Appeal
for your Generosity
It has been
a long way since Buddhism as a religion first came to Britain
in the late 19th century. From a modest start, Buddhism
is now practised by a number of people; and, there are many
Buddhist monasteries, organisations and centres, numbering
more than 460 around the country.
Their only aim is to spread
the dhamma, the peaceful message of the Lord Buddha. And,
the dhamma is conveyed in many forms and through many cultures
and languages. Here in Britain, unlike traditional Buddhist
countries, it is through intellectual approach and meditation
practice that Buddhism spreads its message, and it has done
well so far. Indeed, our decision to establish a Theravada
Buddhist Centre in Oxford is based on the above observation.
In other
words, we believe, on the one hand, in the increasingly
important role of Buddhist scholars, both lay and monks,
in preserving and disseminating the words of the Buddha
in Britain (and also other parts of the western world),
and, on the other, a need for pragmatic and effective guidance
of the practising community for those who begin the study
of Buddhism as an intellectual exercise. This is also reason
why we have chosen to set up this Vihara in Oxford.
Not with
standing the report of the latest UK census that places
Oxford as one of the high profile godless cities, all the
faith communities are active here in Oxford. And, with the
Tibetan Buddhist centre, which has been there for the last
22 years, and other Buddhist organisations, most of which
have no premises of their own, we hope to contribute to
this growing multicultural society of Oxford as we benefit
from its 800-years old intellectual accomplishment. In terms
of location, Oxford is close to both London and Birmingham,
the two largest cities in Britain.
However, this aim can only
be achieved through a strong and lasting support of the
Buddhist communities in this country.
The Oxford
Buddha Vihara is a registered charity, which means for every
Pound you donate there is 28 Pens top-up by the UK government
in the form of Gift Aid.
How
To Support the Oxford Buddha Vihara
The Oxford
Buddha Vihara is run by three Buddhist monks who also reside
there. You can help their work by offering them food and
material requisites.
Financial support for the Oxford Buddha Vihara, which has
some running cost and a mortgage to service, is welcome
in the form of: (a) One-off donations or (b) Regular donations,
monthly or yearly
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