Ann Lovelock...  | | Ann Lovelock - Vihara Trustee |
I've been coming to the pagoda since it opened in 1998 and I'm a trustee of the organisation. It was always Dr. Rewata Dhamma's ultimate dream to set up an establishment in Birmingham where there was a big emphasis on teaching Buddhism. I follow 'Theravada Buddhism' which is normally practiced by people in Burma and Thailand. One is grateful to the Buddha and his teachings and he has taught us how to meditate and how to live life so that one could be liberated from the sufferings of life. He taught us what causes suffering is craving things and to overcome this we must meditate. | "My faith gives me a moral code without having to believe in a God." | | Ann Lovelock |
I have been interested in Buddhism since the 1970's. I was brought up a Christian and for a period of time I didn't know whether I was a Christian or Buddhist. I mediate daily at home. When one builds up their meditation technique they learn to be more aware and use the awareness about themselves in everyday life. For example your aware of what emotions are arising and how to overcome suffering. My faith gives me a moral code without having to believe in a God.
Birmingham Buddhist Vihara member...  | | Vihara member |
I came to Buddhism through meditation. From meditating I realised that I liked Buddhism so much that I took the religion up and became a 'Lay Buddhist'. I come to the peace Pagoda twice a week on a Mondays and Thursdays and I also meditated in the mornings at home. Buddhism for me is a very peaceful way of life. John Beard - (Birmingham Buddhist Vihara Trustee)... I practice Mahayana Buddhism. I am very comfortable with my faith. A lot of people have to try and come to terms with their beliefs. Teachings of the Buddha doesn't force you to believe something. He teaches that all life is precious no matter what it is and to be mindful about how we live our everyday life.  | | John Beard - Vihara Trustee |
I've been a Buddhist for over 30 years now. Buddhism is a very popular faith at the moment. In the early days when I would tell people I was a Buddhist they would ask me... "Why my isn't my head shaved?" and "Why I'm I not wearing orange robes?" Even today, people think Buddhism is connected to Hare Krishna. So there is still an ignorance about the faith and how we live our lives. But it's getting easier now because we're not seen as weirdos and off the wall people. We are normal people, I have a normal job and have to earn living. The teachings of Buddha are about the thinking the right thoughts and having the right mind and they should be practiced by everyone. No matter what religion you follow you can still practice the principals of Buddhism as well as your own religion without there being a conflict. | 
