Buddhist Society facts for kids
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The Buddhist Society building in Warwick Square
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| Formation | 1924 |
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| Founder | Christmas Humphreys |
| Type | Buddhism in the United Kingdom |
| Headquarters | 58 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PH England |
| Website | thebuddhistsociety.org |
The Buddhist Society is a special group in the UK. It's a charity that helps people learn about and practice Buddhist ideas. Buddhism is a religion and philosophy that started in ancient India.
This Society welcomes everyone, no matter which type of Buddhism they follow. It offers talks and classes about different Buddhist teachings. They have courses for everyone, whether you're just curious or want to learn more deeply. The Society also publishes books and has one of the biggest libraries about Buddhism in Britain. An elected council manages the Society, and its special patron is the 14th Dalai Lama.
The Buddhist Society publishes a book called The Buddhist Directory. This book lists most Buddhist groups and centers in the UK and Ireland. They also print a magazine called The Middle Way four times a year. This name comes from a Buddhist idea about finding balance in life.
Contents
History of the Buddhist Society
The Buddhist Society started in 1924 in London. It was first part of another group called Theosophy. Christmas Humphreys, a British judge who became a Buddhist, founded it.
In 1926, the Society became its own independent group. It focused only on Buddhism and was no longer linked to Theosophy. Christmas Humphreys led the Society as its president until he passed away in 1983. In 1961, the 14th Dalai Lama became the Society's patron. This was a big honor, as it was the first group in the West to receive this support.
The Buddhist Society was one of the very first Buddhist groups outside of Asia. It is still one of the oldest in Europe today.
Activities and Learning
The Buddhist Society offers many classes, courses, and talks. Many of these are open to everyone. For example, they have meditation classes on Saturdays. They also have popular sessions during lunchtime on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Members can join more specific classes. These classes focus on different Buddhist traditions like Zen, Theravada, and Tibetan Buddhism. On some Sundays, the Society opens for special 'Zen Sundays' or 'Theravadan Sundays'. They also have a class about Pure Land Buddhism.
There are three main courses for studying Buddhism. The first one, 'Introducing Buddhism', is free and open to the public. After that, you can take the Intermediate course. The most advanced course is called the 'Great Way'. If you can't visit the center, you can also take a Correspondence Course by mail.
Free public talks happen at least once a month on Wednesday evenings. These talks cover many topics. They discuss how to use Buddhist ideas in daily life. They also explore the history and culture of Buddhism. Guest speakers include both academic experts and spiritual teachers. Special event days are held four times a year on Saturdays. These days are for people who don't live in London.
Every August, the Society holds a Summer School. This is a one-week course where people stay together. It's open to members from all Buddhist traditions. The school explores the main teachings of the Buddha and how to practice them. The Summer School is very popular and has been running for many years.
Books and Publications
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For over 50 years, The Buddhist Society has been publishing books about Buddhism. They still do this today. The Buddhist Directory is a detailed guide. It lists Buddhist groups and organizations in the UK and Ireland. It also shares information about large Buddhist libraries, publishers, and shops.
The Society continues to print classic Buddhist books. They also publish important new works, including some by their founder, Christmas Humphreys. You can buy these books by mail or at the Society building.
The Middle Way is the Society's magazine. It comes out four times a year. It has been printed since 1926. It was first called Buddhism in England. This magazine is respected around the world. It shares news and articles about Buddhist practice and history. It also lists the Society's upcoming events. You don't have to be a member to subscribe to the magazine.
The Society's Building
In 1956, The Buddhist Society moved to its current home. It's located at 58 Eccleston Square in south-west London. The library on the ground floor started with just a few books in 1926. Now, it has over 4,500 books! Members can ask for books to be sent by mail. They can also renew books by email. The Society's website has an online list of all the books. The library also has a small shop. It sells things like incense and cards.
The Society has an Audio Department. Here, you can buy CDs and tapes of public talks and courses for a small fee. There is also a free tape library for people who are registered blind.
The building also has a lecture hall. There are two special shrine rooms for meditation and prayer. The building is full of beautiful Buddhist statues and art. These items were given to the Society by people from all over the world.
Becoming a Member
Being a member of The Buddhist Society offers many benefits. You get a subscription to The Middle Way magazine. You can also attend all lectures, classes, and courses. Plus, you get full use of the library services.
The Buddhist Society is near Victoria Station. It is open to everyone Monday to Friday from 2 PM to 6 PM. On Saturdays, it is open until 5 PM.
See also
- Ashin Thittila
- Christmas Humphreys
- European Buddhist Union
- Network of Buddhist Organisations
- Sīlācāra
- Zen Centre
