DHARMAVAJRA KADAMPA BUDDHIST CENTRE – OPEN DOOR EVENT

SATURDAY 4^TH SEPTEMBER 2010

Springfield House, Ffynone Road, Uplands, Swansea

On Saturday 4th September 2010, Dharmavajra Kadampa Buddhist Centre will join dozens of other historic sites across Wales by opening the doors of its impressive, Grade Two-listed property and gardens – Springfield House – for public viewing, from 12pm until 4pm.   This event is part of the Open Doors/Dysau Agored initiative – the largest celebration of architecture and heritage in Wales – organised by the Civic Trust for Wales and supported by Cadw.

Springfield House is situated on Ffynone Road, in a conservation area of the Uplands, within walking distance of Swansea town centre.  Steeped in history, the property was originally constructed at the request of Mr W H Forrester in 1863 and now operates as a residential Kadampa Buddhist Centre and World Peace Café, offering a place of spiritual refuge for the local and wider community.

On the day of this Open Doors event, Springfield House will be offering free entrance to all members of the public, from 12pm until 4pm, during which time the World Peace Café will be serving delicious, home-made cakes and speciality teas and coffees.  The Centre’s shop will also be open, selling a range of books and CDs on meditation and Buddhism, as well as gift items.

At 1pm visitors will have the opportunity to receive a short talk based on the history of the building and a guided tour of the property and its attractive gardens, which are maintained by volunteers and residents of the Centre.

At 2pm there will then be a chance to experience what Springfield House has to offer in its present incarnation as Dharmavajra Kadampa Buddhist Centre, by enjoying a relaxing, taster meditation session and an explanation of the shrine within the peaceful meditation room.

Members of the public who have had historical involvement with these premises, such as previous occupiers, facility users, or anyone who has contributed to its development, are invited to attend and bring photographs and share their memories of Springfield House.

For further information on this event, please contact Dharmavajra Centre by phoning 01792 458245, emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visiting www.meditationinwales.org.

For further information about Open Doors events across Wales, please contact the Civic Trust for Wales on 02920 343336 or visit http://www.civictrustwales.org.

Summer Meditation Weekend in Solva

‘How to Solve our Human Problems’

Saturday 28^th August 2010, 10.30am – 4pm (£20/£15 concession)

& Sunday 29^th August 2010, 10.30am – 1pm (£10)

Over August bank holiday weekend, Dharmavajra Kadampa Buddhist Centre will be providing a very special opportunity to enjoy a meaningful spiritual holiday in the beautiful, seaside town of Solva, West Wales.  During the course of the weekend, there will be time to relax, unwind, engage in meditations and receive teachings based on the book ‘How to Solve our Human Problems’ by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, including an explanation of Buddha’s very first teaching – the Sutra of the Four Noble Truths.  Through these teachings we can identify the faults of anger and learn how to oppose this harmful mind with love, compassion and patience.

The teachings and meditations will be held at Solva Memorial Hall, Solva, Pembrokeshire SA62 6TE on Saturday 28th August 2010, from 10.30am until 4pm, and Sunday 29th August 2010, from 10.30am until 1pm.  It is possible to attend for just a single day of the course, but attending the entire weekend will bring the most benefit.  In between sessions there will be opportunities to meet new people and reflect upon the meaning of the teachings amongst the picturesque surroundings, which offer many opportunities for coastal walks.

The facility fee for Saturday is £20 (£15 concession), which includes lunch and refreshments, and the fee for Sunday is £10, excluding lunch (Charity Number: 1039234).  Please book your place on the course in advance by contacting Dharmavajra Centre on 01792 458 245 or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Details of other meditation classes around South Wales can also be found on the Centre’s website – www.meditaioninwales.org. Everyone welcome!

As this course will be held over August bank holiday weekend, if you wish to stay in Solva or the surrounding area, it would be advisable to book accommodation as soon as possible.  For more information on available accommodation, please contact the Welsh Tourist Board on 01437 720 392.  Solva is on the A487 between Haverfordwest and St. Davids.