“Dhagpo Kagyu Ling will be a place where Buddha Sakyamuni’s fundamental teachings may be studied, assimilated and  practised. His words of absolute purity were meant for the benefit of all beings which is why I hope that all those who come  here will use this rare opportunity to attain both relative and ultimate happiness. “
The 16th Gyalwa Karmapa

The aim of the centre is to spread, in all their purity, the teachings of Buddha. It welcomes everybody who has a desire to get acquainted with Buddhism, whether in the course of studies or in order to incorporate buddhist thought and practice into his or her daily life.

A special place

Dhagpo Kagyu Ling is situated in the Dordogne region of south-west France, in the heart of the "Périgord Noir", forming a triangle with Sarlat, Périgueux and Brive. It is located in the valley of the Vézère, which is generally known as "vallée de l’homme" or "Valley of Mankind", because it is here that one finds the famous prehistoric sites of Lascaux and Les Eyzies de Tayac. The centre itself is in the district of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, not far from Montignac, set amongst valleys and forests of great beauty, a countryside which is eminently conducive to meditation and contemplation.

The causes and circonstances

1959: Faced with a menacing situation in Tibet on account of the Chinese invasion, many great masters choose the path of exile and leave their country for refuge in India, followed shortly after by roughly one hundred thousand monks and ordinary Tibetans.

1960: As a consequence, in 1960, westerners suddenly have the chance to come directly in contact with these great masters and therefore with the Buddha’s teachings which have been authentically preserved in Tibet under their guidance.

1974: Monsieur Bernard BENSON, owner of the Château Chaban in the Dordogne, makes a donation of land and buildings to representatives of Tibetan buddhism.

The birth

1975: The 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, spiritual leader of the Kagyupa School, one of the four great spiritual schools of Tibet, is welcomed in France. In response to the demand of an ever-increasing number of people interested in the "Tibet Message", the Gyalwa Karmapa sends to France two particularly qualified teachers: Lama Gendun Rinpoche, a great master of meditation, and Lama Jigme Rinpoche, an accomplished spiritual master.

1977: The Gyalwa Karmapa names the place donated by M. Benson "Dhagpo Kagyu Ling" (The Place of Teaching) and declares it his headquarters, heart of the European Karma Kagyu network. The western disciples found the legal association "Dhagpo Kagyu Ling".
The centre is born !

The development

The following years see considerable improvements to existing buildings being made by disciples and supporters with the aim to being able to welcome visitors from all parts of Europe. Accommodation facilities are constructed as well, because regular teachings being given by Lama Gendun Rinpoche and other great masters attract an increasing number of people.


1988: The French government accords legal status to Karme Dharma Chakra as a monastic congregation, - the first time that a non-catholic organisation has been officially acknowledged in such a way. These days Dhagpo offers all year round (with special emphasis on school holidays and weekends) teachings and meditation practice, guided retreats, the opportunity to meet great masters, classes on Buddhist philosophy, workshops on accompanying the dying and the bereaved, on education, and also courses for adolescents and young adults. Whether you are new to meditation or already practise it, whether you are a Buddhist or just interested and searching or simply curious, you will find in this program something of interest to you.