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Buddhist

Although we don't have our own Buddhist Chaplain at Warwick, Vicki Squire and Romain Chenet are academic members of staff who stand as Buddhist Faith Advisers. Vicki and Romain welcome all students and staff seeking information or guidance to contact them directly.

If you would like to find out more about Buddhism, please contact Romain and Vicki

Buddhism is based on the teachings of Siddhārtha Gautama, sometimes known as Siddhattha Gotama, Gautama Buddha or Shakyamuni Buddha. While the exact details of the Buddha's life are disputed, what is known is that he lived in India and present-day Nepal around 2500 years ago. His teachings have led to a range of Buddhist schools, with contemporary Buddhism now a worldwide movement involving various traditions and practices.

Student Faith Society

The Chaplaincy hosts the activities of various Buddhist groups, which are open to all. It works closely with the Buddhist Society, which runs weekly meditation sessions that welcome Buddhists as well as non-Buddhists interested in Buddhism or meditative practice. These are led by Ven. Chao Khun Bhavanaviteht (Luang Por Khemadhammo) OBE from The Forest Hermitage. For more information, go to the Warwick Buddhist Society webpage or Facebook page. You can also find out more at Luangpor's blog.

Group of people meditating If you are interested in learning more about Buddhist philosophy, meeting other Buddhists on campus, or attending a meeting, please contact the Buddhist faith advisor (V.J.Squire@warwick.ac.uk). We have a wide range of Buddhist communities represented on campus, and regular meetings are currently organised by Nichiren Buddhists as part of the lay socially-engaged Buddhist group SGI-UK.
Facilities on campus

We are currently refurbishing a room in the Humanities block, as a space where staff and students cam chant, meditate and hold small Buddhist meetings.

Unfortunately the room we launched on 31st May 2023 has been closed for health and safety reasons. H0.10 will be opened later this term for individual staff and student members of the University to use the space at their convenience, respecting others who may also be using the room.

In the meantime, the Central Space and Westwood Multi-Faith Prayer Room can be booked by Faith Societies, subject to availability. Other rooms across campus can be booked via the University's room booking systemLink opens in a new window. During the day, staff and students can use these spaces and the Multi-Faith Prayer Room on Gibbet Hill campus for meditation alongside others.

Contact the Buddhist Faith Advisors

Vicki and Romain are academic members of staff who volunteer as our Buddhist Faith Advisers. You can contact them at:

V dot J dot Squire at warwick dot ac dot uk

Romain dot Chenet at warwick dot ac dot uk


The Ven. Luang Por Khemadhammo from the Forest Hermitage CentreLink opens in a new window leads a meditation with our Buddhist Society

meditation

Follow Luang Por on TwitterLink opens in a new window