August 2025 News
Our new grants and care co-ordinator
Kshantika
A big welcome to Kshantika, who is joining the Abhayaratna Trust team as our new grants and care co-ordinator from the 12th of August. We are very happy to have Kshantika take the role and invited her to introduce herself.
Kshantika writes: ‘I am based in Nottingham in the UK. I have worked in social services finance for the last 22 years, in the area of financial assessments, for those receiving care assisted by the local authority. So, I bring knowledge of the UK benefits system, especially for retirement age folks. I also have some understanding of working age and disability benefits. I have a passion for encouraging folks to claim benefits they are entitled to and to overcome any stigma in asking for help. I was ordained in 2006 and have a vision for cultivating a culture of care for each other in the Order. Being there for each other in practical and financial ways. I also teach yoga in the Nottingham Buddhist Centre and practice Biodynamic Massage and Sound Healing, and I love going on Yatras.’
If you wish to apply for support from the Abhayaratna Trust please email kshantika@abhayaratnatrust.org
A big thank you from Taradakini
Taradakini
Thank you very much to everyone who contributed towards my leaving fund appeal. I'm deeply grateful. Over £4,000 was raised which alongside state benefits while I'm signed off work will give me a good six months of rest and recuperation. How wonderful. I feel very appreciated and thanked for my contribution to the Trust's work these past 13 years.
I had a lovely rejoicing session send off and am delighted that a successor has been appointed. I have every confidence in Kshantika and wish her, the trustees and my team colleagues all the best in future with their Abhayaratna Trust work - such a valuable resource and one which would be impossible without your support.
With love, Taradakini
65+ a unique retreat
Don’t miss the opportunity to attend this unique retreat for Order members aged 65+, 12th - 17th October, organised by the Abhayaratna Trust in collaboration with Adhisthana.
The majority of Triratna Order members are now aged over 60. A retreat initiated by the Abhayaratna Trust in collaboration with Adhisthana, exclusively for Order members aged 65 and over, is a valuable opportunity to explore Dharma practice in the midst of ageing. With reference to the Dasadhamma Sutta, the retreat will focus on questions such as, how do we maintain an effective Dharma life, or how do we continue contributing to the sangha and the Order/Movement with the challenges that ageing can present?
How did Bhante stay inspired as he aged? Paramartha will give a talk on the retreat on Bhante's journey through ageing - how he held on to his vision and practice, as ageing and the inevitability of death unfolded in his life. Watch the short video above to hear Mahasraddha and Paramartha explain more about the retreat and why it is significant.
If finances are a concern and you would like to come on the retreat - including travel. Email kshantika@abhayaratnatrust.org. You can find more information and book on the retreat here - including online places.
The great generosity of Lalitavyuha
Lalitavyuha, who died in 2022, with pneumonia and covid, very generously included the Abhayaratna Trust in his will. We at the Trust are very grateful to Lalitavyuha for seeing and responding to the need of Order members and for valuing the work of the Abhayaratna Trust.
Lalitavyuha’s sadhana was Green Tara, who gestures with open handed generosity, giving whatever is most needed to support the full flowering of the potential of each living being. The legacy we have received, will help us to continue the work of offering support to any individual Order member who is in financial need.
Much gratitude from the team and Trustees of the Abhayaratna Trust.
Contact Communications Support: jinavamsa@abhayaratnatrust.org with any questions or feedback.