School and college Visits
Manjushri KMC has been hosting school visits for many years and the opening of our Kadampa Buddhist Temple for World Peace has greatly increased demand. It is a beautiful and peaceful place that contains large Buddhist statues, paintings, shrines with offerings, sacred texts, and many of the symbols mentioned in the RE Syllabus. It has a special atmosphere and teachers are often surprised at how quiet and responsive the children are during their visit.
You can make your visit a complete day out. In addition to the spiritual aspect you could include history, environmental and art studies around the main building, in the woods and on the estuary shoreline of Morecambe Bay. The Priory is an imposing example of 19th century Gothic architecture, completed for the wealthy Braddyll family in 1836, and stands on the site of a 12th century Augustinian Priory. It is has huge reception rooms with decorative ceilings, grand staircase, 48m long cloister corridor, amazing stained glass and vaulted great hall.
Our teachers are familiar with the Key Stages of the Religious Education ‘Agreed Syllabus’ for nearby Education Authorities so please specify exactly what you would like the talk, discussion and guided meditation to cover.
Typical example of a school visit
1½ hours is spent with one of our Buddhist teachers. Visits can start from 9.30am and usually begin in the main 'Priory' building when we meet Buddha Maitreya. Then we walk through the gardens to the Temple, the centrepiece of which is a large statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. It is a calming and inspiring environment. We can explain Buddha's life story and the main Buddhist beliefs. We can include a simple relaxing meditation, or more structured meditation to develop a positive mind like love. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Please ask on the booking form if you would like us to cover specific topics they are studying.
After your 11/2 hour session with our teacher you could draw Buddha's in the main 'Priory' building, fill out worksheets you have prepared, or explore the grounds. You can sit in the gardens to enjoy your packed lunch or use our dining room up to 1pm (holds 90 people) if it is cold or raining. The shop is open from 2pm and we can open it earlier - please request a specific time on your booking form. The Conservatory Cafe is closed on weekdays.
Booking
When you have some preferred dates please email visits@manjushri.org or phone the Visits Manager on 01229 584029 and check if they are free. We are very busy in the summer so please book early to avoid disappointment, or come at a quieter time of the year.
Download the School Visits information pack (includes booking form and risk assessment)
Charges
Please pay at Reception during your visit and they will give you a receipt. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Manjushri KMC’. Or ask for an Invoice to take back to school / college.
For 2010 our charges are :
- Pre-school & Primary £1.20 each
- Secondary / A level £1.45 each
- Special schools £1.20 each
- Adults with special needs £1.20 each
- Further Education / Adults £2.50 each
Please note there is no charge for teachers or parents
