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The Buddhist Society
The Buddhist Society was founded in 1924, with the object “to publish and make known the principles of Buddhism and to encourage the study and practice of those principles.” It is guided by an elected Council.

The Society provides a range of classes and courses in the Buddha’s teachings, as well as instruction in Buddhist meditation and daily life practice. Courses start with the popular Introduction to basic Buddhism and interested members can then progress to our First Steps in Buddhist Practice, First Turning of the Wheel and Great Way Courses. There are regular classes in the major Buddhist traditions—Zen, Theravada, Pure Land and Tibetan.

For those unable to attend the Introducing Buddhism course in London, the Society offers a Correspondence Course in basic Buddhism, with tutors recruited from members who have studied and practiced Buddhism for many years. This course is offered free of charge to people serving a prison sentence and donated books are also freely available on request.

The Buddhist Society maintains an important London base, close to Victoria Station, where visitors from across the Buddhist world regularly come to visit. The premises include three shrine rooms, a meetings room, a general office and a place where members can meet for tea and biscuits. There is a library of over four thousand books, some reference-only which can be read in the comfort of our premises and others for loan to members. We offer a postal lending service for members and a catalogue of library books which can be consulted on line via our website. The library also houses a small shop selling incense, cards and a selection of books, both new and second hand. There is also a very extensive catalogue of recorded talks, going back to the early days of Buddhism in this country.

In addition to the regular classes and courses, the Society offers a full programme of events including an annual residential Summer School, special functions and celebration days, plus regular public lectures on the history, art and culture of Buddhist countries. There are three special celebratory days in the Society’s calendar, its Anniversary Day (November), Founder’s Day (April) and Buddha Day (May) when members of the public are invited to participate in the celebrations.

The Society hosts visiting Buddhist teachers and provides a venue for their talks and occasional day retreats.

Details of the regular programme, public talks and special events can be found on the Society’s website. Normal opening times are 2pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday and 2pm to 6pm on Saturdays, except during holiday periods.

An important aspect of the Society’s work is to provide a gateway for those who show a genuine interest in this ancient wisdom, and to present Buddhism in its essentials, in simple and understandable language. However, we also teach the basics of practice for those who simply wish to learn how to relax, and find some peace and tranquillity.

Over the centuries many additional skilful ways have been developed to help reduce suffering and increase joy and a sense of meaning, as well as cultivating strength and resourcefulness, without deviating from the original unity of the Buddha’s teaching.

We are not a School of Buddhism, but a society of mainly lay people who are interested in Buddhism and appreciate the value of the Buddha’s teachings. The Society also acts as a way station for those who wish to go deeper, by introducing and giving an outline of Buddhism as it is practiced today.

The Society works in concert with other Buddhist organizations that trace their origins to Southeast Asia, Tibet, China, and Japan.

The Society provides an environment for Buddhist practice and study and increasingly makes use of online services to fulfil its declared Objects and generally to help, advise and facilitate wherever possible. The Society encourages as a matter of policy the establishment of independent parallel organizations and maintains close connections with local Buddhist monastic institutions, other Buddhist groups, organisations, and academic centres, including the SOAS Buddhist Forum.
The Buddhist Society, 58 Eccleston Square, London, SW1V 1PH
020 7834 5858




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