G.B. Scotland. Dumfriesshire. Eskdalemuir. Samye Ling Buddhist Centre. Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche, abbot, was born in 1940 in Kham, Eastern Tibet. Two years later he was recognised by His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa as being the reincarnation of the first Akong. Abbot of the Dolma Lhakang complex of monasteries and retreats in Kham, from the age of four until leaving Tibet in 1959 he completed his full training as a Vajrayana master and reincarnate lama. In 1963 he came to the UK and was co-founder of Samye Ling in 1967.

Here the Tulku in the canteen dresses in hard hat and reflective vest prior to inspecting the new development. 2011