Diamond Way gets the keys to the Beaufoy Institute!

The wait is over and the work starts on Wednesday 23rd January 2013 to transform a derelict school in Lambeth into one of the capital’s biggest Buddhist centres, with a visit by Lama Ole Nydahl.

Over the last 10 years, London’s Buddhist community has rocketed by more than 50% – that’s 27,000 new Buddhists, who now total 1% of the capital’s population. This makes London more Buddhist than India, where just 0.8% follow this famously peaceful tradition.
Unsurprisingly, London’s Buddhists have been looking to expand to accommodate the growing interest. Today, a derelict school in Lambeth starts its transformation into one of the capital’s biggest Buddhist centres as a home for Diamond Way Buddhism.
The Grade II Beaufoy Institute promises to be regenerated back to its former splendour, having stood empty for more than 15 years.

The project gained community support and planning approval from Lambeth Council in July and turning the empty Institute into a Buddhist meditation centre will now take some time – and hard work too, explains Steve James, a doctor and spokesman for Diamond Way Buddhism:

“We’re thrilled and delighted to bring the Beaufoy Institute back to life – it’s our dream fulfilled. The project’s success is thanks to the enormous support we’ve had from everyone. It will make a hugely positive impact locally. We’re expecting a lot of hard work now cleaning, painting and cooking for all the volunteers – and the fun starts today”.

If you are interested to hear more about the project, the Danish Lama Ole Nydahl, who has inspired the founding of this and more than 600 other Diamond Way Buddhist centres around the world, will be talking about “Buddhism in the West” at Kensington Town Hall, 5pm Saturday 26th January.

The keys to the Beaufoy Institute!