Rabten Tashi Ling Rabten Tashi Ling
Rabten Tashi Ling Monastery in Hungary is a meditation and retreat centre of the Gelugpa tradition. The centre was founded in the year 2000... Rabten Tashi Ling

Rabten Tashi Ling Monastery in Hungary is located 2km from Lake Balaton at Balatonkeresztúr, Hungary.

Rabten Tashi Ling Monastery in Hungary

Rabten Tashi Ling Monastery in Hungary

A meditation and retreat centre of the Gelugpa tradition, the centre was founded in the year 2000 under the guidance of His Eminence Gonsar Rinpoche to cultivate the connection between Hungary and Tibetan Buddhism under special consideration of the merits of Kőrösi Csoma Sandor, a linguist and philologist famed for being one of the first westerners to master the Tibetan language.

The centre is situated on the south shores of Lake Balaton in what was previously a vineyard. The pristine natural environment, the warm hospitality of the Hungarians and the blessings of the great Buddhist masters who have given many precious teachings here give this place a uniquely calming atmosphere.

The prayer hall of Rabten Tashi Ling

The prayer hall of Rabten Tashi Ling

Lake Balaton is a freshwater lake in the Transdanubian region of Hungary which happens to be the largest lake in Central Europe, and one of the region’s foremost tourist destinations for the Hungarian aristocracy. But in the 1960s and 1970s, it was the Hungarian middle class who began to visit the lake. Before the Berlin Wall came down, it was a favourite meeting place for families and friends separated by the Berlin Wall. After the dismantling of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the collapse of Communism in 1991, the number of lower paid visitors declined.

Vineyard houses are available for visiting guests

Vineyard houses are available for visiting guests

Balatonkeresztúr is one of the calmest villages on the south shore of Lake Balaton. The hills, lake, public shores and the famous hot springs of Hevis close by makes for an idyllic and calming atmosphere.

Rabten Tashi Ling is open to the public between 15 March and 15 October. A practitioner or any visitor for that matter, can spend a quiet, contemplative time in the prayer hall, learn about Buddhism and meditation, or simply enjoy the facilities in one of the eight vineyard houses. There are also many conveniences such as restaurants in the neighbourhood, where one can partake of excellent Hungarian cuisine at modest prices.

Tranquil atmosphere inside Rabten Tashi Ling in Hungary which conducive for meditation

Tranquil atmosphere inside Rabten Tashi Ling in Hungary which conducive for meditation

Twice a year, weekend seminars are given in Hungarian and German which offer excellent access to the wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings.

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  • Fong

    Posted on August 19, 2016 #1 Author

    The location of this centre is very interesting. It is in Hungary, where many of us would think that this is not a likely place for a Buddhist centre. But, the very fact that it is here and has received a warm welcome is testimony that expectations or perception is relative.

    From the photos, the centre looks beautiful and tranquil. From a very mundane point of view, it looks idyllic. The vineyard houses looks to be the perfect place for retreats. Since it only opens its doors to the public from the months of March to October, it looks like summer is when tourists and locals flock to this centre.

    Thanks to the vision and hard work of H.E. Gonsar Rinpoche for establishing this beautiful centre.

    May Rabten Tashi Ling continue to flourish and bring benefits to many people.

    Reply

  • Alice Tay

    Posted on March 13, 2017 #2 Author

    With the effort and guidance of HE Gonsar Rinpoche, the people in Hungary are very fortunate to have this simple and beautiful monastery built in natural environment. The prayer hall although not very big but it is clean, tidy and comfortable for the practitioners to do their prayers. Besides, the practitioners can enjoy the accommodation of vineyard houses in peace and quiet environment as well as the facilities.

    May there are more people know this place and have interests to learn dharma, know about suffering and follow Buddha’s teaching to end the suffering.

    Reply