Since she started practicing Buddhism in 1971, Amala, the former program director at the Aryaloka Buddhist Center in Newmarket, has experienced many personal changes in her life, including added confidence, contentment and appreciation.

For her, Buddhism is a way to investigate and reflect on the religious teachings in relation to her own life.

“It becomes quite personal,” Amala said. “To live any faith is personal.” But it also connects her to community.

From Aug. 28 through Sept. 4, Aryaloka Buddhist Center will spend a week celebrating its 25 years of Buddhist teachings, strengthening Sangha (spiritual community), and hard work to keep it all going. The week will include events such as morning meditations, talks from senior order members who have been part of Aryaloka, and a film.

“By having the celebration, we’re expressing our confidence that the Buddhist way of life is meaningful and effective in bringing about kindness, wisdom and compassion,” said Amala, a long-time member of the Aryaloka community.

Amala has been involved with the center since 1991 and said a generation’s worth of time for the center is hugely significant. “We started when Buddhism was really on the fringes,” said Amala, “And to think that New Hampshire is supporting it—it’s a religion that doesn’t have any roots in this region.”

Aside from a few scattered individuals, there really was no Buddhist culture on the Seacoast 25 years ago. “It was all very invisible and alternative, and now there are numerous Buddhist groups in the Seacoast,” Amala said.

Aryaloka opened in August of 1985 with three UK Buddhist Order members, from the now named Triratna Buddhist Order. According to office manager Steve Cardwell, there are now more than 100 order members and mitras (many of these mitras, or friends, are studying to become ordained) who call Aryaloka their spiritual home.

Aryaloka chairwoman Dayalocana said the center, and Buddhism in general, offer an escape from daily demands and pressures.

“(People) have an opportunity to try out leaving the world for a little while,” she said.

Dayalocona said she’s been impressed with the center’s growth over the years.

“It always amazes me that people continue to come to Aryaloka because I would have thought that 10 years ago people interested would have come already, but there is now increased awareness and interest in developing peace and compassion within ourselves for the good of the world,” said Dayalocana.

Amala said more people seem to be noticing Buddhism and studying it in school, increasing its local acceptance as a legitimate religion. Another aspect of Buddhism that brings people to the center is meditation. The practice has become more widely accepted due to its health benefits, Dayalocana said. She has also seen a rise in interest in yoga, which attracts people for their spiritual and physical well being.

Members come from all socioeconomic brackets and backgrounds, she said. “We have lots of professionals of all stripes, as well as people of limited resources. There’s no one profile.”

Not only does Aryaloka create a diverse spiritual community within the center, it also resonates to the larger community of the Seacoast, Amala believes. “Anyone who has encountered the center is interacting with someone who’s ethical and that has a rippling effect in the workplace, families and communities.”

Aryaloka is also a place where anyone can go to learn about Buddhism. “I think the biggest role we play is an educational one,” Amala said.

Aryaloka hosts weekly meetings for meditation and discussion on Tuesday nights (Sangha night) and also introductory classes to Buddhism, workshops, retreats and more during various days of the week. Cardwell said only four or five people would participate in Sangha night when the center first started, but now attendance typically ranges from 30 to 40 people.

Dayalocana said everyone is welcome to join in on the festivities of the 25th anniversary celebration. An open house will be held on Sunday, Aug. 29 from noon to 3 p.m.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for all of us to rejoice in the giving of the Buddhist teaching for the past 25 years,” Dayalocana said.

The Aryaloka Buddhist Center is at 14 Heartwood Circle, Newmarket, 603-659-5456, www.aryaloka.org.