October 2025 News
The success of the 65+ retreat
Ahisthana in autumn
There have now been many retreats in Triratna geared especially towards young people. With his work with the Abhayaratna Trust giving him a keen awarenes of the needs of older Order members, Mahasraddha came up with the vision of a retreat intended for Order members of 65 years and more, giving them the opportunity to explore what it means to maintain an effective life in the Dharma into old age.
The retreat was held at Adhisthana amidst all the colours and shades of autumn. Mahasraddha gave the keynote talk, and there was a presentation by Paramartha telling how it was being around Bhante as he entered old age. Then there was study and discussion around the Dasdadhamma Sutta from the Anguttara Nikaya, where the Buddha lays out ten things to be reflected on again and again by those who have gone forth.. a text that is combines challenge and inspiration. The discussion groups, both in person and online, were very lively and engaged, and those attending seemed to really appreciate the chance to discuss both the difficulties and the new perspectives they were encountering with old age. One person said that their group was one of the best Order discussion groups they had ever been in!
Old age and sickness certainly made a dramatic appearance in the retreat, with Mahasraddha falling seriously ill just beforehand, being hospitalised, unable to attend in person, and having to give his talk online holding intense pain at bay. Fortunatlely he is now on the road to recovery.. Another retreatant, Medhasri had to go into hospital during the retreat and was being kept in until she was well enough to travel home. Despite this the retreat seemed to go very well, and to have been much appreciated, with many requests for a similar retreat next year.
Metta, Saddhaloka
How the health project can help Dharmacharinis in India
In our last newsletter we mentioned the Dharmacharini Health project, which was initiated by the Abhayaratna Trust to assist dharmacharini’s in India by offering grants to cover modest medical expenses. We asked Maitridarshini, a women’s Order convenor in India, who is helping to run this project along with Ratnasila, to make a short video about why there is a need and how Dharmacharini’s in India can benefit from this initiative.
She gives some of the context of how women in India will often prioritise family and not have finacial resources to pay for their own basic health needs.
Giving Abhayasara the gift of sight
In September we ran an appeal to pay for Abhayasara, who lives in Venezuala, two have cataract surgery for both eyes. There was an amazing response and we quickly raised £4,000 to pay for the operations. Abhaysara sent this message of gratitude to all who donated,
‘Thank you so much!
I wish I could express my enormous gratitude to everyone who has so generously provided me with this invaluable support! The surgery on my first eye was successful, so much so that the change has not only been in restoring my vision, but also in my energy. Both have already meant a very important change in my life. I will soon begin organizing the surgery for my other eye. I am left whit my heart full of gratitude and metta for all of you.’
Abhayāsāra
Abhayaratna’s legacy - still bearing fruit
When Abhayaratna, who’s legacy was the beginning what has become the Abhayaratna Trust, a tree was planted in memory of him. We are pleased to say that the tree is still thriving, as is the Trust that Abhayaratna made possible.
Dharmashura reports that, 'A good crop this year on the crab apple we planted with Abhayaratna's ashes in the Birmingham Buddhist Centre garden all those years ago. And, in the spirit of altruism, most of the fruit is hanging over the neighbour's garden!
Contact Communications Support: jinavamsa@abhayaratnatrust.org with any questions or feedback.