The Auckland Buddhist Centre

Making the Dharma available and accessible to all who seek its wisdom

Nau mai, haere mai!

We acknowledge with gratitude the tangata whenua and all those who have come before us - our ancestors and forebears, our Dharma teachers, and our Buddhist lineage.

We have been running in Auckland for almost 50 years and in late 2023 relocated to the "Uptown" district of Auckland city (at the city end of Maungawhau / Mt Eden) after 33 years in Grey Lynn. We offer a broad program of events and activities including meditation and Buddhism courses, retreats and celebrations throughout the year.

Our mission

Our core purpose is to make the Buddha’s teaching available and accessible to all who seek its wisdom. Whatever your gender identification, ethnic, cultural or religious background, sexual orientation and so on, you are welcome to learn and practise the Dharma with us. Our ability to meet this aspiration depends on the generosity and spiritual maturity of a small team of people, who are mostly volunteers.

Worldwide community

Our centre is part of a worldwide movement called the Triratna Buddhist Community, which was founded to bring the ancient wisdom of the Buddha's teachings into the modern, 'Western' world. We try to communicate Buddhist teachings in a way that's relevant to us in Aotearoa New Zealand in the 21st century.

Looking after each other

The Auckland Buddhist Centre has a number of guidelines and policies to help ensure that all those who attend our activities are well cared for and supported.

Accessibility

Our shrine room and library are accessible, however our new centre does not currently have a bathroom suitable for those with physical disabilities - particularly those in wheelchairs or on walking frames. At present, all classes are taught in the shrine room downstairs, and we are willing and able to modify our teaching plans to ensure those who are unable to get upstairs can participate fully. Our renovation plan includes the development of an accessible bathroom, evening of the floors downstairs, and a lift to the upstairs area of the building.

Sangha as the heart

Sangha is a Sanskrit word for community.

The Auckland Buddhist Centre isn’t just a place for teaching meditation, or learning about Buddhism. Everything we do together here supports a network of spiritual friendships, whether it’s meditation, study, ritual, going on retreat or looking after the building. When we share our efforts to become more than we currently are, trust can build up as we all aspire to be ethical, to be aware of ourselves and others, to express kindness and care. The guidance of more experienced friends, and the support and friendship of others on the path are important because it provides the fabric for how we put our Buddhist teachings into practice.

Start your journey with us

Monday night intro classes are the best place to start. After becoming familiar with our core meditation practices and the basics of Buddhism, all are welcome to attend our open regulars night programme on Wednesdays.

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We look forward to seeing you here at the centre soon.