Amita Buddha Centre

In 2008 Jo met and took refuge with Dharma King Dechan Jeuren – MahaVairocana Buddha, lineage bearer of the Esoteric and LinJi Chan schools in China. She received her Dharma name – Zhi Ling. In April 2015, the MahaAmita Temple was opened by the Mayor of Southend-on-Sea. The only Buddhist Temple in the Borough, Jo was then invited by the Mayor to present the Buddhist flags to him at the Southend Borough Annual General Meeting, which he accepted on behalf of the Borough. In 2016 she was invited to become the Buddhist representative for SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education) for the Southend Borough and currently sits on the panel. The Founding Director of the Centre, Jo is an ordained Buddhist teacher and runs meditation and healing sessions weekly and Mindfulness courses monthly. She is a huge advocate of teaching and promoting the benefits of meditation and visits schools, groups and organisations within the local community giving talks and workshops. Her personal philosophy is to be as honest and truthful as possible and specialises in teaching how to open up the heart centre. She tries to abide by her Guru’s wishes to “Forgive everyone, help everyone, respect everyone.” If you are interested in Jo visiting your school or organisation or would like to bring a group to visit the Temple, please call the Centre or email directly to discuss.