Vairochana Centre - On the move!
Help make your dream come true
*News* Over £35,000 raised so far towards this project
*New* April 08 - New pictures of the project unfolding

Imagine…

• A well established Kadampa Buddhist Centre in the heart of Manchester offering meditation classes, day courses, residential weekend courses, retreats and study programmes that are open to everyone...
• A place of spiritual refuge where people can find harmony within their lives and bring peace and happiness to others….
  A building that is dedicated to world peace and the happiness of the community at large, both now and in future generations…
• An environment to meet like-minded people, find inspiration and encouragement from others, and feel part of a supportive spiritual community…
• A special place for local schools where children can meet ordained Buddhist monks and nuns and attend inspiring educational talks about the Buddhist Way of Life...
• A World Peace Café where people can take a break from their hectic lives, meet with friends, and relax in beautiful tranquil surroundings...
• A place where people can study how to become qualified Meditation Teachers and bring the joy of Meditation to others.

Making this a reality

Good News!

Vairochana Centre has successfully purchased an Ex-Art School (76 High Lane) in Chorlton. We will officially move into the building in August 2007. Our goal is now to transform this building into a new Dharma Centre which will have great benefits for us all:

• It will bring new energy and focus to Vairochana Centre and a real sense of community and purpose to carry us well into the future
• As a residential college there will be 12 rooms for people who wish to live in the Centre
• There will be a large meditation room perfect for daily practice, courses and special events
• A World Peace Café will be open daily providing a special place to relax & socialise with friends
• The property has safe, onsite parking and is close to excellent public transport links
• Just a five minute walk away is the tranquillity of Chorlton/Sale Water Park & Reservation Area - an ideal place to walk, discuss, contemplate and relax
• The Centre is uniquely located in a prominent position in the Chorlton Conservation Area.

The Building - The Mostyn Art School

Our new centre in Chorlton-Cum-Hardy also has an interesting place in local history. It was built in 1891 as the New Art School (also known as The Studio) by Manchester artist, Tom Mostyn (1864 – 1930). Mostyn went on to exhibit at the Royal Academy, the Paris Salon and the Carnegie Institute. His work is still sought after on the international art market.

Since that time the building has also served as a local authority school, a dance school and most recently as offices for a trade union.

We are very happy that Vairochana Centre is helping to preserve this part of Manchester history, to save the building from commercial redevelopment and bring it back into public use.

Achieving our goal

To achieve this goal we have to transform an office building into a Dharma Centre! The first phase of this transformation involves essential roof repairs, building maintenance and renovation, and creating residential accommodation and the World Peace Café. We need your help to raise the funds for this project. We cannot do it without you.

How YOU can help…..

There are three ways in which you can help...

Firstly, financially:

• We have managed to buy a really special building with enormous potential for the future. But in order to secure this potential we need more money – the cost of the purchase has already taken us to our limits.
• We have already raised over £35,000 so far. However, the overall cost of the work to be carried out in the first phase will be nearly £50,000. Click here for a full breakdown of the costs involved.
• Are you able to make a donation? or can you sponsor any part of the building work?
• If you are a tax payer – we can get tax relief on your gift - making your donation go even further
• If you cannot make a donation, are you able to make an interest-free loan? We guarantee to start repayment after three years. In effect you are simply donating the small amount of interest you would have received from investing your loan elsewhere.

Secondly, through offering your skills or time:

• We need lots of practical help with the first Phase of our project including building, painting, decorating, plumbing, electrical work, labouring, driving, sewing and even volunteers to work in our World Peace Café. If you are unsure about what you can offer, or your level of skill, don’t worry: contact us and we will help to find a suitable job for you.

Thirldy, a way everyone can help, through your prayers:

• Please make prayers that this exciting and meaningful project will be accomplished with success
  

What do I do now?

• Take out some time to give serious thought to how you can help – contemplate and meditate how the new Centre will benefit yourself and the community
• If you want to discuss making a donation or loan, contact Jeff Simm or Sean Beesley at the Centre – everything will be treated in confidence
• Make a donation directly to the Centre by post, through your Branch Teacher or Assistant or online.
• Give your name to the Centre or Branch Teacher or Assistant. Let us know that you are interested in supporting the Centre.
• Contact the Centre to offer your time or skills.