"The Spiritual path is a deeply personal experience"

The first U-Cafe of 2008 was a stimulating and enjoyable event with the largest attendance yet; twenty-four people from a wide and eclectic range of backgrounds. We had ten members of Cross Street Chapel present.

Four members of the Manchester Buddhist Centre (three of whom are pictured opposite; Howard, Munisha and Ursula) joined us and got the discussion off to a good start by explaining why they were a Buddhist.

Phrases that stick in my mind are:

"feel found my spiritual home"

"expanding my mind and heart to the universe"

"spiritual path is a deeply personal experience"

"ethical framework to use in my life"

Discussion took place on varous tools and meditation practices, the relevance of addiction to the 5 precepts and the widespread but relatively unknown social action undertaken by Buddhists in all parts of the world. The evening closed with meditation.

Forthcoming meeting - meet some Buddhists

The next opening of U-Cafe will be on Thursday 24 January 2008 at Cross Street Chapel with tea/coffee available from 7.00pm.

Visitors will be several members of Clear Vision, which is based at the Manchester Buddhist Centre. This will be an opportunity to hear a number of individual perspectives of Buddhism from mainly western believers and to ask questions and comment in a very informal way. Those that attended the event with Manchester's Liberal Jews will recall how a cafe-style allowed for mutual exploration in a safe enviroment.

All welcome. Bring your friends. Tea/Coffee available.