Reimagining Buddhism: Understanding Sangharakshita and his Teachings
Reimagining Buddhism is an in-depth exploration of Sangharakshita (1925-2018), a significant figure in modern Buddhism who played a crucial role in bringing Buddhism to the West and reviving it in India. The book provides a comprehensive account of his understanding of Buddhism, tracing the influences that shaped his teachings, life as a scholar-monk, and his development of a global Buddhist movement. Sangharakshita’s approach, which drew from the entire Buddhist tradition rather than adhering to a single school, is both celebrated and criticized for its innovation. It also examines Sangharakshita’s complex legacy, including the controversy surrounding his sexual activities and how it affected his reputation within the Triratna Buddhist Community and beyond it. The book, written with sensitivity and scholarly insight, serves as an introduction for newcomers and a detailed analysis for those familiar with Sangharakshita’s work.
£14.99
Reimagining Buddhism is an in-depth exploration of Sangharakshita (1925-2018), a significant figure in modern Buddhism who played a crucial role in bringing Buddhism to the West and reviving it in India. The book provides a comprehensive account of his understanding of Buddhism, tracing the influences that shaped his teachings, life as a scholar-monk, and his development of a global Buddhist movement. Sangharakshita’s approach, which drew from the entire Buddhist tradition rather than adhering to a single school, is both celebrated and criticized for its innovation. It also examines Sangharakshita’s complex legacy, including the controversy surrounding his sexual activities and how it affected his reputation within the Triratna Buddhist Community and beyond it. The book, written with sensitivity and scholarly insight, serves as an introduction for newcomers and a detailed analysis for those familiar with Sangharakshita’s work.
Endorsements
'Vishvapani opens the door to the rich treasury of Sangharakshita’s legacy, revealing previously obscure gems and shedding fresh light on familiar facets of Sangharakshita’s teaching. A book to which I will keep returning!' – Prajnaketu, author of Cyberloka: A Buddhist Guide to Digital Life (2022)
'With a rare combination of careful reading, meticulous research, and generous imagination, Vishvapani invites us to understand his subject in entirely new ways. I have been familiar with Sangharakshita’s life and writings for more than forty years, but I was surprised, delighted, and sometimes troubled by the fresh perspectives and insights of this accessible yet profound, lively yet substantial book.' – Vidyadevi, editor of Sangharakshita’s Complete Works
'In a clear, accessible, and detailed exploration, Vishvapani offers a thought-provoking account of how the diverse expressions of Buddhism in the East came alive in the imagination of Sangharakshita, resulting in a new international Buddhist movement. Without shying away from the documented challenges, Vishvapani guides us to a deeper understanding of Sangharakshita’s formidable spirit, as well as the breadth of his approach to sharing the truth.'– Suryagupta, Chair of the London Buddhist Centre
'This book sensitively and critically examines one of the most important figures in Buddhism’s twentieth-century transmission to Britain. It throws light on Sangharakshita as poet, mystic, creative spiritual thinker, innovator, and the architect of what is now the Triratna Buddhist Community. It is also unafraid to ask difficult questions about Sangharakshita’s complex character. This should be essential reading for anyone interested in Buddhism’s presence in the west.' – Elizabeth J. Harris, University of Birmingham, President of the UK Association for Buddhist Studies
'A thoroughly enjoyable, stimulating look at one of the West’s principal Buddhist teachers. Vishvapani views the life of Sangharakshita through the prism of Sangharakshita’s use of images, exploring his poems and personal writings as well as his teachings. I personally knew Sangharakshita for over 40 years and yet I still found new treasures here. Vishvapani doesn’t shy away from the criticisms and controversies but puts these in the context of the whole personality of Sangharakshita.' – Dharmacharini Anagarika Parami, senior teacher in Triratna, Chair of the Glasgow Buddhist Centre and member of the College of Public Preceptors
'Following the publication of Sangharakshita’s Complete Works this is a book many of us have been waiting for, and it will become an essential text for all interested in the development of Buddhism in its engagement with Western culture. Vishvapani brings intellectual rigour, beautiful writing, and incisive thought alongside his personal devotion to and practice of the Dharma.' – The Rev’d Canon Richard Peers, former Dean of Llandaff Cathedral
'Vishvapani has discovered a golden thread running through Sangharakshita’s work, which is the image of organic growth, common to Buddhism and Romantic poetry. Reimagining Buddhism uses that thread to explore Sangharakshita’s whole approach to the Dharma and to founding a new movement. This is a breakthrough work of study, reflection, and synthesis.' – Dhivan Thomas Jones, author of This Being, That Becomes: The Buddha’s Teaching on Conditionality (2011)
'Self-confessedly a complex man, it seemed impossible even for those of us who worked closely with Sangharakshita to encompass his remarkable depth as well as his human personality, at times arguably flawed. This book successfully reveals something of the inner force that drove him. It will certainly help both his disciples and his critics understand better who he really is.' – Subhuti, President London Buddhist Centre and Adhisthana, author of Sangharakshita: A New Voice in the Buddhist Tradition (1994) and Mind in Harmony: The Psychology of Buddhist Ethics (2015)
