At the heart of the FWBO is the Western Buddhist Order (WBO), a spiritual community of ordained men and women who have committed themselves to Buddhist ideals (or, in more traditional language, who Go for Refuge to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.)

While all share a common commitment, the way this commitment is expressed varies. Some Order members live as celibates while others live and practice within a family context - and there are many shades in between. While some may run rural retreat centres, others work in 'ordinary jobs'. All share a commitment to helping to spread the Buddhist teachings in whatever way they can, whether by teaching, supporting others to teach, through personal friendships etc.

Some Order members, together with Mitras and Friends (see below), set up and live together in residential communities, or create team-based right livelihood businesses, some are active in or support the higher arts, whilst others are involved in organisations for the uplift of oppressed peoples.