Lindholme Hall Estate, England, UK. Designed to accommodate up to 1,000 people, this temple will serve as a sanctuary of wisdom and compassion for countless beings, dedicated to spiritual practice, environmental conservation, and community well-being.
A group of Buddhist monks who wished to rebuild their monastery in Tibet travelled to Nepal and asked Thogme Lama for advice on design. Thogme Lama told them:
"Please see the design for the Temple
at Gomde UK; this one is perfect!"
OUR VISION
A Place to Nurture the Heart, Mind & Land
Thubten Chökor Ling was born from the heartfelt vision of Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, a renowned Tibetan Buddhist teacher and master. Far more than a spiritual site, Rinpoche’s vision is to create a sanctuary where ancient wisdom meets modern needs—a place of healing, growth, and compassion for all. Here, spirituality and environmental stewardship unite, fostering a vibrant community that nurtures the heart, mind, and land.
Whether you’re a spiritual practitioner, an environmentalist, a visionary or an admirer of art, architecture, and philosophy, Thubten Chökor Ling offers a unique and enriching experience for everyone. This is an invitation to be part of an extraordinary vision—a place where hearts and minds find refuge, and the land is cherished and protected for generations to come.
WHY NOW
The Time to Build
Our Temple is Now
Since its founding in 2009, Gomde UK, guided by Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, has grown from modest beginnings into a thriving spiritual and environmental sanctuary. Over the years, the 180-acre Estate has been transformed into a dynamic hub for spiritual practice, meditation, retreats, workshops, and ecological work — each step deeply rooted in our vision of nurturing the heart, mind and land.
To support our growing community, Gomde UK has hosted numerous visits and retreats led by revered masters of the tradition. Essential facilities have been developed, including retreat cabins, accommodation, a meditation hall, library, commercial kitchen, café, shop, and workshop spaces, creating an environment where spirituality, learning, and connection can truly flourish.
By 2024, the vision for Thubten Chökor Ling took a monumental leap forward with planning permission granted to build an architecturally striking, spiritually enriching, and environmentally responsive Buddhist temple. This milestone brings us closer to creating a sanctuary that will serve countless beings, meeting the needs of today and tomorrow for connection, personal growth, and ethical living.
With years of dedication and a vibrant community already in place, now is the time to bring this vision to life. Your support will help build a lasting legacy of wisdom and compassion that will inspire and serve generations to come.
DHARMA
A sacred space where the teachings of the Buddha will be preserved, shared, and practised through teachings, study, meditation, and reflection. A home for the monastic sangha able to offer authentic guidance on the path of inner transformation.
ENVIRONMENT
A sanctuary dedicated to caring for the land through research, active land management, conservation and sustainable practices. Visitors can engage in diverse educational and hands-on activities that promote understanding of ecology, environmental stewardship, and sustainability.
COMMUNITY
An inspiring space where traditions, knowledge and understanding are celebrated, and change is realised through shared vision and group endeavour. A beacon of hope and inspiration to all who seek to make a positive change in their hearts, minds and the natural world.
THUBTEN CHÖKOR LING - BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Join us in Creating a Legacy of Wisdom & Kindness for All
JOURNEY TO DATE
Laying the Conditions for
Thubten Chökor Ling
This place is a jewel; it is not possible to find a place superior to this.
- Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche
THE SITE
A Sacred Place of Spiritual Heritage & Natural Beauty
Thubten Chökor Ling will be situated within the tranquil, 180-acre Lindholme Hall Estate in Yorkshire, England, nestled in the heart of the ecologically significant Humberhead Peatlands, one of the UK's rarest and most biodiverse habitats. Surrounded by ancient oaks and serene woodlands, it offers a peaceful setting for spiritual retreat and environmental research. This unique location invites visitors to engage in meaningful practices, deepening their connection with nature. The estate, once home to both a hermitage and a medieval chapel, has a long history of contemplation and refuge, continuing its legacy today as a sacred space for reflection and renewal.
While offering peaceful seclusion, Lindholme Hall is remarkably accessible—just an hour from major cities like Sheffield and Leeds, and only 1 hour and 45 minutes by train from Manchester and London. Several nearby airports provide convenient access for both national and international travellers.
This unique blend of serene, natural beauty, and accessibility makes Thubten Chökor Ling an ideal destination for visitors from the UK and around the world, continuing Lindholme Hall’s legacy as a place where nature, heritage, and spiritual practice come together in harmony.
15m
Within easy reach of
15 million people in the UK.
1hr
Less than 1 hour away
from 4 major UK Cities and airports.
2hrs
Under 2 hours away by train from Manchester & London.
ACCESSIBILITY
Easily Accessible from Major UK Cities & Airports
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
A Living Icon of Tibetan Architecture & Sustainability
Thubten Chökor Ling is envisioned as a unique architectural landmark, blending traditional Tibetan design with modern sustainable practices, making it truly one of a kind in England. Designed by renowned architect Peter Oudshoorn and guided by the wisdom of Thogme Lama, the temple reflects centuries of spiritual heritage while harmonising with its natural surroundings. Built to endure for 500 years, this Buddhist temple is more than a place of spiritual practice—it is a lasting legacy dedicated to study, reflection, and community.
Set within a peaceful clearing, Thubten Chökor Ling invites you on a journey of discovery from the moment you arrive.
Its traditional mandala layout, featuring four welcoming entrances, leads you into a breath-taking shrine hall that accommodates up to 1,000 visitors—a sacred space for meditation, teachings, and community gatherings. Beyond the shrine hall, the temple offers a world-class Buddhist library, fully equipped teaching rooms for study and reflection, and the abbot's private quarters, all crowned by a luminous golden alloy roof and a glass pavilion that floods the interior with natural light.
This remarkable sanctuary is more than just a building; it's a place where the vibrant traditions of Tibetan art, architecture, and philosophy come alive, offering a space for reflection, connection, and deep spiritual practice.
MATERIAL PALETTE
Timeless Craftsmanship Rooted in Natural Beauty
The material palette of Thubten Chökor Ling fuses tradition with nature, featuring locally sourced Yorkshire limestone that anchors the temple in its natural setting. The golden alloy roof, along with intricately carved friezes and sacred Tibetan motifs, celebrates the exquisite artistry of Tibetan culture. This blend of materials not only enhances the temple’s splendour but also honours its heritage and commitment to sustainable design.
FLOOR PLANS
Spaces for Practice,
Reflection, & Connection
GROUND FLOOR
Shrine Hall
The ground floor features the main shrine hall accommodating up to 1,000 people for meditation, teachings, and ceremonies. It serves as the spiritual heart of the temple, with statues of Buddha Shakyamuni and Padmasambhava as focal points.
FIRST FLOOR
Buddhist Library & Teaching Rooms
Dedicated to knowledge, the first floor includes a world-class Buddhist library and teaching and study rooms overlooking the shrine hall. It offers spaces for study, seminars, workshops, and quiet reflection.
SECOND FLOOR
Abott's Quarters
The second floor provides private quarters for the abbot, offering a quiet setting for meetings, study, and spiritual guidance.
ACCESSIBILITY & SUSTAINABILITY
Inclusive & Eco-Friendly
by Design
Buddhist Temple Thubten Chökor Ling is designed with both accessibility and sustainability at its core. The temple ensures easy access for all visitors, including those with disabilities, with ramps, lifts, and accessible pathways throughout. Sustainability is woven into its design through the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, efficient insulation, and rainwater harvesting systems. Locally sourced materials and eco-friendly construction practices reflect a commitment to preserving the environment, creating a sanctuary that respects both people and the planet. Join us in supporting a space that welcomes all and cares for our Land.
A COLLECTIVE VISION FOR LASTING IMPACT
Uniting Spirituality, Conservation, & Community
Thubten Chökor Ling will be more than a spiritual centre; it will stand as a bridge between cultures, a sanctuary for environmental stewardship, and a welcoming community that fosters peace, joy, and personal growth for all who visit. At Thubten Chökor Ling, we envision a place where:
SPIRITUALITY
A Spiritual Sanctuary for Dharma Practitioners
Dedicated practitioners can deepen their understanding of the Dharma through teachings, study, meditation and personal reflection, with guidance from revered Buddhist teachers and masters.
CULTURE
An Inspiring Space for Cultural Exchange
Schools, universities, and inquisitive minds are invited to explore the profound richness of Eastern art, architecture, philosophy, and ethical living.
KNOWLEDGE
A Living Library of
Buddhist Wisdom
Scholars, researchers and practitioners can immerse themselves in a world-class library filled with sacred texts, teachings, and resources, preserving and sharing the rich traditions of Buddhism.
NATURE
A Tranquil Retreat to Connect with Nature
Community members from both local and global backgrounds can discover moments of peace and meaningful connection within the estate’s serene natural grounds.
CONSERVATION
A Community Committed to Environmental Stewardship
Environmentalists can actively engage in preserving and nurturing the estate’s unique peatland habitat and rich biodiversity, becoming a model and inspiration for others.
PROSPERITY
A Source of Local
Economic Prosperity
In an area facing economic challenges, the temple will engage with the local community to support local businesses, create jobs and boost tourism.
LEARNING
A Community Space for Learning & Growth
Through teachings, seminars, volunteering, and conservation initiatives, the temple will serve as a hub of education, growth, and connection for all.
LEGACY
A Lasting Legacy for
Future Generations
Designed to endure for 500 years, the temple will benefit generations, ensuring the preservation of wisdom, compassion, and environmental care for centuries to come.
We need to bring more and more oneness. We need to help whoever needs help. So right now, we have a full permit at Gomde UK, so we must build quickly!
- Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Join Our Journey to Bring Thubten Chökor Ling to Life
Join us in creating Thubten Chökor Ling through your support, whether by donating, in-kind contributions, or spreading the word. Together, we can bring this vision to life and inspire generations to come.
FINANCIAL
Make a Donation
Your financial contribution, no matter the size, will directly support each phase of construction. Every donation brings us one step closer to opening the temple’s doors, and we deeply appreciate your generosity in helping to build this sanctuary for all.
MATERIALS & SERVICES
In-Kind Contributions
Have goods, services, or expertise to share? Your offerings—whether building materials, furnishings, or professional skills—are invaluable. These contributions help create a space that reflects the care and dedication of our entire community.
LEND A HAND
Volunteer
Be part of something bigger by lending a hand. Whether it’s helping with fundraising, conservation efforts, or community activities, your time and energy make a real difference in bringing the temple to life.
SUPPORT A LASTING LEGACY
Join Us in Bringing Thubten Chökor Ling to Life
The journey to Thubten Chökor Ling has reached a pivotal moment, and together, we are on the brink of turning this vision into reality. With full planning permission granted, a dedicated team offering their expertise pro bono, and a contractor committed to building at cost, we are closer than ever to creating a sanctuary that will inspire and nurture for generations.
During Rinpoche’s recent visit, he offered $100,000 as seed money to ignite the temple’s construction—a generous act that has already inspired an additional $65,000 in donations, bringing our total to £125,000. To start laying the foundations in Spring 2025, our fundraising goal is to raise an initial amount of £500,000 by November 2024. This is our chance to take the next big step, and every bit of support—whether through a donation, spreading the word, or offering in-kind contributions—brings us closer to opening the temple’s doors by 2028.
Now is the time to be part of an extraordinary vision. Your support will help create a sanctuary of wisdom, compassion, and hope that will serve countless beings now and far into the future.
CONSTRUCTION & FUNDRAISING MILESTONES
A Phased Approach to Building a Landmark Buddhist Temple
Building Thubten Chökor Ling is a journey of dedication, vision, and community effort. Each phase of construction brings us closer to creating a sacred space that will serve as a beacon of hope, peace, and positive change for generations. Our goal: to open the temple’s doors by 2028. Every contribution—large or small—moves us forward, making each milestone a shared achievement. Together, we are creating more than just a building; we’re offering a gift to the world—a sanctuary where the authentic teachings of the Buddha will be preserved, shared, and studied, inspiring a future of wisdom, compassion, and nurture for our community and the environment.
