Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Wellbeing Sanctuary in Leeds
Founded in 1996, Jamyang Buddhist Centre has served as a sanctuary for physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing in the heart of Holbeck. Our centre blends Tibetan Buddhist principles with community-focused initiatives, offering meditation classes, spiritual study, and inclusive wellbeing programmes. Affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition, we uphold the teachings of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and His Holiness the Dalai Lama while welcoming individuals of all backgrounds.Our vegetarian caf, dharma shop, and library provide accessible resources for personal growth, supported by a dedicated team of staff and over 150 volunteers. With weekly classes, residential retreats, and live-streamed events, we extend our reach beyond Leeds to students across the UK and internationally. Our commitment to interfaith dialogue and secular wellbeing initiatives reflects our mission to create a compassionate, inclusive space for all.
Services
Meditation Classes
Buddhist Studies
Vegetarian Caf
Room Hire
Hall Hire
Wellbeing Retreats
Interfaith Dialogue
Community Events
Volunteer Programs
Spiritual Guidance
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of experience in Buddhist teachings and wellbeing practices
- Our centre provides a welcoming space for all, regardless of background
- Access to vegetarian caf, library, and community events
- Affiliated with the global FPMT network for authentic teachings
- Volunteer opportunities fostering community engagement
Services
Meditation Classes
Weekly meditation sessions suitable for all experience levels, focusing on Buddhist techniques for mental clarity and emotional balance. Our classes incorporate traditional Tibetan practices while remaining accessible to modern practitioners. Participants benefit from guided sessions in a serene environment designed to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing.
Buddhist Studies
Comprehensive programmes exploring Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and Mahayana teachings. Courses cover foundational concepts through advanced meditation techniques under qualified instructors. Our curriculum aligns with FPMT guidelines and includes study of Lama Zopa Rinpoche's teachings for personal and spiritual development.
Vegetarian Caf
Relax in our ethical dining space serving wholesome vegetarian meals and fair-trade beverages. The caf provides training opportunities through NVQ Level 2 customer service programmes while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for community interaction. All profits directly support our charitable wellbeing initiatives.
Room Hire
Flexible venue options for meetings, workshops, and community gatherings in a peaceful setting. Our spaces accommodate 10-50 people with natural lighting and modern amenities. Available for both spiritual and secular purposes, including educational sessions and interfaith dialogues.
Volunteer Programs
Opportunities to contribute to Dharma activities while developing personal skills through structured volunteering. Roles include hospitality, event organisation, and maintenance support with professional training provided. Our volunteer network includes over 150 local participants from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
People
Sarah Metcalfe
Centre Manager
Sarah leads our operational management with over 15 years' experience in community wellbeing projects. She oversees daily operations and strategic development while maintaining strong connections with local partners and international Buddhist networks.
Marie Odile Leconte
Finance Officer
Marie manages financial operations with expertise in charitable accounting. She coordinates outreach programmes and interfaith initiatives, leveraging her academic background in religious studies to bridge spiritual and secular community needs.
Jeannie Hay
Shop Manager
Jeannie curates our dharma supplies and second-hand collection with attention to ethical sourcing. She ensures our shop remains accessible to all visitors while supporting the centre's financial sustainability through thoughtful retail management.
Tanya Fletcher
Cafe Manager
Tanya oversees our vegetarian caf operations, balancing hospitality excellence with training opportunities. She implements sustainable practices in food service while creating an inclusive environment for staff and visitors alike.
Geshe Rinchen Wangyal
Resident Teacher
Our first Resident Teacher brings decades of Tibetan Buddhist scholarship and teaching experience. He guides spiritual programmes and provides individual mentorship, marking a significant milestone in our centre's 26-year history through his presence and expertise.
Questions
Is Jamyang Leeds open to non-Buddhists?
Yes, our centre welcomes everyone regardless of background or beliefs. All our wellbeing programmes and facilities are accessible to the general public.
Can I attend meditation classes without prior experience?
Our weekly meditation classes cater to all levels, including complete beginners. No prior experience is required to participate in our sessions.
Are there volunteering opportunities available?
We offer diverse volunteering roles with training provided, including hospitality, event support, and maintenance. Over 150 local volunteers contribute to our centre's operations.
What facilities does the centre provide?
We offer meditation spaces, a vegetarian café, dharma shop, library, and event halls for hire. Our venue accommodates both spiritual practice and community gatherings.
Do you offer online participation options?
Yes, we live-stream and record events available on our YouTube channel, enabling global access to teachings and wellbeing programmes.
Videos