November news
Will you remember?
Mahasraddha writes: ‘In the context of the suffering and confusion that I see around me in everyday living and encounters, I am often profoundly struck by how fortunate I am to have encountered the dharma and, moreover, to have stuck at dharma practice through the many ups and downs, through the many periods of doubt, towards greater clarity and sraddha.
This incredibly important journey would not have been possible without friends. And this culture of friendship that many of us enjoy in the Order - and which supports our dharma life - did not emerge by chance; it emerged from Bhante’s insight into the importance of friendship in an effective dharma life (that can be traced back to the Buddha’s words in the Pāli canon).
Recalling my gratitude for the incredible riches that dharma practice has revealed in my life, especially Order friendship, my heart wish is that the Order thrives as a collective ‘force for good’ in the world far into the future.
An inherent part of enabling this force, now and in the future, is looking after each other - not only the friends that we know - throughout their dharma lives when it’s needed.
The Abhayaratna Trust is the vessel through which care and generosity can flow towards Order members in need of support in difficult times wherever they are in the world.
Remembering the Abhayaratna Trust in your Will is a significant, lasting way you can exemplify the Sangha Jewel and help Order members to thrive or live better. Your gift will enable us to give practical help when and wherever it’s needed; and contribute to creating a culture of looking out for one another in our Order and Community.
Read more here: Legacies — Abhayaratna trust
The strength of our ‘sangha family’
Many of the grants we make each year go to support Order members in India. Our representative there, Karmavajra (pictured), helps us to co-ordinate grants for retreats, solitaries and healthcare. Here’s what he had to say about the impact of one of the grants we made earlier this year:
‘We extend our heartfelt thanks to Abhayaratna Trust for the generous support, which has enriched the lives of our fellow Order members. Your contributions have made a significant impact, allowing us to care for example for Dhammachari Akashabhadra, who is battling dementia.
The members of the Agra Centre have come together as a close-knit family to provide the care and support he needs. We feel that we have become a family, taking care of Order members who are in need. This beautifully exemplifies the unity of our international Sangha and the values we cherish.
Let's continue to embrace compassion, reinforcing the strength of our Sangha family.’
If you’d like to support our grant programme with a regular donation, click HERE
Indrajala interview - caring for each other
In this video, Taradakini talks with the Indrajala women’s community in Bethnal green, whose members span a wide age range. They discuss how they might support each other as they age, or become less able. They also talk about how they adapted when a number of community members were ill with covid, as well as the need to continue to be honest about what they might need and what thy might be able to give to the community.
Rejoicing in Bodhaniya and Amoghavajra for their work as trustees
Rejoicing in Bodhaniya, who resigned as a Trustee earlier this year, Mahasraddha writes; ‘Bodhaniya is a very impressive and committed dharma practitioner. Indeed, this is one reason why she stepped down as a trustee of the Abhayaratna Trust to enable her to focus more on her practice. She has a very keen eye for detail, is extremely thorough, has a strong ethical sense and a desire to get to the truth of things – in doing so, Bodhaniya is not afraid to challenge and ask questions to clarify. Bodhaniya also has a tremendous capacity for care for others – she was often asking how I was, especially when things got busy for me in the Trust – and is very down-to-earth and realistic. All of these qualities combined to make her an excellent trustee.’
Of Amoghavajra, Mahasraddha has this to say; ‘One of the first things that struck me about Amoghavajra was his name, which, incidentally, I think he really does live out. Despite many challenges, he lives out an impressive dharma life. He cares deeply about the Order (the many responsibilities he has taken on, and currently holds reflect this); he also cares deeply about others too. So many times, I have heard him enquiring about this person or that with genuine concern for their wellbeing. I think that both of these qualities are reflected in him becoming a trustee of the Abhayaratna Trust. His perspective, thoughtfulness and thoroughness were highly valued in the Trust and will be missed.’
Amoghavajra adds; ‘I've resigned as a Trustee - with a heavy heart because I feel a lot for the project and what the team are doing. I've become the Order delegate for UK & Ireland to the Area Council and this is going to take up some time. I felt I had to let go of being an Abhayaratna Trustee in order to have the capacity to do this. So, sadly, I have left the Trustees and wish you all very well.’
Communications Support: jinavamsa@abhayaratnatrust.org - Send your ideas, reflections and feedback - we love to hear from you.