Sangharakshita
Sangharakshita: A Visionary Buddhist Master
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Sangharakshita's full name is Dennis Lingwood, but he is commonly known as Bhadant Sangharakshita. He was also referred to by his spiritual name, Dharmavidya.
Birth and Death Dates
Sangharakshita was born on August 26, 1925, in Mysore, India (then a British colony) and passed away on October 30, 2018, at the age of 93.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Born to British parents, Sangharakshita held dual nationality. He is best known as a Buddhist master, meditation teacher, writer, and founder of the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order (FWBO).
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a British family, Dennis Lingwood was drawn to spirituality from an early age. He became interested in Buddhism while still at school and began attending lectures by prominent Buddhist teachers. In 1946, he traveled to India to study under the famous Burmese Buddhist master, U Nyanasobhano.
Major Accomplishments
Sangharakshita's life was marked by several significant accomplishments:
Founding the FWBO: In 1967, Sangharakshita established the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order (FWBO) in the UK. This organization aimed to promote and develop Buddhism in the West.
Teaching and Writing: Sangharakshita taught meditation and gave lectures on various aspects of Buddhism. He also wrote extensively on Buddhist topics, including books like "A Mañjuśrī Figure" and "The Three Jewels".
Pioneering Western Buddhism: Sangharakshita was a key figure in the development of Western Buddhism. He played a crucial role in introducing Buddhist practices to Western countries.Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works by Sangharakshita include:
"The Three Jewels": A book that explores the concept of the three jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) in Buddhism.
"A Mañjuśrī Figure": A work that examines the significance of the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, Mañjuśrī, in Buddhist teachings.Impact and Legacy
Sangharakshita's impact on Western Buddhism is immeasurable. He inspired countless individuals to explore Buddhist practices and principles:
Influence on Western Buddhism: Sangharakshita played a significant role in shaping the development of Buddhism in the West.
Establishment of Buddhist Centers: The FWBO, founded by Sangharakshita, established numerous Buddhist centers across Europe and other parts of the world.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Sangharakshita is widely quoted and remembered for his profound understanding of Buddhism and his ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner. His writings and teachings continue to inspire Buddhists around the globe:
Visionary Leadership: Sangharakshita's innovative approach to promoting Buddhism in the West earned him a reputation as a visionary leader.
* Authenticity and Humility: Throughout his life, Sangharakshita remained committed to the principles of Buddhism. His authenticity and humility continue to inspire countless individuals.
Sangharakshita's legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of Buddhist teachings. His dedication to promoting Buddhism in the West has left an enduring impact on the global Buddhist community.
Quotes by Sangharakshita
Sangharakshita's insights on:
Worlds on worlds are rolling ever From creation to decay, Like the bubbles on a river, Sparkling, bursting, borne away.
A thought no less than a thing, an idea equally with an empire, is resolved into a complex of infinitely extensive relations between infinitesimally small parts.
Outer achievements should be expressions of inner abundance, not compensation for inner poverty.
Very few people know the real meaning of friendship. More often than not, there is too much emphasis on sentiment, and too little on action. Metta is something that must be lived.
The bodhicitta (spirit of enlightenment) starts arising when one sees what a mess we are all in. One can’t begin to see that until one is a little way out of the mess oneself.
Tara is the spiritual daughter of Avalokitesvara. She is usually either white or green in colour, and according to another beautiful legend she was born from the tears of Avalokitesvara as he wept over the sorrows of existence. In the midst of a great pool of his tears there appeared a white lotus. The lotus opened, and there was Tara , the very essence, indeed the quintessence, of compassion.
We believe in ourselves in this narrow, limited, egoistic sense, as identified with the body and the lower mind. We are blind to any higher vision, any more ultimate selfhood, any more universal mindor consciousness. This belief in self in this sense is a fetter that has to be broken before we can enter the Stream and break through into a higher, wider dimension of being and consciousness.