About us
The Abhayaratna Trust was registered in England & Wales under Charitable Law (Number 1126494) in 2008.
Our purpose is to relieve financial hardship and its consequences among members of the Triratna Buddhist Order, wherever and whenever the need arises.
We provide a vital safety net for Order members experiencing financial difficulties, offering practical assistance through grants, non-financial support and fundraising appeals. This includes helping with essential living and healthcare costs, responding swiftly to urgent situations and emergencies, and providing bursaries to enable those with limited financial means to attend retreats and Order gatherings.
Alongside this immediate support, we are also looking to the future by exploring the Order’s likely longer-term care and support needs.
Thank you for your interest and support.
You can find out more about us by reading our LATEST Annual Review.
Our name - Abhayaratna
Dharmachari Abhayaratna loved to help people in practical ways. When he died in December 2005, he left £50,000 to benefit the Order. This was used to found the Trust which now bears his name.
Meet the team
Dhinita is our Director. They write: ‘I’m very motivated to have the opportunity to guide the next phase of the Abhayaratna Trust’s development. I look forward to working with the trustees and the team to evolve the Trust, so that it can continue to support those in the Order facing hardship.’
Kshantika is our Grants and Care Co-ordinator. Based in Nottingham, she has been ordained since 2006 and has a vision for cultivating a culture of care for each other in the order. Being there for each other in practical and financial ways.
Visarada is our part-time finance officer. When he’s not out hillwalking, he’s working in Birmingham, inspired by making sure the Trust has a clear picture of its finances, and can use its resources in the most effective way to help those in hardship.
Pasadanita is our Donor Support and Communications Co-ordinator. She writes: 'I see the Abhayaratna Trust as one of Avalokitesvara’s arms at work in the world. This role gives me the chance to contribute to that work, which I really appreciate.’
Our trustees
Our trustees discuss and decide policies and grant requests. They are: Dharmashura (Chair), Shantisthana, Shraddhalocani, Dayasara, Kavyamani, Padmajata and Padmanita. They all give their time and skills voluntarily.
Dharmashura:
‘Helping to look after my father, later moving into a community of Buddhists aged 50-75, I’m aware of the need to effectively support those encountering hardship.
Shantisthana:
‘I am delighted to be a trustee and use my experience to establish housing and care services for those most in need within the Order.’
Shraddhalocani:
‘My motivation, indeed inspiration, in becoming a trustee for the Abhayaratna Trust is one of gratitude.’
Dayasara:
‘After years of working in nursing, care research and volunteering, I am very pleased to find a new way to express my Buddhist values and do this with such a positive team.’
Kavyamani:
‘It is a great honour to have become an Abhayaratna trustee and I look forward to seeing how I can contribute my energy, skills and enthusiasm to the charity.’
Padmajata:
‘I had wondered for quite a while about whether I could put myself forward to become a trustee for the Abhayaratna Trust as I was very interested in their work, really love the Order and want to promote its well-being.’
Padmanita:
‘My respect grows more and more for the Abhayaratna Trust. I’m honoured to have the opportunity to bring my life and professional experience together within such a positive context for the Order.’