A bit of background

The Friends of the Western Buddhist Order (FWBO) is an international network of people dedicated to communicating Buddhist truths in ways appropriate to the modern world.

The essence of Buddhism is timeless and universal, but the forms it takes adapt according to context and culture.

Now that Buddhism is spreading around the globe, the task is to create new Buddhist traditions relevant to the 21st century. During the past 35 years the FWBO has become one of the largest Buddhist movements, with activities in many cities and rural retreat centres around the world.

Keep in touch with the FWBO worldwide

For further information about Buddhism you can read a booklet we have produced, in pdf format called Buddhism Briefly Explained. or browse the articles collected here.

Avalokitesvara, symbol of the Order line The Three Jewels line Sangharakshita, founder of the Order line Member of the Western Buddhist Order with mala

Western Buddhist Order

The Friends of the Western Buddhist Order (the FWBO) is a relatively new Buddhist movement founded by Ven. Sangharakshita in the U.K. in 1967. The teachings and practices of the FWBO are derived from the whole of the Buddhist tradition, emphasising those core principles which meet the spiritual needs of men and women today.

In over 50 Western cities there are FWBO centres presenting ways of living out the Buddhist life in the context of the modern West.

At the heart of the FWBO is the Western Buddhist Order (WBO), whose members are committed men and women who have dedicated their lives to the ideals enshrined in the Three Jewels of Buddhism - The Buddha, the ideal of human enlightenment, the Dharma, the path to enlightenment and the Sangha the spiritual fellowship of those who practice the Dharma. The members of the WBO live out their commitment in a variety of lifestyles and occupations which reflect the ethical and altruistic dimensions of the Buddha's teaching.