May 2026 News
Grants to Attend Area Conventions
European convention
This year, Order members from around the world have been reaching out to the Abhayaratna Trust for help attending their Area Conventions. So far, we’ve received requests for Area Conventions in:
UK & Ireland: 16
Europe: 3
Pan American: 1
Oceania: 3
These numbers reflect something heartening: a strong wish across the Order to gather, practise, and reconnect.
Why These Gatherings Matter
Sangharakshita often reminded us of the Buddha’s encouragement to ‘meet together regularly and in large numbers so that the unity of the Sangha should be preserved.’ (From his 2008 talk at the international retreat, drawing on the Buddha’s advice to the Vajjians.)
In that same talk — marking the 41st anniversary of the founding of the Triratna Community — he acknowledged that not everyone naturally enjoys large gatherings. Even so, he expressed a deep hope that the tradition of coming together would continue. He pointed out that unlike in more secular gatherings, ‘When we meditate together, when we do puja together, when we listen to talks about the Dharma together, a completely different atmosphere is generated, and a quite different level of consciousness is sometimes reached.’
Area Conventions: A Newer kind of gathering
This year’s Area Order Conventions are one way this advice is being lived out. They offer the chance for more people to gather in significant numbers, while also responding to the practical realities of geography and travel. Some areas though still cover large distances, and of course, distance brings cost. And cost can be a real barrier.
The UK & Ireland Convention is organised by the Order Office but funded entirely by participant fees. Other areas organise their own events locally, also relying on attendees to cover the full cost. Unlike retreat centres, these gatherings don’t have built‑in bursary systems — so when organisers wanted to ensure no one was excluded for financial reasons, they turned to the Abhayaratna Trust.
How the Abhayaratna Trust Helps
Supporting Order members in financial difficulty is at the heart of the Trust’s purpose. Helping someone attend their Area Convention — especially when it’s a vital opportunity for connection, practice, and renewal — fits squarely within that remit.
Applying for help is a little different from requesting a retreat bursary: we ask for more information so we can understand your situation fully, and we aim to make the process as accessible and supportive as possible.
If you’re considering applying, or simply want to talk through what’s involved, please email kshantika@abhayaratnatrust.org. We’re here to help you take part in the gatherings that nourish our shared life in the Order.
If you wish to apply for a grant to attend the convention, please click here
or contact Kshantika at kshantika@abhayaratnatrust.org
Give a little to help a lot of Order members now and in the future, please click here.
Our annual review for 2025
In the Abhayaratna Trust Annual Review 2025 you will find details of our work supporting Triratna Order members last year, including grants, appeals and new initiatives such as the retreat for Order members aged 65 and over.
We hope you find it enjoyable and helpful. We are grateful for your continued interest, support and generosity, which makes the Trust’s work possible. To read our Annual Review click here.
Contact Communications Support: jinavamsa@abhayaratnatrust.org with any questions or feedback.