Buddha Maitreya was born and brought up in Handa, Japan, has an MA in Buddhist Theology and lived the life of a Zen monk for a time.  Pureland was born in 1973 as a base for the teaching of meditation and provides a peaceful and beautiful garden for guests and visitors to the centre to enjoy.

The area was originally two acres of flat field and wilderness, work began in 1980 to transform the site into the beautiful garden it is today. The atmosphere of the garden reflects Maitreya's meditaion teaching - self awareness, peace and harmony with nature. Winding paths follow around rocks, and traditional Japanese features such as bridges, moss, bamboos, cloud topiary and stone lanterns combine to form a garden which has a different view from every twist and turn of the path. Water forms an integral part of the design with a large pool with beautiful carp.

Buddha Maitreya has received numerous awards in creating this stunning garden and it is featured in a number of respected publications.