The Centre
Ratnasambhava Meditation Centre is a place where anyone can try meditation and learn how to apply Buddha’s teachings to solve their daily problems and find lasting happiness. It's current presence in Leeds started a branch of Madhyamaka Centre in 2007 - one of the largest Buddhist Centres in the UK and part of the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union.
Over the past 17 years, local Dharma students have been working hard to 
create the causes for a Buddhist Centre for the people of Leeds. Temporary centres in rented accommodation have come and gone - with long gaps in between.
Three years ago we set up a Centre in rented accommodation in Meanwood, which became focus of a strong Dharma community. It was the centre for four branch classes, Foundation Programme classes, regular day courses, and bigger courses and empowerments in outside venues.
In February 2010 after a massive effort by the communityinvolving hard work, fundraising, and strong prayers, the centre moved to its first owned home. This very beautiful and spacious property in Oakwood is already proving to be the perfect home for Ratnasambhava Centre, and has lots of potential for the future.
It provides:
* A meditation room, ideal for courses and empowerments
* An easily accessible venue, 2.5 miles from Leeds City Centre, in Oakwood
* Accommodation for residential visitors
* Accommodation for residents and the teacher
* A lovely room and beautiful garden with the potential for a World Peace Cafe
* A library where visitors can read Geshe Kelsang's books
* An organic food and Dharma Shop
* A base from which to offer school visits, hospital chaplaincy, and other ways of reaching out to our community
* Easy access by public transport
* A stable 'Mother Centre' from which current and future branches can grow
* The facilities to train qualified Dharma Teachers
* A focus and meeting space for Dharma students throughout Leeds to be able to meditate, study and work together
Many people, young and old, Buddhist and non-Buddhist, can use the Centre. Those interested in spiritual development can to spend time with like-minded friends whenever they wished. Those who do not wish to study or meditate can still benefit from this oasis of peace and harmony, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere in the meditation room and the garden, and making connections with people at the Centre which might help them in years to come.
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, who founded this Centre, gave it the name 'Ratnasambhava Centre'. Ratnasambhava is the Buddha the purified aggregate of feeling. His name indicates that over the years many people in this area will be able to achieve this goal, through the kindness of those who help right now to establish the Centre.