IN THE RECEPTION area of the London Buddhist Vihara, on the Avenue, there are pictures of the head of the temple, the Venerable Doctor M Vajiragnana meeting the Dalai Lama, the Pope, and the Queen.

On Tuesday, he met the Times', to talk about the centre, the first of it's kind in the UK, and it's weekend activities on the 17th and 18th celebrating Buddha day.

The Vihara has been a tranquil oasis in Chiswick for more than 40 years, moving from premises in Heathfield Gardens in 1994. But it was first established in 1926 at a site in Ealing, by visionary Buddhist leader Anagarika Dharmapala.

The current head, Ven. Vajiragnana has been at the Vihara for 36 years, and this weekend he will help commemorate the most important event in the Buddhist calendar, Buddha day, or Vesak, marking the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha, 2,547 years ago.

Ven. Vajiragnana spoke softly about life at the Vihara: We have both sides here. Religious as well as social and cultural things taking place. We hold classes and structured courses on Buddhist teaching almost every evening during the week. On Sunday, we have a class for children, and the last Saturday of every month, we have a meditation retreat.

We are fully involved with inter-faith activities and we get many school parties and also centres for disabled people visiting.

From time to time they are brought here to relax and have a change of environment.''

The internationally known centre has five resident monks, and is also visited by monks from around the world. It's library holds thousands of works on Buddhism, and the shrine room acts as a quiet retreat for meditation and chanting.

Lessons taught at the centre include those on the five precepts of Buddhism, which all Buddhists must follow. They are: Abstain from taking any form of life; Abstain from taking what is not freely given; Abstain from unlawful sex; Abstain from unskilful words; Abstain from intoxicating drink and drugs.

Buddhism is a religion to be observed at all times'', Ven. Vajiragnana continues, not only at specific time or place but everyday, everywhere.''

The 75-year-old monk left his home in Sri Lanka when he was just 13 to join a monastery: From my early childhood there was growing interest in me to become a monk. Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country, there are Buddhist activities taking place all the time.

The life of a monk is different from a layperson'', he continues, he has undertaken to follow a special pattern of life and it is essential for them to live in a monastery.''

Eventually invited to join the London Vihara, Ven. Vajiragnana found Chiswick the perfect place to follow his beliefs: Chiswick is a great place. Easily accessible from various parts of the country and it's conducive to spiritual activities.

Buddhism teaches us how to relax and how to get rid of our predicaments from life. It teaches us to get rid of those things and encourages us to live with kindness and compassion to all beings, not just human beings.''

From humble beginnings, Ven. Vajiragnana has made friends with some of the world's most important religious leaders: I've met the Dalai Lama many times. Every time he comes to this country, and I met him in India when I was studying there. He's a very nice, friendly person, kind and respectful.

I met the Pope in the Vatican in 1993. I used to visit Italy at least once a year to teach.''

He also praised the founder of the temple, Anagarika Dharmapala, who also came from Sri Lanka.

He was not a monk but from quite a rich family. He was a very strict Buddhist, and worked very hard to revive Buddhism, even in India.

Due to his charisma and dedication, he was able to win the support of admirers of his servicesand make a reality of his cherished wish of establishing a Vihara in London.''

The Vihara celebrated it's 75th anniversary in 2001 receiving tributes, from amongst others, Tony Blair.

He wrote at the time: I congratulate the London Buddhist Vihara on its 75th anniversary. You were the first Buddhist institution in Europe and remain pre-eminent. I am sure you will continue to thrive and contribute to our multi-cultural society.''

This weekend's celebrations for Buddha day include a children's programme at the centre on Saturday (May 17th) from 9am to 1pm with stories and Buddhist teachings.

Ven. Vajiragnana feels spiritual education for children is very important: We teach children non-violence, compassion and to be spiritually minded. Because of lack of religious knowledge children can become unholy and violent.''

And on Sunday, the main celebrations start at 9am with the hoisting of the Buddhist flag. A number of talks, meditation instructions and Buddhist chanting and rituals will take place until 6.30pm.

To find out more on the activities at the Vihara, call 0208 995 9493.