Launch of Sakya Buddhist Centre London 20th September 2009 On Saturday 19th September, London’s first Sakya Buddhist centre, Sakya Dechen Ling, located in the heart of Notting Hill, celebrated its official opening. The launch reception was held in a local venue and attended by Dechen sangha from across the UK, as well as representatives from other Buddhist groups including Rigpa, Shambhala, Bodhi Path and Diamond Way. The atmosphere was friendly, vibrant and relaxed. During the course of the evening the London coordinator, Paul Haddon, gave a brief speech, sketching the background of Sakya Dechen Ling in London, before introducing its founder, and guest of honour, Lama Jampa Thaye. Lama Jampa then gave an illuminating speech in which he described the remarkable qualities of the Sakya tradition, and how these were embodied by his own masters, Karma Thinley Rinpoche and His Holiness Sakya Trizin, under whose inspiration Sakya Dechen Ling had been founded. Lama Jampa also looked forward to the visit of His Holiness to London in 2010 where he will bestow the Kalachakra initiation and other teachings.