The first in a major new series by Subhuti, Dharma teacher of many years and a senior member of the Triratna Buddhist Order, on how we might live and work together as Buddhists in the modern world.

This talk begins with Subhuti recounting being asked to direct someone to a "real Buddhist" after giving a Dharma presentation, highlighting the common perception of Buddhism as only a monastic religion. In this context, Subhuti explores Sangharakshita's developed critique of traditional Buddhist monasticism in terms of a few areas arising from very different cultural and socio-economic conditions:

formalism
separation of monks/nuns and laity
enforced celibacy

Sangharakshita's new vision of Buddhist community

Subhuti reflects on Sangharakshita's decision to start a new Order based not on the traditional monk/lay divide but rather on ordaining people regardless of lifestyle - as long as their lifestyle supported their spiritual commitment to go for refuge to the Three Jewels.

Emerging semi-monastic life

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Sangharakshita's approach to Buddhism attracted young "counter-culture" explorers. Subhuti tells the story of how some of them began living in urban communities and working in team-based 'Right Livelihood' businesses, developing what became, effectively, a semi-monastic lifestyle.

Living and working together

Subhuti's recalls his own experience of the powerful atmosphere that was a hallmark of collective spiritual aspiration as people in the new sangha chose to live and work together in single-sex communities.

Establishing team-based Right Livelihood

We hear about Sangharakshita's encouragement to set up team-based ethical businesses capable of providing people with a livelihood while also allowing space to integrate work and spiritual practice.

A semi-monastic core

Subhuti argues that a semi-monastic core of people living and working together is key to maintaining and developing effective Buddhist centers. With time on retreat providing a monastic-style experience for anyone.

Depth of spiritual community

Subhuti closes by evoking the depth of connection that results from years of living and working together in spiritual community. And rejoices in the LBC's effective semi-monastic core of communities and businesses at the heart of its Buddhist activities.

Talk given at the London Buddhist Centre, May 2024.