Although Buddhists represent one of the smaller religious communities in Britain and Ireland, Buddhism can be described as one of the three largest global religions (along with Christianity and Islam).
Buddhism is the majority religion in many countries in Asia including Myanmar, China, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka, Tibet and Thailand.
Traditions
Buddhism is generally seen as having two ‘traditions’ – Theravada (the Way of the Elders) and Mahayana (the Great Vehicle), which holds within it the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, sometimes called Vajrayana (theVajraVehicle).
The BBC’s religion and ethics pages contain information about Buddhist belief and practice and also about Buddhism in Britain.
Christian-Buddhist initiatives
Christianity and Buddhism are vastly different religions which sometimes seem to occupy different philosophical worlds. Nevertheless, there are many initiatives that seek to develop better understanding between Christians and Buddhists.
Dialogue between the two religions focuses on a number of important areas but in particular meditation and socially engaged spirituality. Christians and Buddhists have also explored some of the common themes in the teachings of Christ and the Buddha, such as renunciation, selflessness and non-violence. Dialogue between Christian and Buddhist monastics (inter-monastic dialogue) has also become increasingly significant.
Further exploration
The Society for Christian-Buddhist Studies
European Network of Buddhist-Christian Studies
Meeting Buddhists, edited by Elizabeth Harris & Ramona Kauth (Christians Aware (2004)
Monastic Interreligious Dialogue Commissions
