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Buddhism: Social and Historical Developments in Religious Thought

Buddhism in Britain: heritage and convert

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 1

Overview

Heritage Buddhism and convert Buddhism.

What you need to know

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Numbers

When did Buddhism become established in Britain?

Key term

What is heritage Buddhism?

Key term

What is convert Buddhism?

Questions from this subtopic

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  1. 1

    When did Buddhism become established in Britain?

    Model answer

    Translations and scholarly societies appeared from the late nineteenth century. The Buddhist Society, founded by Christmas Humphreys in 1924, became the best-known British body.

  2. 2

    What is heritage Buddhism?

    Model answer

    Heritage Buddhism is the Buddhism of families whose ancestry lies in Buddhist countries. Thai, Sri Lankan, Vietnamese, Burmese and Tibetan communities in Britain belong here.

  3. 3

    What is convert Buddhism?

    Model answer

    Convert Buddhism is the Buddhism of those who adopt it with no family background in the tradition. Most British converts come from Christian or non-religious backgrounds.

  4. 4

    How does practice differ between heritage and convert Buddhists?

    Model answer

    Heritage communities centre on temples, festivals, chanting, merit-making and support for monastics. Convert groups usually centre on meditation classes and retreats, often with little ritual.

  5. 5

    What role does a temple play for a heritage community?

    Model answer

    A temple provides language classes, festivals, funerals and a social centre as well as worship. Cultural continuity for the children is a major part of its work.

  6. 6

    Which Buddhist organisations are prominent among British converts?

    Model answer

    Triratna, formerly the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order, and the Forest Sangha monasteries such as Amaravati are prominent. Sōka Gakkai International and various Tibetan centres also have large memberships.

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