FWBO Discussion

This is a selection of articles by Order Members reflecting on their relationship with Sangharakshita.

In Praise of… Going Beyond Bhante

is a series of reflections by Lokabandhu on the unity of the Order, its relationship with Sangharashita, and what might define an FWBO Centre. First published in Shabda, April 2009.

Visions and Transformations Nagabodhi reflects on his changing relationship with Sangharakshita.

The Order’s Relation to Bhante A talk by Vishvapani to the Men’s UK National Order Weekend on relating to Sangharakshita. August 2000,

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A Letter to Norman Fischer In January 2003 Vishvapani wrote to Norman Fischer, former Abbot of San Francisco Zen Centre describing some of the difficulties we were experiencing in the FWBO. This is his letter and Norman Fischer’s reply.Sex and the Spiritual Life is an interview with Sangharakshita published in Golden Drum in 1988. It is probably the first time Sangharakshita spoke ‘on the record’ about his sexual experiences. A more recent interview, also with Nagabodhi, is available on DVD. It is entitled ‘A Retrospective’ and covers a wide range of topics including this one.The

FWBO History videos are a moving four-DVD series tracing the history and struggles of the early FWBO. Suryaprabha, their maker, describes them as “an unfolding saga during the 60s and 70s of the conception and early growth of the friends of the western buddhist order, told by the history makers themselves”. He adds “Here are all the challenges a Buddhist can expect to face in the modern world”. They are available from his website for UK 15 sterling each. Dharmadhara, an Order Member from New Zealand comments “I do believe what you are doing is vital for the evolving identity of the FWBO, as we try to understand who we are more fully. And newer people, which is coming to mean most people, can SEE and FEEL where we have come from, in a way that words can’t convey.

“Dhammaketu, chairman of Ghent FWBO, offers his reflections on Sangharakshita and Croydon in his article Of the Shadows of the Past, and the Road That Goes on, first published in 2003 in the Order’s journal Shabda.

In Crisis or Critical moment? Vipassi offers his reminiscences of his early meetings with Sangharakshita, plus his reflections on those times and on the more general question of sexual ethics, especially between teacher and disciple. First published in the WBO’s ‘Articles Shabda’ in May 2003.’

A reflection on the controversy around Sangharakshita my teacher‘ is Adiccabandhu’s very personal account of his views on Sangharakshita and some of the criticisms that have been levelled at him.

On Revolution and Authority An essay by Buddhadasa reflecting on Sangharakshita’s style of leadership in the early days of the FWBO

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A substantial number of Sangharakshita’s books are now available free on-line, click here for a full list. Others may be ordered from

Windhorse Publications.The titles shown below particularly reveal the development of his thought and the details of his life.

In What_is_the_Western_Buddhist_Order Sangharakshita offers what he describes as his ‘Last Will and Testament’ for the Order.

Sangharakshita’s reflections on his bhikkhu ordination Forty Three Years Ago

Sangharakshita’s deepening understanding of the importance of ‘Going for Refuge’ The History of My Going for Refuge

Sangharakshita’s encounters with Christianity and Christians From Genesis to the Diamond Sutra

First volume of Sangharakshita’s memoirs The Rainbow Road

Second volume of Sangharakshita’s memoirs Facing Mount Kanchenjunga

Third volume of Sangharakshita’s memoirs In the Sign of the Golden Wheel

Fourth volume of Sangharakshita’s memoirs Moving Against the Stream

Impressions and reflections from Sangharakshita’s travels Travel Letters

Sangharakshita’s radical account of the goal and practice of Buddhism The Taste of Freedom

Sangharakshita’s introduction to the Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path Vision and Transformation

Collection of Sangharakshita’s aphorisms, teachings and poems P eace is a Fire

Sangharakshita’s view of the integration of Buddhism into Western society Buddhism and the West