January 2026 News
Something completely different
When I was in Norwich in December, I visited Sarvananda, who wished to make a short video, thanking the Abhayaratna Trust and its supporters for helping him go on retreat by providing a grant. Due to having a ‘bad cold’ at the time he asked his auntie Jean to speak on his behalf. I was moved. (click on image to watch the video)
If you are someone who donates to the Abhayaratna Trust, or have benefitted from the Trust in some way, we’d be glad to hear from you. Send a short paragraph, or make a short video on why you value the work that we do on behalf of the Order to jinavamsa@abhayaratnatrust.org. If you feel too shy to be on camera, you could always ask your auntie Jean to do it on your behalf. Jinavamsa
On being a trustee - Kavyamani
Kavyamani
In 2023, I became an Abhayaratna Trustee after a former Trustee and dear friend invited me to meet the team and explore becoming more involved. While I had long known of the Trust, I hadn’t fully appreciated the breadth, impact and the international reach of its work until I joined.
I work as an Occupational Therapist in the NHS with adults with learning disabilities, and I quickly found my skills and experience could be put to good use. In a short time, I’ve been involved in a wide range of Abhayaratna Trust activities: contributing to grant and appeal decisions, developing tools to evidence the impact of the Trust, advising on accessibility for an over-65s Order retreat the Trust organised at Adhisthana last year, and supporting the recruitment of new team members and Trustees.
Coming from a work environment where resources are limited, I find it deeply satisfying to be able to offer financial support so immediately and wholeheartedly to Order Members who need it. I appreciate the care, thoughtfulness and sensitivity that each Trustee brings to the decision making process, and how we work together. I’m continually moved by the generosity of the Order in responding so swiftly to Abhayaratna appeals.
Being an Abhayaratna Trustee is a rich, varied and meaningful role which feels like a satisfying use of my skills and a powerful expression of what inspires me as a Dharma farer. Kavyamani
Why I have included the Abhayaratna Trust in my will - Dharmasri
Dharmasri
I am no longer living according to worldly aims and values. This should be reflected upon again and again by one who has Gone Forth," (from the Dasadhamma Sutta). That is, at least, an aspiration. And many of us have put it into practise by giving up or not taking up secure, well-paid jobs, so that we can either spend more time on our personal practice, teaching the Dharma or put our energies into working for the wider Order and Movement.
But one of the consequences is that, if - or when - things get tough, we don't all have the resources to do things like go on retreat or pay for the care we need. And - whether or not we've spent our life teaching or working for the Movement - if we don't do our best to take care of each other, who will? Dharmasri
Promoting our work in India
We are looking for a volunteer that would be able to help us to translate text from English into Hindi. We are only likely to require this occaisionally but you would be helping to spread what the Abhayaratna Trust has to offer Order members in India, as well as promoting the Indian Dharmacharini Health Fund. If you think you might be able to help and are willing to lend a hand with this, please contact jinavamsa@abhayaratnatrust.org.
Contact Communications Support: jinavamsa@abhayaratnatrust.org with any questions or feedback.