THE only Buddhist temple in Southend will open its doors to the public later this month.

Buddhists and residents are invited to the MahaAmita Temple and cafe on April 18 for the grand opening.

Centre director and Buddhist lay nun Jo Slater says she cannot wait to welcome people to the temple, at 815 London Road, Westcliff.

The temple will welcome all residents, regardless of religion or faith, and hopes to offer a place of calm for people to visit.

Visitors will be invited to enjoy the cafe and garden and find out more about Buddhism.

Mrs Slater, 43, said: “It’s been a long road and has taken us a year to get to this point.

“The temple is similar in a way to a church, in that there is a real sense of peace as you go in.

“When you are taught how to meditate, you feel completely relaxed and happy.”

Decorated with wall hangings, there will be a space for Buddhist monks and nuns to teach, a seating area for the “sangha” – the people who come to meditate – to sit, a children’s play area in the garden and treatment room for massage and reiki in the 800 sq ft Victorian building.

Mrs Slater, who became a Buddhist teacher a year ago, said: “The whole thing is open to everyone. It gets caught up as a religion, but it’s not. The masters studied nature and the nature of the mind.

“Anyone from any walk of life, any religion, or no religion can meditate in the temple.”

It’s believed at least 30 people a week will come to use the temple, the only one of its kind in the borough.

Previously, meditation classes have been held in people’s gardens or Buddhists make the journey to other temples in Essex, including Billericay and Chelmsford.

The temple will be opened by the mayor of Southend, Chris Walker, on Saturday, April 18, at 2pm. There will be a traditional Buddhist rite with chanting and a tea party after.