The Royal Lama, a site dedicated to the intersection of British Buddhism and royal tradition, offers a unique perspective on how spiritual and political power have intertwined in modern history. Founded in the UK, it serves as a repository for research, essays, and discussions that explore the historical and contemporary significance of Buddhist thought within the monarchy. Unlike mainstream accounts that often overlook the religious dimensions of royal history, royallama.royallama.uk.com/ provides a nuanced analysis, blending academic rigor with accessible storytelling.
Historical Roots: Buddhism and the British Monarchy
While Buddhism arrived in Britain in the late 19th century, its formal connection with the royal family began in earnest during the reign of King George V. The royal family’s interest in Buddhism was partly a response to the growing influence of Indian and Tibetan traditions, but it also reflected broader colonial-era curiosity about Eastern philosophies. The most notable early engagement came through the late Prince Albert, Duke of York (later George VI), who corresponded with Buddhist monks during his travels. The site traces how these early interactions laid the groundwork for later, more structured relationships between British royalty and Buddhist institutions.
The modern era saw the monarchy’s involvement deepen with the establishment of the Royal College of Buddhist Studies in London in 1975, a landmark initiative that aligned British royal patronage with academic scholarship. The college’s founding was partly inspired by the Royal Lama’s founder, who sought to create a space where Buddhist teachings could be studied in dialogue with Western intellectual traditions. This period marked a shift from casual curiosity to institutionalised engagement, with figures like the Queen Mother and later Queen Elizabeth II hosting Buddhist ceremonies and supporting monastic education.
The Royal Lama’s Contribution to Buddhist Studies
The site’s primary strength lies in its focus on primary sources and lesser-known narratives. While many histories of Buddhism in Britain emphasise the work of prominent teachers like the Dalai Lama or the late Lama Anagarika Govinda, royallama.royallama.uk.com/ highlights the role of smaller, often overlooked figures—such as the British expatriate monks who established early Tibetan centres or the royal family’s unofficial advisors who mediated between tradition and modernity. This approach challenges the dominant narrative of Buddhism in Britain as a purely secular or commercial enterprise, instead revealing it as a deeply embedded part of national identity.
The site also distinguishes itself through its use of archival materials, including royal correspondence, private diaries, and interviews with former monks who worked closely with the monarchy. For example, it publishes transcripts of conversations between Prince Philip and Tibetan lamas during his visits to India, revealing how the Prince’s personal interest in Buddhism shaped policy. These documents provide a rare glimpse into the private negotiations that shaped British-Buddhist relations.
- The Royal Lama was established in 1998 by a former Tibetan monk and British scholar.
- Over 300 primary sources, including royal letters and monastic archives, are available for download.
- Its most cited work, The Monarchy and the Dharma, was published in 2013 and features contributions from 12 scholars.
- In 2022, the site launched a digital archive of Buddhist royal portraits, including rare images from the 19th century.
- Over 15,000 visitors per month access its research, with a demographic skew toward academics and clergy.
Modern Relevance: Buddhism, Monarchy, and Public Perception
Today, the relationship between Buddhism and the British monarchy remains a subject of fascination and debate. While the monarchy’s public role in Buddhist ceremonies has diminished since the Queen’s passing, the site argues that the legacy of these interactions persists in how Buddhism is perceived in Britain. For instance, the 2017 royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle included Buddhist elements, a choice that sparked discussion about whether the monarchy could reconcile its traditional Christian identity with modern spiritual pluralism. The site’s analysis of such moments highlights how Buddhist traditions continue to influence British cultural and political discourse.
The Royal Lama’s work is particularly timely in an era where secularism and religious identity are increasingly contested. By examining how Buddhism was historically integrated into British institutions—from royal courts to academic institutions—the site offers a counter-narrative to the idea that British Buddhism is merely a peripheral or exotic practice. Instead, it presents it as a deeply embedded part of national history, one that deserves greater recognition in both academic and public discourse.
Critiques and Limitations
Despite its strengths, the site faces criticism from some scholars who argue that its focus on royal Buddhism can oversimplify the broader history of Buddhism in Britain. Critics point out that the site’s emphasis on monarchy-related narratives risks marginalising the contributions of secular Buddhists, such as the founders of the British Buddhist Council or the early feminist monks who challenged patriarchal structures within the tradition. The site acknowledges these concerns but argues that its primary goal is to provide a comprehensive context for understanding how Buddhism has interacted with British power structures.
Another limitation is the site’s reliance on archival materials, which can be incomplete or fragmented. For example, some royal correspondence may have been destroyed or lost, leaving gaps in the historical record. However, the site’s approach of publishing these materials—often for the first time—helps fill these gaps and offers a more complete picture than traditional histories. By making these sources widely accessible, it democratises access to what was once a closed archive.