About Us
Tse Chen Ling means “Land of Great Compassion” in the Tibetan language. Our center was named by His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet. We are a non-profit, volunteer based organization located in the Ingleside District of San Francisco.
We are a meditation, study and practice center. We offer courses following the basic Buddhist studies program, advanced Tibetan Buddhist studies, as well as other basic life improvement classes. As an urban center, we are pleased to offer a taste of long retreat by hosting several weekend retreats per year. We are especially happy to host qualified Buddhist masters from all over the world, particularly from India and Tibet. We are grateful to have dedicated local instructors and facilitators to lead many of our classes. Our doors are open to anyone sincerely interested in discovering the Buddhist path.
The Center is affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) – a network of 160 meditation centres and social service projects dedicated to benefitting others in 36 countries around the world. For more information about the FPMT, please visit www.fpmt.org.
We are a meditation, study and practice center. We offer courses following the basic Buddhist studies program, advanced Tibetan Buddhist studies, as well as other basic life improvement classes. As an urban center, we are pleased to offer a taste of long retreat by hosting several weekend retreats per year. We are especially happy to host qualified Buddhist masters from all over the world, particularly from India and Tibet. We are grateful to have dedicated local instructors and facilitators to lead many of our classes. Our doors are open to anyone sincerely interested in discovering the Buddhist path.
The Center is affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) – a network of 160 meditation centres and social service projects dedicated to benefitting others in 36 countries around the world. For more information about the FPMT, please visit www.fpmt.org.
Our Mission
Our purpose is to serve the Bay Area community by offering the opportunity to meet the teachings of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. We provide a supportive study and practice environment to develop a clear mind and a good heart.
Here are our guiding principles:
Here are our guiding principles:
- Offer study and practice programs consistent with the spiritual guidelines of the FPMT and meet the needs of diverse individuals.
- Retain the highest quality teachers and related support services.
- Act in accordance with the spiritual advice and serve the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
- Maintain financial stability and effective management of the Center.
- Maintain an organizational culture that encourages and reflects the integration of Dharma study and practice in everyday life.
- Support and maintain a monastic community.
- Provide clear opportunities to participate in, serve and experience a supportive community environment.
- Nurture Tse Chen Ling’s affiliation with FPMT and its spiritual director.
- Sustain awareness of Tse Chen Ling and its program and services in the Bay Area.
- Maintain an effective administrative infrastructure to support Tse Chen Ling’s mission.
- Provide appropriate facilities for Tse Chen Ling’s community and program.
Our History
Tse Chen Ling was founded in 1990 in the lineage of Je Tsong Khapa of Tibet, under the guidance of Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche. It opened its doors on June 8th, celebrating the 15th day of Saka Dawa with Lama Chopa/Tsog ritual offering and a teaching by Venerable Lati Rinpoche to a group of 15 people crowded into a small North Beach studio. The Center has occupied many different spaces over the years before settling into our newest home at 300 Jules Avenue. Geshe Ngawang Dakpa joined our staff in 1999 as our resident teacher. Happily, Geshe-la has graced us with his precious teachings ever since.
Throughout its evolution, Tse Chen Ling has been home to many directors, program coordinators, support staff, volunteers, instructors, and more. For over 20 years, students have come through TCL’s doors for instruction, meditation and friendship. We have strived to serve the evolving needs of an urban community and have worked to meet the demands of a fluctuating economy. We have maintained a continuous and active program filled with a variety of offerings. Our new meditation hall can comfortably accommodate 80 or more students. We plan to keep our doors open for all who seek respite from the suffering of cyclic existence, whether they are looking for a peaceful refuge, the wealth of the Buddha’s teachings or just a cup of tea.
Over the years, our directors have preserved Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s vision and guided the Center on the path of service. They have borne countless challenges and responsibilities, often at their own expense. We are grateful to all the directors, teachers, staff, volunteers, sponsors and members who have kept us going all these years.
Throughout its evolution, Tse Chen Ling has been home to many directors, program coordinators, support staff, volunteers, instructors, and more. For over 20 years, students have come through TCL’s doors for instruction, meditation and friendship. We have strived to serve the evolving needs of an urban community and have worked to meet the demands of a fluctuating economy. We have maintained a continuous and active program filled with a variety of offerings. Our new meditation hall can comfortably accommodate 80 or more students. We plan to keep our doors open for all who seek respite from the suffering of cyclic existence, whether they are looking for a peaceful refuge, the wealth of the Buddha’s teachings or just a cup of tea.
Over the years, our directors have preserved Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s vision and guided the Center on the path of service. They have borne countless challenges and responsibilities, often at their own expense. We are grateful to all the directors, teachers, staff, volunteers, sponsors and members who have kept us going all these years.