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Between Class and Dharma: Transnational Buddhism in Britain
In this talk, I examine the ways that class dynamics shape transnational convert Buddhism in Britain through three key examples: the transformation of a Tibetan Buddhist centre in Holbeck, Leeds from a Buddhist centre to a wellbeing hub; the role of secular mindfulness classes in promoting financial sustainability and accessibility; and Buddhist retreats as wellness tourism. Across these cases, I explore how accessibility, power structures, and lived experiences are shaped by social class in ways that are often unspoken but profoundly influential.
First, I focus on a Tibetan Buddhist centre in Leeds, affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). In 2019, the centre relocated from an affluent city-centre office to a vast former factory in Holbeck, one of England’s most deprived areas. This shift—from Dharma Centre to Community Wellbeing Hub—brought new outreach initiatives but also illuminated stark class divides. Second, I discuss the role of secular mindfulness programmes in British Buddhist organisations. Many British Buddhist centres, including the one in Holbeck, incorporate secular mindfulness classes as a financial survival strategy, as well as a means to reach out to non-Buddhist populations. Yet, this approach has drawn criticism from some Buddhist spheres, arguing that it dilutes dharma practice, despite widening accessibility. Finally, I look briefly at Buddhist retreats in Britain, particularly introductory retreats, and their burgeoning relationship to wellness tourism. By weaving these examples together, I explore the varied ways that class dynamics shape the adaptation of contemporary Buddhism in Britain. I invite discussion on how class operates across different (Buddhist) contexts and how we, as researchers and practitioners, might critically engage with it.
Date:
16 June 2025, 17:00
Venue:
Basement Teaching Room 1
Speaker:
Caroline Starkey (University of Leeds)
Organising department:
Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
Organiser:
Kate Crosby (University of Oxford)
Organiser contact email address:
pyi.kyaw@ames.ox.ac.uk
Part of:
Glorisun Lecture Series in Buddhist Studies
Booking required?:
Not required
Audience:
Public
Editor:
Pyi Kyaw
