TAVISTOCK College sixth form students visited a Plymouth Buddhist Centre recently to learn about the religion and discover its relevance to the modern world.

As part of their work on the Buddhist community and meditation, the religious studies A-level students went to the Ashoka Buddhist Centre to discuss teachings with lay people and monks.

Head of department Clare Raeburn, who organised the trip, said: 'The centre is a member of the New Kadampa Tradition — an association of study and meditation centres dedicated to helping people everywhere find meaning and purpose in their lives, and to the developing of genuine inner peace and happiness.'

The students received a detailed account of the Kadampa Tradition and were able to ask and answer questions. They were given the opportunity to try meditating before enjoying a vegetarian meal in the World Peace Café.

Student Pete Robson said it was good to be able to practice meditation with a professional guide.

He said: 'It was great to arrive at the centre with a certain amount of knowledge about the tradition and then have that developed from a Buddhist point of view.'

Becki Gliddon said the question and answer session gave her a greater understanding of how lay Buddhists lived and adapted to modern society.

The centre is home to around ten people dedicated to achieving peace through Buddhism and offers meditation and philosophy classes to the local community.