The Jamyang Centre is just one of the many places where Buddhism is practiced and taught in London. It's housed in a remarkable building that used to be a courthouse.
We sent Shamim Karim to find out more, and talk to some of the people who run and visit the centre.
Lead by a former pupil of the Dalai Lama with the aim of providing information and facilities to people interested in learning about Tibetan Buddhism, the Jamyang centre lies in a quiet street in Kennington in an old courthouse.
It is part of the Foundation of the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), which promotes worldwide teaching of Tibetan Buddhism, meditation, community service and retreats.
The leader, Geshes Tashi Tsering says of the centre “It gives peace and relaxation in this busy lifestyle. For people who want to go further, they can explore further.”
Decorated in a traditional Tibetan style the centre is worth a visit just to see the impressive Buddha which dominates the main meditation room, with stone tablets on the walls depicting the different stages of the Buddha’s life.
Photo: S Karim
The second meditation room is quieter and darker, where visitors meditate in private. Rich tapestries decorate many of the walls, usually depicting Buddhist deities in vivid colours. A library provides literature on Buddhism and Tibet and a bookshop sells incense, books and postcards. There is a café for visitors which opens onto a garden with a fountain with a centre piece of a Buddha statue.
The centre offers a range of classes open to anyone, with or without an interest in Buddhism, although the more philosophical classes are based on Buddhist teachings. These include ‘dying well’ which helps people understand and deal with death and ‘the nature of the mind’ which teaches how the mind works. They range from beginners to advanced level for those exploring Buddhism in depth.
Photo: S Karim
One of the most popular classes is ‘developing patience’ which helps people deal with anger. Given the location of the centre in London with it’s fast pace and hectic, stressful lifestyle it is perhaps not surprising this class attracts at least fifty people every week.
Geshe Tashi Tsering, the leader of the centre was born in Tibet and raised in South India from 13 months. He holds the Lhamrampa Geshe degree (the equivalent of a PhD) from Sera-Mey Monastic University in South India. He studied Western philosophy in France before being chosen to guide Western Buddhists in their exploration of the religion in London.
Photo: S Karim
Geshe Tashi seeks the advice of the Dalai Llama in any important matter and says of his relationship with him “Buddhism teaches a positive relationship between teacher and student and it is very important to make progress in the spiritual journey. For me, he is a really important person in my life”.
The centre has dedicated followers and believers of Buddhism who regularly visit to meditate, continue their studies of the religion and mix with like minded people.
One visitor said of his experience of Buddhism and attending Jamyang “I have an increase sense of good health, I’m mentally calmer through meditation practice. I’m also more caring, tolerant and compassionate towards others.”
Another said “[Buddhism] has changed my life, it changes how you react to people, how you think. It has an impact on your entire existence – it makes me so deeply happy.”
During my visit, whether it was the combination of my own preconceptions of Buddhism being a peaceful religion, or the effect of speaking to people in a peaceful and happy state of mind, I left my meeting with Geshe Tashi and the centre feeling calm and tranquil.
There is a warm, accepting atmosphere at Jamyang for those interested in Buddhist philosophy, meditation or simply a different place to practice yoga, with like minded people.
