Manchester Buddhist Centre

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.

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 of miniature Buddhas and plenty of aromatic incense. There is also a small shelf selling second hand books at very reasonable prices. Although not much else is on offer to the casual passer by, the Centre holds many regular events and classes and is worth a visit if you want to snatch a moment of tranquillity in the midst of a busy city.

Manchester Buddhist Centre is a real oasis in the mish-​mash of sex shops and bars in the Northern Quarter. Split across four floors, the Buddhist Centre offers a space to think, relax and learn in this often hedonistic area of the city.
Not exclusively for those practising Buddhism, the Centre is a very open place and welcomes people to pop in for a cup of tea or to browse the bookshops. Whilst the centre is obviously focussed on religion, there is a lot more on offer for those not practising, such as yoga and meditation classes. The central theme is one of relaxation and healthy living.
If you are Buddhist (and haven’t been here yet) you should definitely come along. There are courses in Buddhism for those following at all levels, from beginners introductory sessions to more advanced, deeper studies. There are also lots of special events and regular gatherings such as the monthly Buddhist film night.
In the basement there is a lovely café which sells veggie food and great teas and coffees. The bookshop on the ground floor has some great books and trinkets and is an ideal place to pick up a gift. If you haven’t been before, drop in and soak up the calm atmosphere and walk out in a daze.

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 and exposed the brick walls to create a modern relaxation space and also created the vegetarian café and bar next door which looks delightful.
There are Meditation courses for beginners and experienced meditators (£65/​45/​35) for a six week course. One day courses are also available. Buddhism courses are, naturally, available for the same prices as Meditation. Educational visits are permitted and there’s a Health Centre and Living Well Courses so something for everyone. For something a little different and calming, this centre is perfect.

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 shop is well-​stocked, modern and spacious and offers a good range of books as well as Buddhist essentials such as incense and meditation mats.
I had a quick look at some of the other modern-​looking rooms in the centre, but not a lot seemed to be going on. You can check their website for details of celebrations, classes and events including one day ‘Introduction to Buddhism’ classes.
You can grab a bite to eat (vegetarian of course) or a fruit juice in the Earth Café which is located in the basement.
So whether or not you’re a teacher looking for educational material, someone with an interest in Buddhism, or you’re just in search of some cheap veggie fare then this is a great place to come.

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 week courses in everything from yoga and meditation to breathing and living well.

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 café 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 therapies or Buddhism courses.
I went here with my best friend to try out some meditation, the environment in itself is calming and peaceful as soon as you walk in, after talking to the kind receptionist we decided to go in for some breathing meditation, the idea was that we would pick up some tips on remaining calm and focused. The class was easily picked up on, and I did not feel out of place or unsure of what I should be doing for the whole session. It was worth a million times over the amount I paid for the session… and taught me (over time) a lot about myself… really, just from those few precious hours!
I went with an open mind, without any prior experience or expectations and I left willing to look into the basic tenets of Buddhist teachings, which are… nothing is fixed or permanent, actions have consequences and … change is possible.

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.

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 Warehouse, opened in 1996. It’s a lovely looking building and the interior is superb too akin to the many numerous loft apartments in Manchester albeit with an Eastern philosophical tinge.
There are meditation halls in the building (I sadly have yet to enter these) alongside a bookshop and reference library. I purchased a well made set of mala beads for a friend and a book on Buddhism (helped along by the genuinely friendly and helpful staff).
It’s the kind of place you want to stick around in for some time I’ll perhaps check out their classes next time (which are apparently always full).
As I was a bit peckish and having a vegetarian flashback (I gave up meat once for ten years although switched back a few years ago) I tried the basement Earth café. There is a healthy (in many respects) array of choices here; veggie sausage rolls; veggie pasties; soups; pies; quiches; wheat grass juices; channa dhal (bean dish apparently?!) walnut cakes… the vegetarian works pretty much! I grabbed an ‘Earth Burger’ which for about the price of a pint (and cheap cooking lager pint at that) was substantial and more importantly very tasty.
With the city becoming increasingly corporate (although the Northern Quarter is thankfully, still very much independent) this place is a very pleasant respite from that side of modern life.