About

I encountered Buddhism in the mid-seventies in London, and ever since I have studied and practised it, mainly within the Tibetan tradition. I have learned from masters of many different traditions and from Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche and Sogyal Rinpoche in particular. I have also studied academically, obtaining a Diploma in Religious Studies from Cambridge University, UK, an M.A. in Indian Religions from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London and a Ph.D. in Madhyamaka philosophy from Bristol University.

I taught Buddhism and Critical Thinking in London schools for many years and wrote a textbook for AS and A2 levels (17-18 years) published as Buddhism (Philip Allan Updates, 2005). My new book, Discovering Buddhism (Matador, March 2022), presents the history and key ideas of all the main traditions of Buddhism in an accessible way for the general public and the education sector.

My activity has been varied. I edited two books by the Dalai Lama: The Four Noble Truths (Thorsons, 1998) and Transforming the Mind (Thorsons, 1999). I was responsible for establishing the Milinda study programme for training Buddhist teachers under the auspices of Khyentse Foundation. I also served as Vice-President of the European Buddhist Union from 2013-2018.

Currently, I am part of a team of educators that are creating a new website with freely accessible materials for school teachers, students and the general public. Windows into Buddhism is a project of the European Buddhist Union and launched in September 2022.

Additionally, I was a trustee of the Rigpa Fellowship, in the UK, from 1979 to 2004 when I stepped down to pursue other priorities. I have taught the Dharma in many Rigpa centres for decades. Rigpa has been the subject of serious criticism so I wish to clarify my current position.

After allegations were made against Rigpa and Sogyal Rinpoche in 2017, Rigpa commissioned an independent investigation, conducted by UK law firm Lewis Silkin. I cooperated with that investigation and a further inquiry by the UK Charities Commission. It was distressing to me and many others that the Lewis Silkin report found that mismanagement and misconduct occurred in the administration of the charity. I immediately stepped down from all governance roles. Since that time I continue to teach, but I hold no position of governance in Rigpa.

UK authorities are satisfied that Rigpa has implemented the recommendations made and I have done my best to be part of the change. I assisted in drafting Rigpa’s code of conduct and I support the restorative process led by two independent mediators. I also contribute to the Treasuring the Feminine conference series launched in 2021 exploring the role of women in Tibetan Buddhism.

Since the retirement of Sogyal Rinpoche in 2017 and subsequent passing in 2019, Rigpa is guided by three Tibetan teachers: Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche, Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche and Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. In 2021 they appointed a number of senior teachers, including myself, and in this role I bring all my life experience to bear in order to share the Dharma in a warm and compassionate way that meets each person’s needs. I believe this is the right foundation for creating a better future.