The Hermitage

It is a great blessing to have found a Lama who understands the Western mind but is also fully steeped in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Lama Shenpen has received teachings and transmissions from a number of high Tibetan Buddhist Rinpoches and spent a number of years as a nun in ndia; she is fluent in Tibetan. Because the Hermitage is her home (as well as the Sangha's central base) she is very accessible for practitioners on either personal or group retreats and that adds greatly to one's experience.

Always happy to be here for my Buddhist practice - meditation, retreats and having discussions with other practitioners. The one to one interviews I had with Lama Shenpen were very helpful and inspiring.

Wonderful Buddhist haven, you couldn't wish for a walmer welcome. A great place for newcomers or experienced Buddhists to gain teachings from Lama Shenpen. If you have an interest in Tibetan Buddhism then I can't recommend the Hermitage highly enough. I have gained so much from my visits here, meditation, Buddhist courses and Dharma friends to name but a few of the benefits.

I have been studying Lama Shenpen's home study course on Meditation and Buddhism for a few years now, and love coming to the Hermitage for meditation days and longer retreats whenever I can. The setting is beautiful, peaceful North Wales countryside, not far from the coast and everyone is lovely and very welcoming. It's a privilege to be part of a group with such a wonderful teacher who really understands the needs of her students & is part of such a special lineage of teachers. Highly recommend for all those interested in Buddhism and meditation!

An amazing peaceful place with great views looking at Snowdonia.Lama Shenpens teachings are amazing whether you are new to Buddhism or an experienced practitioner.The community (Sangha) are all so helpful and friendly.A great place to relax, meditate and connect to the heart of Buddhist teachings.

The Hermitage is a wonderful place to visit. Beautifully nestled in the Welsh countryside with a superb view of Snowdon. I have always been made to feel very welcome and it's such a wondereful opportunity to be able to meditate and study under the direction of Lama Shenpen. I would heartily recommend a visit even if it's just to come and see the magnificent stupa.

I started coming on retreat to the Hermitage in 2013 and loved it right from the start. If you are interested in Tibetan Buddhism or Buddhist meditation and looking for an intelligent approach for Westerners, this is this place.The teacher is an English woman called Lama Shenpen Hookham. She trained in the Kagyu-Nyingma traditon of Tibetan Buddhism and is an authorised teacher. With over 50 years experience, she is worth her weight in gold!If you have questions about your existing meditation practice or want to learn meditation for the first time, this is the place to come.

A wonderful place to study and practice meditation and Buddhism, with a fantastic teacher with a direct connection to such an amazing lineage of Tibetan Buddhist teachers. Feel very lucky and glad to have found such a special place!

The Hermitage has become my spiritual home since I started coming for retreats in 2009. Under the guidance of Lama Shenpen my Buddhist practiced has continued to inspire and deepen. I love coming here and try to make it three or four times a year. You can come for personal or group retreats or meditation days that are open to all. The residents are all very friendly and helpful. It also has a beautiful fully consecrated stupa that gives the place a very special atmosphere. I feel very lucky to have found Lama Shenpen and be connected to a lineage of such great teachers. I really recommend Lama Shenpen’s study course, “ Discovering the Heart of Buddhism” for anyone who is serious about discovering the Heart of the Buddhas teaching.

The Hermitage is a Buddhist Retreat Center of the Awakened Heart Sangha founded by Lama Shenpen Hookham. It is a wonderful place with an amazing teacher and a supportive and welcoming community of people committed to the Buddhist path. It is a beautiful, peaceful place to visit.