This a Buddhist temple that was set up in 1987 by the East Midlands Buddhist Association. It is located in the Braunstone area of Leicester and was paid for by donations from the public and EMBA members. We offer Buddhist services to the community and help to anyone who visits with an interest in Buddhism or meditation. We host various festivals, meetings and meditation groups with visitors travelling from across the Midlands and the UK.
Shrine Room Buddha StatueThe main area of the Vihara is the shrine room, which is used for group meetings, religious practice, meditation and chanting. It houses a 4-foot tall seated Buddha statue brought over from Sri Lanka which serves as a reminder of the Buddha’s teachings. There is meditation equipment of various sorts for use by visitors.
The Vihara provides accommodation for up to three experienced Buddhist monks who have trained in Sri Lankan monasteries and kindly travelled here to provide spiritual help and leadership to the Buddhist community. The monks offer their experience and services to all visitors and are happy to give Dhamma talks, meditation instruction, blessings, chanting and counselling. People who are new to Buddhism and meditation are especially welcome to speak to the monks and ask any questions they might have. When invited, the monks often visit homes, schools and hospitals to give blessings, teachings and information.
Regular visitors and followers like to make offerings and donations of food (Dana) and on most days a ceremony is held at the Vihara where offerings are made to the Buddha and to the monks followed by chanting and a Dhamma talk. From time to time we are lucky enough receive visits from prominent Buddhist teachers who kindly give talks at the Vihara.
