There are more than 240,000 Buddhists in the UK. Yet none of us grows spiritually in isolation.
At RKUK, we would be very happy to get to know you, help you connect with the Buddha’s teachings, and welcome you into a warm community of practitioners.
If you would like to become a member, please complete the join form. After receiving your form, we will contact you personally and invite you to an Introduction to Buddhism and RKUK session, where we can explain the next steps and answer any questions.
When you feel ready to become part of our Sangha, you can become a member of RKUK through a basic monthly membership contribution of £5 per month.
This is not a fee for receiving services, but a personal expression of our vow to practise the bodhisattva way, walk together as part of the Sangha, and support the future of Buddhism and the Lotus Sutra in the UK.
If you are able and feel moved to give more than £5, any amount above this is gratefully received as a voluntary offering.
Some activities, courses, books, or practice items may have separate costs or suggested donations. You can read more about these here.
It is also OK to change your mind. You can withdraw your membership and cancel your ongoing contribution at any time. We simply ask you to let us know in advance.
Taking refuge in the Three Treasures
Buddhists devote themselves to the practice of taking refuge in the Three Treasures.
- Buddha −our great benevolent teacher, Shakyamuni Buddha
- Dharma − the enlightened teachings of Buddha
- Sangha − the community of practitioners who follow Buddha’s teachings.
These have been the fundamental principles of Buddhism for more than 2,000 years.
We believe this makes you a better person.
Members’ Vow
We ask our members to take this vow and take steps to live out its truth.
We members of Rissho Kosei-kai
Take refuge in the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni
And recognise in Buddhism a true way of liberation
Under the guidance of our revered founder, Nikkyo Niwano
In the spirit of lay Buddhists, we vow to perfect ourselves
Through personal discipline and leading others
And by improving our knowledge and practice of the faith
We pledge ourselves to follow the bodhisattva way
To bring peace to our families, communities, and countries
And to the world.
To learn more about our Members’ Vow, read here.
What does practice look like after joining RKUK?
Buddhist practice begins from where you are.
Some members begin by chanting the O-daimoku for a short time each day. Others start by joining Sunday services, study sessions, hoza, or other activities. Some also wish to learn about home practice, including the Gohonzon and sutra recitation.
You do not need to understand everything before joining. In the Introduction to Buddhism and RKUK session, we will explain the different forms of practice and help you find a way to begin that suits your circumstances.
We will walk with you step by step.
