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Human not Divine: how the Buddha changed his mind

Graham Dixon


Regions:
Surrey, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Essex, London, Hampshire
Notice Period:
Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
Type:
Professional
Fee:
Free: Given the subject matter, this talk is offered free.
Category:
Humanities
Updated:
15th April 2026

While the Buddha might be viewed as a god-like figure, the early Indian sources tell a different story. We find someone who was listen to different opinions and on occasion revise his view. This talk is based around Dixon's recent book, Human not Divine, which presents the Buddha as fully human, using various case studies in which the Buddha revised his opinions. He appears to show some of the characteristics of modern management styles, interacting with his followers, rather than laying down the law.

Just to be clear, this talk is factual, based on historical documents, not devotional, and will be presented in a way that is approachable to non-specialists.

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About Graham Dixon

Having previously served as Managing Editor, BBC Radio 3, Graham Dixon was Head of Radio at the European Broadcasting Union in Geneva until December 2020. Now living in Surrey, he is a highly experienced speaker, with experience of broadcasting in addition to giving presentations at conferences across four continents.

Graham studied organ at the Royal Academy of Music as Sir John Goss Organ Scholar, before moving from performance to musicology. Following research in Italy and Germany, he was awarded a PhD from Durham for his work on music and ceremony in Baroque Rome. He then joined the BBC as a Producer specialising in early music, later moving into senior editorial and strategic roles.

In 2014 he completed an MA in Buddhist Studies, writing on how the first generation of Buddhist monks transmitted the Buddha's teachings. He continues to write on early Buddhism, and has published two books on the area as well as editing a significant collection of essays.

Living in Limpsfield in Surrey, where the composer Delius is buried, has fostered his interest in local history. He has presented groundbreaking work on the circumstance of Delius’ burial and on his artist wife, Jelka. He recently published a book on the extraordinary people buried in Limpsfield churchyard.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and the Royal Asiatic Society.


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