A year of changes at the Mother Centre part 1

Changes at the Mother Centre, Manjushri KMC ~ part 1

This year, Manjushri KMC, has been undergoing significant renovation work. The NKT building team as well as contractors have been working very hard to take care of the Mother Centre of NKT-IKBU. Repairs and upgrades have been carried out on the Temple, the grounds and the main building both inside and out.

See the photo galleries below to explore the first part of the work carried out at MKMC. (Look out for part 2 tomorrow)

Temple and Shrine

A striking transformation has taken place in the first Temple for World Peace. For some months there were structural repairs to the Temple itself. Then after 25 years, the main shrine in the temple has undergone a major upgrade. The old backdrop has been replaced, and new lighting installed. Two beautiful new Kadampa stupas - representations of Buddha's mind - have been added on each side of the Buddha Shakyamuni statue. The fabric saffron robes have been removed uncovering the beauty of metal work on the main statue of Buddha Shakyamuni.

There are now two new sets of the Collected Works of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche on each sides of the shrine. Additionally, two new statues of Heruka and Vajrayogini, made in the Kadampa Art Studio, now grace the space below the Je Tsongkhapa statue.

Grounds Work

Maintenance work has also been undertaken to increase the beauty and safety of the grounds, woodlands, and the temple area. Earlier this year, a new entrance road surface was laid at the main entrance to the priory, and some temple paving restoration has been completed. Additionally, new benches have been placed along the woodland paths, and the existing ones have been restored.

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Cafe area

One of the most recognizable outdoor changes is the work completed around the World Peace Cafe. A new cafe gazebo has been constructed with a roof featuring a pull-down screen, providing protection from rain and sun.

Scaffolding was erected outside the cafe entrance following the Spring Festival. After several weeks of sanding and painting, once the scaffolding was removed for the Summer Festival, a fresh new facade was revealed.