Buddhist monastery on cards for region

Albany might soon welcome a Buddhist monastery as the number of the religion’s followers in the region increases.

Neil Proudfoot, 48, is a western Buddhist monk originally from Perth.

He has been following the teachings of Buddha for the past five years and is now widely known as Venerable Mudu.

After his last visit to Albany, Venerable Mudu could see himself building a monastery in the Great Southern region and estimated there were close to 200 Buddhist followers from Albany alone.

He said the increased numbers of Buddhist followers had inspired him to consider opening a monastery in the region.

“I had a chat with the senior planner in Albany, who said that he would love to have us here,” Venerable Mudu said. “Provided that we meet the compliance to build in bushfire-prone areas.

“He said that if we get the approval here in Serpentine, then that could be used as a precedent.”

As a forest monk, Venerable Mudu said the monastery had to be built in a bush or forestry area, which was what the Bodhinyana Buddhist did as they built their monastery in Serpentine.

Venerable Mudu is thrilled to visit Albany tomorrow for the second time.

He will hold meditation classes at Albany Surf Life Saving Club and Lawley Park Tennis Club on Sunday.