Buddhists have revealed that work to convert a historic Geding mansion into a mediation centre is entering the final stages and it will then be fully open to the public.
Kadampa Meditation Centre, will be based at the Grade II listed Gedling House, and they hope to be fully operational come April.
They are currently finishing off renovating the public areas with the whole ground floor being made available for public use, and will feature a meditation room, sitting rooms, and hopefully a café. The centre also plans to hold events such as the upcoming Curry and Calm night, which is taking place on April 1
Kadampa Meditation operates over 1200 meditation centres around the world.
Jane Piper, administrative director of the Gedling centre, said: “We have been teaching some classes from here, but it has been in a limited way because of the building work. We are going to start opening for more classes soon.
“We’re just putting rooms together and things like that. We have accommodation as well, and people come for retreats.
“We’re hoping to be fully open by the beginning of April, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony as such!”
The centre has a range of activities planned, with drop-in classes that are suitable for everyone regardless of whether they subscribe to Buddhism or not. They teach people to meditate and be more relaxed, as well as how to develop positive states of mind.
Regarding the Curry and Calm event, Jane said: “We have an Indian monk and he is cooking a traditional Indian meal that is vegetarian. It will start with a meditation, and it’s an event where people can come and enjoy good food in a relaxing environment with friendly people.”
The centre has people from all walks of life attending, and Jane spoke of how they are operating a modern centre with teachings presented for a contemporary life.
“People can fit it into a family situation or a modern working life. We also want to try and go back into the community, places like Mansfield and Newark once the building work phase is over, for people who may struggle to get into the centre themselves.”
Gen Kelsang Gakyi is the resident teacher at the centre, and she has been studying Buddhism for over 30 years. From West Bridgford originally, she trained in the Lake District and previously taught in the Wirral, where Jane first met her.
The centre was previously based on Pelham Road in Sherwood, but moved to Gedling House, with owners saying it was a calmer environment away from the city centre.
Tickets for the Curry and Calm event can be purchased on their website here: https://www.meditateinnottingham.org/
Arnold is peceful and they should have come here to get more tourists as knowone goes to Gedling. Arnold i sour capital and our London