Developing Buddhist Teachings and Practices
Having a Buddhist Temple (Gompa) in Leeds city centre is a wonderful resource. People who visit us are amazed to find such a beautiful and peaceful space in the heart of the busy business quarter of Leeds city center.
We host two or three Buddhist classes and meditation sessions a week at a lunch time and evenings, also Buddhist teaching events or pujas (chanted prayer gatherings) at a weekend. These draw significant numbers into the centre, and in a year we have over 2,000 attendees to our Buddhist teachings and practices.
We have guest teachers from all over the UK and internationally, while also being blessed by the visits of three High Lama (reincarnated and highly respected Buddhist teachers) in the last three years.
Our currently rented Gompa can only house about 35 people and on special occasions we can squeeze up to 60. Usually for larger events we need to hire a larger space, draft in volunteers to create a sacred space with thrones, altars, reception, breakout and shop areas, and the costs can be expensive if using hotels, universities etc.
Following 20 years of growth and development, we are now ready to take the next step, to find and buy a permanent home in the heart of Leeds.
What we would like to achieve:
We would like to own a larger Buddhist Temple (Gompa) in the city center with greater space which would allow us to keep more of our activities in house and deliver them in a more effective and economical way.
Owning a larger and more adaptable property will enable us in creating more versatile spaces so that multiple, additional classes, either Buddhist or secular, can take place. We could host ethical based businesses such as a shop, café or wellbeing centre. This will enable us to be of greater benefit to those in Leeds and West Yorkshire and fulfil the wishes of our teachers.
We wish to be the heart of Buddhism in the UK.
If you would like to help us achieve our goal then get involved !