The Buddhist Faith
Buddhism is a religion currently flourishing in the West. The Buddha was an exceptional spiritual guide who taught in this world over two thousand years ago. Buddha’s advice teaches people how to improve the quality of their life by developing inner peace, happiness and wisdom. Buddha’s advice is practical and particularly useful in this day and age as stress and difficulties pervade modern life. The teachings have a timeless and universal relevance, and can be practised by anyone in any culture, regardless of race, gender or age. Buddhists are renowned for complete acceptance of people of all backgrounds and beliefs, and followers emphasize sincere compassion and cherishing of others as their main practice.
Buddhists in York
Many of York’s growing Buddhist community are followers of the New Kadampa Tradition. Around forty lay and ordained Buddhists reside at the Madhyamaka Centre in Pocklington. The centre provides regular study programmes, teachings, meditation classes and retreats catering for every level of interest. Many colleges and schools visit and use the centre as a Buddhist resource. It is host to hundreds of guests each year and is a peaceful refuge for the people of York. All are welcome to come and enjoy the beautiful building, grounds and tranquil atmosphere. The New Kadampa Tradition emphasizes applying the teachings of Buddha in a practical and accessible way, to improve the quality of modern life.
The Buddhist Advisers
Kelsang Chöchin is an ordained Buddhist monk who has practised the Buddhist spiritual path for twelve years. He lives in the community at the Madhyamaka Centre and teaches a study programme at the centre, as well as a meditation class in Bridlington. He is the assistant director of the community and takes care of the general day-to-day running of the centre.
Nicola Williams is a lay Buddhist practitioner who also lives in the community at Pocklington. She has been practicing Buddhism and meditation for four years. She teaches a study programme at the centre and a meditation class in Leeds. In the community she takes care of catering and also teaches school and college groups.
For information on Buddhism in the
