Mahasraddha receives a token of gratitude on behalf of the Abhayaratna Trust at the Order convention in India.
The presentation was in acknowledgement of all the support that the Trust has given to individual Order members in India. This includes raising funds for 147 Order members to be able to attend this convention, grants given to individuals to be able to create their own livelihood, as well as grants for retreats and conventions over the years.
Are you an Order member wishing to train or retrain to support yourself in future? Or do you have the necessary skills but not the means to start a small business?
If a lack of funds is getting in the way of you building a sustainable livelihood, get in touch with us about our new training and business start-up grants. We offer grants of up to £1500 to those with limited savings, and will also consider running an appeal where more than that is needed.
Much of our grant work is focused on helping Order members with immediate financial difficulties, as well as funding retreats, but we are keen to explore supporting some Order members to build an ongoing source of income for themselves through training or running their own business. We have been making start-up business grants in India like this since the covid pandemic caused many Order members there to lose their jobs; we are now open to applications from Order members elsewhere in the world. Get in touch with taradakini@abhayaratnatrust.org for more information.
Oak tree: Adhisthana
The largest age demographic of the Order is now 60 and over, and we are increasingly witnessing the Three Sights, especially ageing and sickness, within the Order. Witnessing these Three Sights once compelled Siddhartha to seek solutions to the challenges and difficulties of these inevitable stages of human life.
Perhaps we too experience a similar sense of urgency to deepen our practice in response to the Three Sights, just as Siddhartha did. But how do we maintain an effective Dharma life as our bodies and minds undergo the ageing process, often marked by a decline in physical and mental capacities? And how do we continue to contribute to the Triratna Order and Community if we so wish?
These questions and more will be the focus of a retreat initiated by the Abhayaratna Trust in collaboration with Adhisthana. The retreat, happening 12-17 October 2025, is exclusively for Order members aged 65 and over, and is a unique opportunity for members in this age demographic to come together and explore Dharma practice amidst the inevitability and challenges of ageing.
The Dharma text that will be studied during the retreat is the Dasadhamma Sutta, in which the Buddha cuts to the chase by outlining 10 essential reflections for a Dharma practitioner to contemplate repeatedly. These reflections can provide clear direction for our Dharma lives.
The retreat will run in person and online and will be led by a team of very experienced Dharmacharis and Dharmacharinis. (Book early for in-person attendance as places are limited.)
If finances are a concern, you may be eligible for a retreat and UK travel grant from the Abhayaratna Trust. For details, visit: Abhayaratna Trust Support at https://abhayaratnatrust.org/get-support.
Please direct any other enquiries/expressions of interest to Mahasraddha: mahasraddha@abhayaratnatrust.org.
Taradakini, our Grants & Appeals Manager, writes: We have a new legacy leaflet for Triratna Centres, chapters and groups, encouraging our sangha to act now to support Triratna Order members in future.
The Will you? leaflet is helpful for those who haven’t yet made a will, motivating people to reflect on the underlying views that might be getting in the way of doing so, and also giving more general information on how to leave a gift to the Abhayaratna Trust for those that want to consider doing so.
In a recent survey by a UK insurance company, 57% of the respondents said they hadn’t made a will. People’s reasons? They weren’t clear what to do with their assets; they didn’t think they had enough wealth to warrant making a will; they didn’t know how to go about it; or felt they didn’t have time.
If any of these reasons resonate with you, it’s very worthwhile reflecting, firstly to get clear on your wishes - what you want to leave behind in this world; which people and causes you care about; as well as making clear things like how to access your digital world and what kind of funeral you would like, for example, and secondly, you might spot along the way what views are putting you off actually making a will.
If you would like one of more Will you? leaflets sent out to you, please email our Donor Care Coordinator, jinavamsa@abhayaratnatrust.org.
