About Us

The Auckland Buddhist Centre is part of a worldwide movement called the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order (FWBO). The FWBO was founded over 30 years ago in the UK by Sangharakshita, a Westerner with an eclectic Buddhist background . He was ordained in India as a Theravadin monk in 1950, and requested Bodhisattva ordination there in 1962. When many eminent Tibetan lamas escaped into India, he was one of the first Westerners to meet them and receive teaching and initiation in the Vajrayana tradition.

The FWBO draws on the whole Buddhist tradition in all its great richness and depth. We believe it is possible to identify an essential core of teachings common to all Buddhist schools, and practise these in the West. Buddhism has adapted to each new culture it has come into contact with and it is now making a strong and positive impact on our Western culture.

The FWBO also draws upon the cultural and artistic heritage of the West. It is fully dedicated to the teaching and practice of Buddhism in a modern world.

As well as helping people learn Buddhism and explore the Dharma, the Auckland Buddhist Centre has an extensive bookshop which also sells cards, candles, statues, incense, mats and cushions and has taped lectures and videos on Buddhism for loan. We also have two large and very pleasant rooms available for hire. They provide excellent facilities for workshops, seminars or quieter therapeutic or meditative practices. Contact us for further information or Click here to receive weekly What's On at the ABC email bulletins.

Phone 09 378 1120
Email: auckbudcen@xtra.co.nz