Vishvapani
I write and teach from a Buddhist perspective, exploring the relevance of mindfulness and Buddhism to the modern world
thought for the day
Reflections on the news from a Buddhist perspective BBC Radio 4 since 2006
Books
Writing on Buddhist history, myth and contemporary expressions
Buddhist writitng
Posts, essays and reflections on Buddhism in the modern world from the Wise Attention bog
I’m a writer, speaker, and teacher of Buddhism, based in Cardiff, Wales.
My work centres on Buddhism and the modern world — what the tradition offers when we bring it into genuine contact with contemporary life, and what happens when we take its insights seriously rather than decoratively. Over the years that has meant writing biography and cultural commentary, broadcasting, teaching meditation and the Dharma, and increasingly exploring the territory where Buddhism meets myth, imagination, and the arts.
My books include Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened One (Quercus), and Reimagining Buddhism: Understanding Sangharakshita’s Life and Teachings (Windhorse, 2025). I’m currently writing Buddhism and Myth: The Country of Undefined Meaning. I write for Tricycle: the Buddhist Review and The Guardian, and contribute regularly to BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day.
I’ve been a practitioner in the Triratna Buddhist Order since 1992 and teach widely within the tradition and beyond — at centres, on retreat, and at festivals and events in the UK and internationally. Recent teaching has included leading a Buddhist pilgrimage for Tricycle. I’m also engaged in the Order’s international work.
Imagination
Awakening The Imagination Online Retreat
Friday 15 May-Thursday 21 May. Vishvapani and artist Amitajyoti Discover the Imagination as a source of deep enrichment and how it can be a path of awakening into an expansive, loving and insightful awareness.
Writing
Reimagining Buddhism: Understanding Sangharakshita’s Life and Teachings
Windhorse Publications, 2025
Learn More
Learn More & Book
Wise Attenion Blog
Covid created a mental health crisis. Now we need to rethink education
Though for the Day 05.02.2021 After the pandemic we’ll face the cost for mental health, especially among young people. But the problems are longterm, and we need to rethink meditation. The new Welsh curriculum, which prioritises wellbeing approaches, including…
Free Speech has limits. Buddhists call it Skilful Communication
When Trump incited his followers before they attacked Congress, but claimed ”Free Speech’. Buddhist principles locate the limits of freedom in communication Weekend Word, BBC Radio Wales, 15.01.2021 As his impeachment proceeds, being banned from Twitter may seem the…
In a pandemic without borders we need vaccine equity
Rich countries are pre-ordering massive quantities of the covid-19 vaccines. But what about the poorer countries who are pushed to the back of the queue? Think of a Buddhist and perhaps you imagine the Buddha’s untroubled gaze, or someone meditating with their eyes…


