Mercy meets Buddhism

The New Buddhist Temple Maha Vihara was opened at Hockley Circus (Handsworth) on Saturday/Sunday 16th & 17th September.  It is the largest Buddhist Temple in Europe and has been ten years in the making.

The Sisters of Mercy from St Mary’s were invited to attend and were entertained to a gala performance of drum music, dancing, the speeches of many dignitaries and food.


Buddhism, founded 500 years before Christianity, is the fourth biggest world religion.  They search for truth by avoiding all evil and strive to do good, to reach the state of perfection or NIRVANA

They abstain from:
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• harming all living beings
• stealing
• sexual misconduct
• false speech
• intoxicating substances

Birmingham is known as ‘City of Faiths’. 
We, at St Mary’s, have fostered good relations with all, over the years.  Because of the nature of the day, we saw nothing of ‘chanting monks’ and quiet meditation.  Another visit is called for in the near future.

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