Buddhist Chaplaincy
About Buddhism
See below to find out more about our Buddhist Chaplains and events.
Chaplains serve all in the University of Exeter community; staff/students of any faith background or none. They offer specialist faith advice, pastoral and spiritual support and run events from various different faith traditions and worldviews.
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Billie Snowden - Pastoral Chaplain
Hello, my name is Billie and I was born in Exeter, and have lived here most of my life. I work as a Sign Language Interpreter and have practised Nichiren Buddhism as a member of the Soka Gakkai International for more than 35 years. The teachings are based on chanting the title of the Lotus Sutra, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and studying the writings of Nichiren Daishonin. Chanting is a way to bring forth your Buddha nature in the form of courage, compassion, wisdom, creativity and life force in your daily life. This enables you to bring out the best version of yourself and so transform difficulties and suffering.
I really enjoy being a chaplain at the university and I hold a chanting session in the multifaith centre every Friday at noon - anyone is welcome to attend, either to just sit and listen, or join in. There is tea/coffee afterwards too.
Whether you want to ask questions about Buddhism, give chanting a go or are just looking for a friendly face, someone to talk to about your experience of being here at Exeter Uni then please do get in touch. I’m very happy to meet for a coffee and chat.
Email: B.Snowden@exeter.ac.uk
John Danvers - Faith and Worldview Chaplain
John has over fifty years' experience of Zen Buddhist practice, grounded in the Soto Zen, the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and the movement known as 'secular Buddhism'.
As part of the Multifaith Chaplaincy, John is here for all students and staff – whatever their beliefs – for support, advice or an informal chat. If you'd like someone to talk to, you want to know more about Zen, or Buddhism, or you have a particular question, issue or belief you'd like to discuss, John will listen, provide support and advise when he can.
John is an artist, poet and author. He has guided many meditation groups, and run seminars and workshops on Buddhism, creativity, the arts and mindful meditation. He works closely with:
- the University's Meditation Society
- Exeter Meditation Circle
He also guides Mindful Meditation sessions for staff
John runs the Dharma Roads podcast - exploring the wisdom and meditation methods of Zen, Buddhism and other philosophers, writers and poets.
You can find out more about John's background on his website, John Danvers Art.
Email: j.danvers@exeter.ac.uk
Zen Buddhist Meditation
Every Tuesday 6:30 - 7:30pm
Weekly evening meditation following the Zen Buddhism tradition. Session led by our Buddhist Chaplain John Danvers in the Multifaith Room of the Sarah Turvill Multifaith Centre. This is open to all at the University to join.
Nichiren (SGI) Buddhist Chanting
Every Friday 12 - 12:30pm
Weekly Buddhist chanting session following the Soka Gakkai (SGI - Nichiren) tradition. At this session, a small number of words are repeated continuously for 30 minutes. This can offer a feeling of peace, reflection and unity. This session is led by our SGI Buddhist Chaplain Billie Snowden, and held in the Multifaith room of the Sarah Turvill Multifaith Centre.
These are events/activities in the wider Exeter community as recommended by our Chaplains! Please be aware the Multifaith Chaplaincy are not running these events.