Mr Lal converted to Buddhism in 1997, after which his family gradually converted, as well.

Buddhism came to Wolverhampton in the early 1970s with immigrants from India. In the beginning, Wolverhamptons Buddhist community hired a church to order meet and worship each Sunday. Today, the community has its own purpose-built Buddha Vihara.

The Dr BR Ambedkar Memorial Centre Buddha Vihara was built on 14 April 1991 by Dr BR Ambedkar's followers. Ambedkar was the leader of India's 'untouchables.' In 1956, he converted over 500,000 untouchables to Buddhism. Some of these Buddhist converts settled in Wolverhampton and established this fine Buddhist centre. In 2000, a separate community centre, consisting of a large hall, stage and gallery, was added to the Buddha Vihara. It is the first community centre built outside of India and is available for meetings, seminars, and conferences.

The temples construction and completion in 1991 sealed the Buddhist communitys place in Wolverhampton. Buddhists now have their own place in which to worship and convene for special occasions. Group worship also provides an opportunity for young people and converts to hear the Buddhas teachings and to meditate regularly, helping them grow in their spiritual life.

The Centre is primarily a place of worship and spiritual congregation. Weddings and birth ceremonies also take place in the centre. Spiritual lessons are taught in Punjabi, Hindi and English. The Buddha Vihara community is open to individuals from all ethnic backgrounds and supports inter-faith dialogue based on their Five Precepts.

Buddha Vihara, Upper Zoar Street   Buddhist Monk   Statue of the Buddha