Dharmapala College

The WBO Perspective

For Order members, particularly those involved in Dharma teaching.

Central to Bhante Sangharakshita’s understanding of the Dharma is the idea of the Unity of Buddhism—-the historical, doctrinal, methodological, and ultimately the transcendental unity shared by all Buddhist traditions. This unity is expressed in the key practice of Going for Refuge to the Three Jewels.

But just how common is this idea in other traditions of contemporary Dharma practice? Is this something distinctive or even peculiar to the FWBO and to Bhante’s understanding of the Dharma?

Does it matter, one way or the other? Why? Or why not? Why does Bhante see this issue as so crucial to the Dharma as he understands it?

Can asserting the Unity of Buddhism be the basis for a non-sectarian revitalization of the tradition? Or is it just a new form of ‘crypto’-sectarianism? Are assertions of ‘unity’ compatible with the prevailing pluralism within Buddhism and in contemporary notions of spirituality more broadly?

And what can we learn from exploring these questions more closely? About early Buddhism—–about the historical development of the tradition——and about the challenges we face as Buddhist practitioners today.

Teachers—and especially those presenting the new Mitra course—will find this seminar useful for clearly understanding these questions that are so central in Bhante’s presentation of the Dharma.

4 April, 6pm to 9 April, 2pm
With Saramati and Sagaramati, at Madhyamaloka, Birmingham

Suggested donation: £ 150

To ask for further information or to book for this event, please contact us here.
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