The basic message of Buddhism is straightforward and practical: we can't rely on anything to be fixed or permanent, our actions have consequences, we can change and grow into our limitless potential. Friendship is central to our practice, and together we follow a path of ethics, meditation and wisdom. We're available to everyone, whether you see yourself as a Buddhist or are just interested in what Buddhism and meditation can offer your life.
Our reception and shop are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 11am to 3pm, with meditation here at 1pm; and 10.30am to 2.30pm on Saturdays, with introductory Buddhism and meditation at 11. We're starting to hold more in-person classes and get-togethers here, but many of our events and classes are online for now, so do join us there too.
Our reception and shop are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 11am to 3pm, with meditation here at 1pm; and 10.30am to 2.30pm on Saturdays, with introductory Buddhism and meditation at 11. We're starting to hold more in-person classes and get-togethers here, but many of our events and classes are online for now, so do join us there too.
Services
Weekly open session: Tools for Living - popular and informal classes most Saturday mornings at 11am. Just turn up a few minutes before - see What's On for more info. You need to book and pay for the six-week courses in advance please but not for the drop-in classes. Prices and booking details for each course are in What's on.
Lunchtime sessions: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1 pm, no need to book - see What's On for more info. Popular and informal - a good place to start. Another option: Meditation is a big part of our Tools for Living Buddhism classes, most Saturdays at 11am. No need to book - see What's On for more info.
Weekly online session for anyone with at least six months experience of the two meditation practices we teach here. Centre and shop are open 11-3 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays Thursdays with lunchtime meditation in the Lotus Hall. Women connected to Manchester Buddhist Centre are meeting up at Sale Water Park to spend time together Just turn up, rain or shine!
The Centre's spacious ground floor shop is a great place to browse. New stock comes in all the time and almost everything we sell comes from Buddhist right livelihood businesses, other ethical sources, or small local independent businesses. All proceeds go towards the Centre and its activities. No minimum spend on card payments.
Sangha is a Sanskrit word for community. Traditionally it refers to all the enlightened men and women who have come before us, and in the East it usually means the community of monks and nuns. In our Triratna Buddhist Community, Sangha is our community of practitioners - the people we share our spiritual lives with.
Reviews (19)
Amoghalila Blakey
Dec 17, 2021
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G. Greene
Apr 12, 2021
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Overrated. Nice but dim if your ok with that, very white and softly spoken genericness. I strongly suggest trying other Bhuddist centres and schools of Bhuddism, namely for the more life experiences and diversity of other centres.
This is Bhuddism but its promotion of its western founder. On the surface, a clique of individuals but no connections to the diverse world, with their apparent 'kind bhuddism'. Very much a style of life really for themselves. No real actuall soul, alot of following and dare I say it; charlatans.
Gaping lack of diversity,social and economical backgrounds here. Also very
This is Bhuddism but its promotion of its western founder. On the surface, a clique of individuals but no connections to the diverse world, with their apparent 'kind bhuddism'. Very much a style of life really for themselves. No real actuall soul, alot of following and dare I say it; charlatans.
Gaping lack of diversity,social and economical backgrounds here. Also very
Ian Cooper
Nov 18, 2020
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Gino Malcangi
Nov 22, 2019
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Lucci
Jun 25, 2019
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Martin
Dec 17, 2017
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Highly recommended. A very open and welcoming place. The drop-in lunchtime meditation sessions during the week are open to all, and alternate in meditation type. There's also one-day or six-week courses you can take - in meditation, or in Buddhism if you like. In fact, there are many classes or drop-ins you can attend, which cater for varying levels of understanding. There's also a bookshop, a common area with kitchen, and a lovely vegan cafe underneath the centre.
Michelle Parkin-Kelly
Dec 10, 2017
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Callum E.
Sep 06, 2017
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I popped in as someone who has little knowledge around Buddhism but looking to find out more.
The woman behind the desk was a massive help and was so welcoming after explaining my situation.
I bought a couple of books to read through which the lady recommended and asked me to have a glance through in the cosey set up they have around the corner before I purchased anything. I also got offered a brew, which was nice!
They had a brilliant selection of books and Buddhist items in the store which I'd recommend you all check out, with some second hands books aswell.
Overall I'd recommend
The woman behind the desk was a massive help and was so welcoming after explaining my situation.
I bought a couple of books to read through which the lady recommended and asked me to have a glance through in the cosey set up they have around the corner before I purchased anything. I also got offered a brew, which was nice!
They had a brilliant selection of books and Buddhist items in the store which I'd recommend you all check out, with some second hands books aswell.
Overall I'd recommend
Sthirajyoti
Oct 28, 2016
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Jessica D.
Jun 15, 2016
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Sometimes we all need a little zen and the Manchester Buddhist Centre is guaranteed to realign your yin to your yang whenever you need it. I have been coming to their Tuesday evening drop-in meditation sessions on and off for the past few years and I always find them particularly useful for destressing. You can just turn up on the day and they're easily accessible if you have never done meditation before. The venue is friendly and welcoming and you can feel at one with the world as you walk back out the door.
Chloe C.
Dec 03, 2015
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They have free guided meditations daily from 1pm till 2pm (a donation is requested as the centre runs on donations). You'll need to take off your shoes and leave them on the racks provided, and take one of the blankets provided into the shrine room. If you're new to meditation, don't worry as everything is explained before you begin. A beautiful building, relaxing atmosphere and friendly volunteers. They also have inexpensive meditation and Buddhism courses too. A must try if you are in need of calming and focusing your mind.
Kineta Kelsall
Dec 13, 2014
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It's an incredible building with lots going on - however the first time I attended the beginners meditation there was a lot of noise and disturbance going on upstairs. It really distracted me which didn't help with relaxing. It's very popular so if you're looking for something more intimate I would probably recommend going to a smaller beginners class, maybe something local to start off with. The fee is donations only, which I think it quite nice, and perhaps why it's so popular.
Dulcie E.
Apr 24, 2010
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I find it pretty impressive that tucked away on a back street of the Northern Quarter Manchester has its very own Buddhist Centre. Seemingly set up by a small community of Buddhists in the 70s (judging by the photographs on display inside) it is a real testament to the power of community that this place is still a thriving hub of activity (albeit rather hushed). I ventured in for the first time with my boyfriend, who has a bit of a fascination with all things Buddhist, and was pleasantly surprised to find a small and humble shop selling a variety of books to introduce people to the faith, lots
Katie B.
Apr 21, 2010
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Are you looking for a place of peace and quiet to escape the hectic city? Look no further than the Manchester Buddhist Centre. Located in the Northern Quarter, it's relatively easy to find and once inside, you're literally in an oasis of calm.
Incense burns in the calming seating area just inside the door and it's full of wide open spaces. The small shop on the left is full of Buddhist books and little objects so it's lovely to browse. The staff are very friendly and are happy to explain about the centre and the different classes that take place. They have renovated the building
Incense burns in the calming seating area just inside the door and it's full of wide open spaces. The small shop on the left is full of Buddhist books and little objects so it's lovely to browse. The staff are very friendly and are happy to explain about the centre and the different classes that take place. They have renovated the building
Kirsten P.
Feb 23, 2010
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When I came home for a holiday whilst teaching English in Germany, I was under strict instructions to spend the 50 Euros that were thrust into my hand on educational materials about world religions. After the Muslim bookshops in Rusholme, the Buddhist Centre was my next port of call (whether or not Buddhism is *actually* a religion).
The staff here were really welcoming and friendly and helped me to select a couple of books suitable for children. I had the feeling that they were trying to inform me as much as possible without forcing me to buy something or trying to convert me, which was nice
The staff here were really welcoming and friendly and helped me to select a couple of books suitable for children. I had the feeling that they were trying to inform me as much as possible without forcing me to buy something or trying to convert me, which was nice
Alison B.
Dec 12, 2009
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Manchester Buddhist Centre has been teaching Buddhism and meditation in Manchester since 1977, their current location in Manchester's Northern Quarter is a short walk from Shude Hill Metro station. It is a vibrant and very modern urban oasis providing a much needed haven of calm for our City. The centre is laid out over four floors, the basement floor is a Vegetarian cafe and juice bar, the other floors provide space for the shop, meditation and Buddhist practises and teachings. The great thing about the centre is that anyone can come in and try out one of the classes, natural treatments and
Sarah-Jane B.
Dec 12, 2009
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To meditate or not to meditate?
Personally, I'd probably opt for a long bath or an afternoon walk on the beach if I wanted to clear my mind.
If I was the kind of gal that was interested in experiencing a 'gentle but radical transformation' however, I'd follow in the footsteps of some of my friends and try one of the meditation classes at Manchester Buddhist Centre. A clean and spacious building in the Northern Quarter, it's usually quiet and tranquil with zen looking people popping in for classes. Prices are reasonable and you can sign up for individual classes or six
Personally, I'd probably opt for a long bath or an afternoon walk on the beach if I wanted to clear my mind.
If I was the kind of gal that was interested in experiencing a 'gentle but radical transformation' however, I'd follow in the footsteps of some of my friends and try one of the meditation classes at Manchester Buddhist Centre. A clean and spacious building in the Northern Quarter, it's usually quiet and tranquil with zen looking people popping in for classes. Prices are reasonable and you can sign up for individual classes or six
Qype User Jonk
Nov 15, 2008
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Now here we have some of the best healthist food in the whole of Manchester, It's a pity it's not open in the evenings any more (unless it's changed it's opening hours again). Great place to spend lunch, and it has it's own unique charm, not replicated anywhere else in town! Damn pity the menu doesn't diversify more as it's nearly always very similar menues - new ideas please. And watch your prices, as it is tad expensive these days - especially for lunch time. Two quid for a bit of salad is a bit much.
Positive energy, cool moods, and healthy crunchy food
Positive energy, cool moods, and healthy crunchy food
Qype User Paulo
Feb 01, 2008
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Almost hidden within the ever burgeoning Northern Quarter with an approach which makes you think of perhaps a new bar based on New York's Greenwich village you'll catch the Manchester Buddhist Centre. You won't get a post ironic 'deep south' cocktail served in a petrol can whilst sat on a giant egg here (try Socio Rehab round the corner for that) but you might come away either slightly enlightened or pleasantly full from 'Earth' the basement vegetarian café.
The centre was founded back in the late 70's and the current manifestation, based in a Victorian
The centre was founded back in the late 70's and the current manifestation, based in a Victorian
