January news 2024
Munisha: 26 seconds on the ease of leaving a legacy (click on the image)
Effective care in the Order
‘One of the reasons I asked for ordination’
I am delighted to introduce this short video from Akashamitra, in which he gives a succinct account of the impact of care in the Order. He illustrates well the benefits of a local sangha working together in a coordinated way to form a very effective support network for someone in need, in this case an Order member who was dying.
As you may be aware, the Abhayaratna Trust has been working on a Local Care Network project, aimed at helping local sanghas embody a more explicit culture of care, able more effectively to meet the needs of sangha members (and navigate the complexities of government and charity support services).
This aim is beautifully evoked by Akashamitra. In describing how Order members came together to provide care for Vidyajyoti he says, ‘I had never seen anything like it before’. Seeing this level of care amongst Order members inspired Akashamitra, a young man in his 30s at the time, to ask for ordination.
Click here or on the image above.
If you’d like to find out more about Local Care Networks, and maybe get involved in setting one up around your local Centre, please email Mahasraddha: mahasraddha@abhayaratnatrust.org. You can also visit our page on Local Care Networks on our website by clicking here.
An inspiring and heart-opening interview with Vajrin
This interview with Mahasraddha, in which Vajrin talks about an accident that left him permanently in a wheelchair and how this impacted on his Dharma practice and his view on the world, is well worth watching.
Vajrin is clear that it has been a very difficult time, including five major surgical operations during the pandemic. Yet he is articulate and inspiring in explaining how it has also been heart opening and enhanced his capacity for empathy.
Click here or on the image.
Annual Review for 2023
You can read our Annual Review 2023 here or by clicking on the image.
See how things are going and what we have been doing over the past year. You will find a director’s report from Mahasraddha, as well as reports from each of the team on their particular areas of work and a foreword by Dharmashura who is chair of the Abhayaratana Trust.
Let us know what you think. And if you are not already doing so, we hope you will feel moved to support our work either by a regular donation and/or by getting involved in our work by, for example, helping to set up a Local Care Network at your Centre
Communications Support: jinavamsa@abhayaratnatrust.org - Send your ideas, reflections and feedback - we love to hear from you.