Buddhism in Wales

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Buddhism in Wales is followed by 0.3% of the Welsh population, according to the 2021 Census.[1] Buddhism has a relatively short history, having only really established a presence in the country in the 20th Century. 10,075 people in Wales declared themselves Buddhist in the 2021 Census, representing a number of Buddhist traditions.[1][2]

Denominations

Tibetan Buddhism is particularly well represented with branches of several different traditions and lineages, notably Lama Shenpen Hookham's Awakened Heart Sangha, based in North Wales. Zen Buddhism has several groups in Wales and three Soto Zen masters are currently resident and actively teaching. The Samatha Trust, a lay Theravada group, have their headquarters in Wales as does the Tibetan group, Awakened Heart Sangha. The Triratna Buddhist Community have a number of groups and a large Cardiff Buddhist Centre. A student of B. Alan Wallace, David Johnson's Samadhi community is active in South West Wales and across the UK.[citation needed] David is an author and teacher of Buddhist meditation.[relevant?] The Nyingma Aro gTér Lineage has been active in Wales since 1981. The Aro gTér Lineage Holders, Ngak’chang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen, are resident in Wales and have written many publications about Vajrayana Buddhist practice (see Aro Books worldwide and Aro Books Inc). Another Welsh author of this lineage is Ngakma Nor’dzin Pamo who is a teacher at Aro Ling Cardiff.[citation needed]

Buddhist Council of Wales

The Buddhist Council of Wales had a number of Buddhist organisations and groups listed on their website. Owing to insufficient members being able to fulfill the terms of its Constitution, The Buddhist Council of Wales was dissolved on the 3rd November 2019 and no longer exists.[3]

Notable Buddhists

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Religion, England and Wales - Office for National Statistics". www.ons.gov.uk. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  2. ^ "2011 Census: KS209EW Religion, local authorities in England and Wales". ons.gov.uk. Retrieved 15 December 2012.
  3. ^ Buddhist Council of Wales [@BuddhistCW] (15 May 2020). "Dissolution of the Buddhist Council of Wales ift.tt/3cCWENx" (Tweet). Retrieved 26 July 2023 – via Twitter.
  4. ^ Rugby star on Buddhist life BBC News, 5 January 2004

External links