Observatory residents have a new place to pursue inner peace after a Buddhist temple opened its doors in the area.
The Tushita Kadampa Meditation Centre’s City Temple is in Trill Road.
Gen Pagpa, a resident teacher at the new temple, said it was dedicated to world peace and to helping people.
“Meditation helps calm the busyness and distractions that disturb our peace of mind and leads us to a deep state of inner peace,” he said. “Through individual people improving their own experience of inner peace, this brings about a corresponding increase in the peace and harmony within our communities.”
The Tushita Kadampa Meditation Centre was established in 2008 and is part of the New Kadampa Tradition, a Buddhist order founded by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and with centres around the world.
Previously the centre had rented premises in Rondebosch.
“Initially, the plan was to rent again, but then our mother centre in the UK offered to loan us the funds to purchase new premises.
“We found the new temple building, which perfectly suits our needs, within the first week of our search,” Mr Pagpa said.
The temple has regular outreach classes across Cape Town, including Blouberg Sands, Durbanville, Khayelitsha, Simon’s Town, Somerset West and Tamboerskloof.
“Everyone is welcome to attend these activites,” said Mr Pagpa. He quoted Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, saying: “Only by creating peace within our own mind and helping others do the same can we hope to achieve peace in this world.”
Buddhist monk Gen-la Jampa will give a talk, “Letting Go of Anxiety”, at the temple on Monday May 21, from 7pm to 8.30pm.
It costs R80 and includes refreshments. Visit www.meditateincapetown.org or call 021 447 1650 for details.
