October 10--It’s been based in Bristol in the Bishopton area for seven years, but it’s surprising how many people don’t know that the Amitabha Buddhist Centre exists and what it can offer.
Image Source: www.meditationinbristol.org
Set in the Old Vicarage on the Pigsty Hill part of Gloucester Road, it is a place of tranquillity and joy which is open to people of all ages and backgrounds.
The Founder of the centre is Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, who is a fully accomplished meditation master who has dedicated his life to helping people by flourishing Kadampa Buddhism throughout the world. He has written 21 books and established over 1100 meditation centres and groups worldwide.
The resident teacher at the Amitabha Centre is Gen Kelsang Chonden and he has been ordained as a Buddhist monk for 20 years. There are also a range of other Buddhist practitioners who are teaching classes and available to chat to and learn from.
Gen Kelsang Chonden said: “When I found this Buddhism, I needed help with my mind and found the teachings very practical and immediately useful. I am still learning and also enjoying training my mind whilst helping others to do the same.”
But you don’t have to be a Buddhist to enjoy the centre – which offers a range of meditation classes, the world peace cafe, a small shop and a beautiful back garden.
It’s a drop-in centre, which is open six days a week, and the meditation classes vary immensely – from beginners relaxation sessions to more in-depth study programmes.
There is also a meditation class for children which runs on most Saturdays between 3 – 4pm with Buddhist nun and mother Kelsang Lamchen.
According to Chonden: “Meditation is of value to everyone because it helps us find inner peace, real happiness and contentment and the ability to share it with others; cope with the pressures and stresses of work and modern life; develop mental clarity, concentration and focus; and relate to others in a calm, caring and constructive manner.”
For more information on what the centre has to offer and upcoming courses, please visit: www.meditationinbristol.org. The centre will be shut from the 20th of October until the 3rd of November.