What we stand for
The NBO (Network of Buddhist Organisations) was founded in 1993 to promote fellowship and dialogue between UK Buddhists, to facilitate co-operation in matters of common interest and to work in harmony with Buddhist and likeminded organizations – for example the Buddhist European Union and Inter Faith Network UK
Why do we need the NBO?
Nowhere before has there been such a mixture of traditions from all parts of the Buddhist world as now in the West. Over the past thirty years, a diverse range of traditions have become well-established in the UK. Buddhism has started to permeate our culture. In addition to traditions which have their roots in Asia, we have new Western Buddhist movements. We also have – in the burgeoning mindfulness movement – a growing secularized form of Buddhist practice. In addition to these complex and rapid developments within UK Buddhism itself, there are strong governmental and cultural pressures on faiths. Some examples of these pressures can be seen in recent equality legislation which emphasises religious identity; in the schools religious education curriculum which identifies Buddhism as one of the six major faiths and requires it to be taught; and in the demand for Buddhist chaplains in hospitals, prisons, further and higher educational establishments and other civic bodies; and the demand for Buddhist representatives on educational, governmental and interfaith committees. At a time when these demands and pressures are growing, the NBO is a national and non-denominational Buddhist representative body where these matters can be considered and policies developed. Since these developments affect the whole Buddhist community and ignore denominations, it is essential that Buddhists from all backgrounds work together to produce coherent and thoughtful responses. The future direction of UK Buddhism will depend upon decisions that the Buddhist Community collectively make today. The alternative to cooperating together in bodies such as the NBO, is to work as isolated groups and react in an independent and fragmented way. Even worse, fragmentation could become sectarianism, with Buddhist groups vying for what they regard as their own advantage. There are already signs that this is starting to happen.
What does the NBO do?
The NBO exists to provide a framework and structure for individual Buddhists to cooperate together and respond in a coherent way to the growing demands being made on ‘UK Buddhism’. We are a voluntary charity that runs on the generosity and virtue of Buddhist groups and individuals. We provide a neutral non-denominational ‘container’ where right action – intelligent, generous, and ethical action – is our foundation. We do not validate or endorse Buddhist traditions; we are only interested in acting well, for the benefit of a flourishing UK Buddhist Community, and for the common good. Our volunteers all have their own traditions and forms of practice which inspire and motivate their behaviour. What they bring to the NBO is the intention to use their skills for the benefit of all and to make decisions which will help Buddhism to take root in the UK in a healthy way that exemplifies Buddhist values.
How is the NBO run?
The NBO is a charity where decisions are taken by an Executive Committee composed of members from a broad range of Buddhist traditions. Within the Executive are a core group of charity trustees who represent a number of major UK Buddhist organisations. These are currently:
Amaravati
Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT)
Order of Buddhist Contemplatives (OBC)
Soka Gakkai International UK (SGI-UK)
Triratna Buddhist Order (TBO – formerly the FWBO)
The list of trustees will grow over time.
The NBO invites your support
If you are inspired by the teachings of the Buddha and would like to help Buddhism to flourish in the UK, then join the NBO. This is simple to do. You can register as an individual Buddhist or as a representative of a Buddhist group or organisation. Once registered you will be kept informed of our activities and be welcome to participate. Just as a reminder, our aims are: a) To promote fellowship and dialogue between Buddhist Organisations. b) To facilitate cooperation in matters of common interest. c) To work in harmony with Buddhist and other like minded organisations We do not endorse Buddhist traditions or groups and operate on the basis of Right Action.