Birmingham Peace Pagoda & Buddhist Vihara Visit
Overview
Beside Edgbaston Reservoir is a very unusual addition to the cultural heritage of Birmingham, only completed in 1998, yet in a style of the centuries old traditions of the Far East. It is the only such building in traditional Burmese (Myanmar) style in the Western hemisphere. On its grounds there is a monastery and the teaching hall of a Buddhist Academy.
Visiting the Dhamma Talaka Peace Pagoda (to give it it’s proper name) allows us an opportunity to learn about another fascinating faith community that share our city.
The pagoda is a smaller replica of Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon, which is one of the most important pagodas in Mayanmar.
One of the resident monks will be available to answer any questions we have about Theravada Buddhist beliefs, practices and meditation methods.
Notes: There is no dress code, however, it is possible (for those able) that we might sit cross legged on the floor for part of the visit and shoes removed, so wear loose, comfortable clothes and shoes that you can slip off easily. Disabled access is available, but please let us know when booking if you need this so they can make arrangements in advance.
Donations: There is no cost to attend, but we would be really grateful if all members could make a donation at the end.
Afterwards: We anticipate the visit taking around 1 hour, afterwards, those who wish can wander down to Edgbaston Reservoir, where we hope the café will be open.
Extras
No charge, but please make a donation on the day
Osler Street is between Reservoir Road and Icknield Port Road. There is usually street parking available and there is a car park for Reservoir users. There is no car park for the Peace Pagoda itself.
Host & Everything Else
Feedback from our visit in .2025
- An extremely interesting event. The speaker was patient and explained well. He understood the concepts which would be different for non Buddhists. We also met a monk, who explained his practices....I enjoyed the event. Thank you for organising it.
Was the event value for money? Yes it was free!
Did you enjoy the event as a whole? Very much - I knew very little about it before
Were the joining details clear? Yes
Did the Spice host or leader make you feel welcome & introduce you to other members? Of course I did - I was the host lol
Would you book this type of event again? Not this particular one but similar ones yes
How could we improve this event for next time? Nothing could be done to improve it - the guide from the pagoda was very helpful and answered all our questions plus we met a monk!
Any other comments? Thanks for putting it on!
Was the event value for money? - Yes
Did you enjoy the event as a whole? - Yes
Were the joining details clear? - Yes
Did the Spice host or leader make you feel welcome & introduce you to other members? - Yes
Would you book this type of event again? - Yes
How could we improve this event for next time? Not sure
Any other comments? there was not sitting crossed legged on the floor, we sat on chairs. Was there for over hour and half, and a monk came to speak to us all. The local resviour cafe closes at 1pm on a Saturday. So there was no time to meet there.
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