Sangharakshita (1925–2018), born Dennis Lingwood in London, was a pivotal and complex figure in the development of Buddhism in the West. He is best known as the founder of the Triratna Buddhist Community (formerly the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order, or FWBO).
His life and legacy are generally viewed through two lenses: his prolific work as a "translator" of Buddhist concepts for the modern world and the significant ethical controversies that emerged from his personal conduct.
Early Life and "Going Forth"
Sangharakshita’s journey into Buddhism began at age 16 after reading the Diamond Sutra, which led him to the realization that he was a Buddhist. During World War II, he was stationed in India and Sri Lanka with the British Army.
After the war, he stayed in India to pursue a monastic life. He "went forth" as a wandering ascetic before being formally ordained as a Theravada monk in 1950. He spent over 20 years in India, notably in Kalimpong, where he studied under teachers from various traditions, including Tibetan Lamas fleeing the Chinese invasion.
Core Teachings and Philosophy
Sangharakshita’s primary contribution was an "ecumenical" approach to Buddhism, stripping away cultural and sectarian labels to focus on what he called the "core" of the tradition.
- Going for Refuge: He argued that the central act of being a Buddhist is "Going for Refuge" to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. He believed this commitment was more important than lifestyle choices like being a monk or a layperson.
- The Triratna Order: His movement is "neither lay nor monastic." Members take ten precepts but may have jobs, families, or live in communities, emphasizing that spiritual commitment is internal.
- The "Higher Evolution": He framed Buddhism as a process of "higher evolution" of the individual, often using Western literature, poetry, and psychology to explain spiritual growth.
- Friendship and Community: He placed a high value on "Kalyana Mitrata" (spiritual friendship) as the primary vehicle for growth.
Work in India
He played a significant role in the Buddhist revival in India. He was a close associate of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who led hundreds of thousands of Dalits (formerly "Untouchables") to convert to Buddhism to escape the caste system. After Ambedkar’s death, Sangharakshita and his followers spent decades providing spiritual and social support to this community.
Controversies and Criticisms
Despite his intellectual influence, Sangharakshita’s legacy is shadowed by serious ethical concerns that surfaced in the late 1990s and 2000s:
- Sexual Misconduct: Reports emerged from former members regarding his sexual relationships with young men in the movement. Critics argued these relationships involved a massive power imbalance between a "guru" and his disciples.
- Institutional Culture: His views on gender—specifically his past assertions that women were less spiritually capable than men (views he later moderated or retracted)—and his insistence on single-sex living for deeper practice were highly polarizing.
- Formal Apology: In his later years, Sangharakshita issued public apologies for "all the occasions on which I have hurt, harmed or upset fellow Buddhists," specifically acknowledging unskillful sexual activity. The Triratna movement has since undergone an extensive process of acknowledging these harms and establishing safeguarding policies.
Literary Legacy
He was an incredibly prolific author, writing over 60 books and delivering thousands of lectures. Some of his most influential works include:
- A Survey of Buddhism
- The Ten Pillars of Buddhism
- The Eternal Legacy
- The Rainbow Road (Memoirs)