Pure Land Buddhist Centre

Pure Land Buddhist Centre is a residential Buddhist community and a part of the New Kadampa Tradition of Mahayana Buddhism, founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. We have recently moved to the St James area of Exeter and we offer a range of meditation classes and other events, both at the Centre in Exeter and in other towns in Devon. Our aim is to help people from all backgrounds and walks of life find inner peace in their lives. Whatever your level of interest, you are most welcome to attend any of our courses.

What is a Pure Land?

A Pure Land is a world that is beyond our ordinary experience. However, it is not mere fantasy - it is simply the world that appears to a pure mind. Buddha taught that everything depends on the mind. Through training in compassion and wisdom and working to abandon faults such as anger and selfishness we shall gradually purify our mind and come to inhabit a Pure Land. Following this inner journey is the essence of the Buddhist path.

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Picture Gallery - Summer 2009

Newsletter - July / August 2009

Newsletter - June 2009

meditation in a modern world

Meditation is a simple but very effective method of learning to relax, de-stress and respond creatively to life's challenges.

We run classes in Axminster, Barnstaple, Crediton, Exeter, Exmouth, Newton Abbot and Tiverton

In general it seems that in this world there are ever more problems and dangers and there are so many people experiencing intolerable physical or mental pain.

Although our understanding of our external world has greatly increased this knowledge has not led to a corresponding increase in human happiness and it has not solved our human problems.

This is because happiness is a state of mind and therefore its real cause cannot be found outside the mind itself. Even if externally we have the best conditions, if there is the inner pollution of anger, resentment or jealousy within our mind, we will not be peaceful and we will not be happy. Conversely, if we are sick or our external situation is difficult, but our mind is well trained in patience, compassion and wisdom, then we shall definitely experience happiness and we shall definitely have a greater ability to benefit others. The way to cultivate such a powerful mind is through meditation.