Written for the AQA syllabus by Upeksacitta (Robert Ellis), member of the Western Buddhist Order and a former Head of RS.
Friends of the Western Buddhist Order
The FWBO has already been briefly introduced, as the main movement which has made radical attempts to adapt Buddhism to Western conditions. The FWBO differs from the more traditional Buddhist schools in the West in the following ways:
- Its practices draw on the whole range of practices used in the traditional schools of Buddhism, and also incorporate Western practices where these are useful.
- Its core ideas are based on the central concerns of early Buddhism and the teaching of the historical Buddha, but it also draws on Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana teachings.
- The institution of monasticism has been replaced with membership of the Western Buddhist Order (WBO), which is a public recognition of commitment to a Buddhist practice rather than to a specific lifestyle.
- Decision-making in the movement is made by consensus between members of the order. Order members in particular positions of responsibility do not have any power over other order members, unlike in the traditional schools. There is now no longer any headship of the Order.
- The FWBO has, however, continued a tradition of single-sex activities, which is established in traditional Buddhism but rarely practised below monastic level amongst the more traditional schools in the West.
- The FWBO has been distinctive in its emphasis on Right Livelihood Businesses and single-sex communities as ways of helping to support people who want to live a full-time Buddhist lifestyle in modern conditions. Like more traditional schools, it also has urban centres and retreat centres.
- It has emphasised the value of friendship, and its helpfulness in spiritual development, much more than the traditional schools.
- It has also emphasised the use of Western arts (visual arts, music, literature, etc) as providing a gateway to spiritual inspiration for people in the West.
Discussion
What do you think might be the advantages and disadvantages of this kind of approach, compared to that of the traditional schools?
Research
Use the FWBO website to find out about the following and make brief notes.
1. Attitudes to Eastern Buddhism
2. The emphasis on commitment to the 3 Jewels
3. Attitudes to Sangha
4. Communities and businesses
5. How the FWBO is organised
Further Reading
Cush p.160-162
Sangharakshita Guide to the Buddhist Path p.215-218
Subhuti Sangharakshita: A New Voice in the Buddhist Tradition (esp. Chs. 9 & 10)
Past questions in AQA syllabus
Describe the various forms of Buddhism found in the West.
Explain and assess the validity of the claim that 'Buddhism is rooted in eastern culture and can only be a passing fashion in the western world'.