Cambridge University Buddhist Society - Evolution of Focus

Evolution of Focus

Since its original founding, the identity and activities associated with the Buddhist society have changed significantly to reflect changing interests of its general membership. Originally a forum for academic and philosophical debate on issues treated in Buddhist literature, the society in its original form drew largely on students of the Oriental Studies tripos and related subjects with knowledge of languages the original texts, including Pali and Sanskrit. CUBS published a widely circulated journal, KALPA, to promote dialogue on topics raised.

In the 1970s, His Holiness the Dalai Lama became the society's Honorary President. Meditation as a form of training for spiritual and mental well-being received higher profile during this period, attracting many students to undertake meditative practice. Numerous meditation classes are now undertaken in Cambridge, allowing students to study under several Buddhist and non-Buddhist traditions.

In recent years, racial composition of the society has changed considerably as a result of increasing proportion of foreign students admitted to the university. Students from Thailand, Sri Lanka and other South Asian countries, as well as the People's Republic of China, now form a majority proportion of the membership. This has resulted in a greater emphasis placed on cultural and devotional practices associated with Buddhism.