The Buddhist Society

Update after visting: It took a lot of resolve to visit in person after the off putting experience with the secretary On answering the door he asked in his characteristically condescending tone: ''Are you sure this is the place you want?'' followed by ''Oh you're lucky you've got two of us''. Huh? Whilst in the library, i heard was him in a distant room, gossiping merrily and loudly on the phone. Yet to me he'd always been curt and too ''busy''. Wandu showed me the pristine rooms and explained things. He even let me eat my lunch in the library as the nearby gardens are closed. This was much appreciated as I was exhausted.Thank you. Whilst there a pale, white haired, elderly woman came and loudly trumpeted to Wandu (and me) she'd just been 'helping' at the ''homeless shelter'. I realise now she wanted someone to inform the BBC of this clearly unique act of charity. She then stared at me, without smiling and toffee nosed, with a look compelling me stand up and bow down to her. Her virtue signalling and condescending expression sums up the attitude of western buddhism. Whilst demonstrating she doesn't know where the Buddha came from. Experience before visiting: I realised I'd first called the charity many years ago. The person I spoke to, who sounds like the current secretary, was so obtuse and unhelpful I was totally put off. Then during covid I found a zen zoom meeting by chance and thought the speaker was exceptional. I ended up speaking to their president. Who was very pleasant. I called the charity several times to ask when the buildings will reopen to the public. An innocent enough question you'd think! Alas no, a tooth extraction would be easier. I got quite nasty responses and squirming evasiveness. He even said ''you do know there's a pandemic on''. Things had reopened. I only wanted to know when the building would open. It wasn't a trick question nor did I demand it be open. I was shocked and hurt by his unnecessary rudeness, which is at odds with what they and buddhism preach. I had wanted to join a members only class, but Odin dissuaded from membership. I still do not know why I was judged and demeaned despite having never met or spoken to him. Whether on the phone or in classes the attitude to me was we'll frustrate you, because you're not allowed an ego. Yet its ok for their ego's to disrespect and be sanctimonious. They've had some interesting guest speakers introduced by the President. Who is without comparison in knowledge, eloquence and charisma. Though his quiet, humble and gentle manner belie a sophisticated mind. Most of the teachers are painful to listen to. Some are very somber, the ones from Amravati's lay group are particularly concerning. They weave together cliches in a monotonous, controlled tone. Buddhism is the script they've formulated. Some are just vying to be head honcho at the Society. When I asked a question to Colin it wasn't answered instead I got put down to make him feel superior. Exceptions are the Sanskrit teacher, a genuine intellect who gives informative answers. Possibly because he actually knows what he's talking about. And the straight talking teacher living in Spain. I've never visited the Society in person and only wanted to visit its library. Christmas Humphries the founder was known for his good will and good cheer. I have not experienced this from my limited experience of the Society. It's very sad. By contrast many Eastern places have been warm, welcoming, open and transparent. Language barriers there led me to think the Society was a better choice. I was mistaken. Christmas Humphrey's feared the corrupting influence of western ways on the essence of Buddhism. He predicted well. The resources of the Society could benefit many people, as Humphrey's wanted, but are materially benefiting only the select few. The rest are put in a trance, left depressed and kept going round in circles.
May 2nd, 2023

This is the best place I've found to learn all aspects of Buddhism, after many years lost going to Amravati and temples. They've done a great service during covid, with an online programme of lectures, meditation and other events. These always run on time with excellent sound and video quality and time given for questions. They have a range of speakers to suit all tastes. One or two speakers seem egotistic, relying on a string of cliches. Other speakers are highly knowledgeable and embody their teachings. The society has a bright, attractive website with interesting information which is always up to date. Its easily the best website I've seen. The Society's online offering has provided an invaluable service during the pandemic. I hope it continues after things reopen for those unable to attend in person. There are a few peculiarities such as aversion to feedback, which makes things a bit one sided. And a certain suspiciousness of newcomers. Nonetheless it's the best place in the UK to learn about different schools of Buddhism.
Aug 29th, 2021

Used to come here regularly in the 1980s at the start of my Buddhist journey. Great place. Made many good friends, heard some legendary dharma masters giving talks. I'd recommend!
Apr 20th, 2021

The Buddhist Society all the intellectuals of London joined this group we have a whatsapp group associated with our whatsapp group. Buddhist London Assembly! My whatsapp number is +918004822392 it is to spread to Buddhist throughout London
Oct 5th, 2020

Nov 5th, 2019