ADHISTHANA PROGRAMME 2024
Inside cover Yashodeva
Cover Mother of pearl, Pāua shell
2
ADH IST H A N A 2024
24 01 INTRO
EVENTS
ii
01 IMMERSION RETREATS
01
02 SEMINAR RETREATS
13
03 ORDER, MITRAS + FRIENDS
23
04 YOUNG BUDDHISTS
35
05 ADHISTHANA MANDALA
41
DHARMALIFE COURSES
42
PILGRIMS + VISITORS
42
URGYEN HOUSE
43
ORDER FUNERALS
43
SELF-RUN RETREATS
45
SOLITARY RETREATS
45
VOLUNTEERS
46
SANGHA RETREATS
47
ORDER DHARMA COURSE
48
INTRO The White Lotus Sutra opens with a great gathering: a gathering of beings – enlightened beings, mythical beings, human beings and non-human beings; a gathering of energy, enthusiasm and receptivity and a gathering of blessings raining down in the form of a great multitude of flowers. It feels like there’s much gathering in and around Adhisthana, too. The residential communities are growing, and more people are visiting, coming on retreats, arriving as pilgrims, and attending ordinations as well as funerals. The rhythm of institutional gathering continues for those taking on responsibility, and more sanghas are gathering here to deepen their connection with themselves, with each other and with a wider experience of Triratna. Significantly more Order members are moving to live closer to Adhisthana (Buddhism is the second most popular religion in our local neighbourhood!). Soon two new solitary huts will have amassed a steady flow of practice, while the Teaching Community continues to meet to uncover and share the gems in Bhante’s teaching. Of course, much of that gathering is around the Burial Mound. In our tenth anniversary year we completed our first continuous 108 hours of circumambulation during International Pilgrims’ Week, a significant milestone (p31 to book for 2024). There’s an open invitation to participate in this perpetual stream of practice. I invite you to join in this great gathering, to bring your energy, enthusiasm and receptivity as we all come together to receive and pass on the flow of blessings. It’s the activity of this place which calls down the blessings, the adhisthana. This year we have three events exploring the White Lotus Sutra: a large Order retreat (p2), an intimate Order seminar (p15) and a combined sanghas event, also open to friends and mitras (p27). The rain of the Dharma falls on all. I look forward to seeing you here. Khemabandhu, Chair of Adhisthana ii / iiI
INTRODUCTION
Apsara, a celestial being, makes offerings. China, 10th Century. Minneapolis Institute of Art
01 IMMERSION RETREATS
FRE E D F R O M T HE B UR NING HO USE T E AC H IN G S O F T H E WHITE LO TUS
'The Tathagata has already freed himself from this burning house of the threefold world...' The White Lotus Sutra stands out as one of the most influential and venerated of Mahayana sutras, central to a number of Far Eastern schools. In 1970, Bhante introduced this sutra to a very young Order and movement, igniting an exploration into its depth and mystery. Fifty years later we continue to explore its riches and its relevance for living a deeply authentic and effective Dharma life. Open to the magic of this sutra through readings, reflection, talks, discussion, meditation and puja.
DAT E S 15-22 MARCH 7 nights TEAM Saddhaloka, Parami, Ratnaprabha, Maitreyi, Sona + Khemabandhu FO R Order members
Andrii Gorb/Adobe
Residential + Online
2/3
I M M E R S I O N R E T R E AT S
GE M S F R O M T H E DIAM O ND SUTR A
As stars, a fault of vision, as a lamp, A mock show, dew drops, or a bubble, A dream, a lightning flash, or cloud, So should one view what is conditioned. Following on from the very successful retreat on the Heart Sutra in 2023, this retreat explores facets of the Diamond Sutra, which has a special place in Triratna. It was one of the two texts that Sangharakshita read when he was 16, which had such an impact on him that he knew he was a Buddhist. Surprisingly however, in Wisdom Beyond Words, he says: ‘This sutra is going to be confusing, irritating, annoying, unsatisfying… If we’re prepared to have our limiting views and ideas shaken up, there are precious jewels to be found in this
DAT E S 24 APRIL3 MAY 9 nights L E A DE R Vessantara FO R Order members Residential + Online
centrally important Mahayana sutra, which can unlock the riches in our own minds.’
Explore key parts of the Diamond Sutra, including the nine images with which it ends, through teaching, guided meditations, and devotional practice. The retreat will mainly be in silence to help create the conditions for a satisfying meditation retreat but with enough teaching input to gain new tools and understandings to unpack in future practice. In 2024, Vessantara celebrates 50 years as an Order member. He studied the sutra with Sangharakshita in 1982.
4/5
I M M E R S I O N R E T R E AT S
Pāua shell. Adobe
TH E B L A Z I NG HEA R T
Loving kindness which is freedom of heart … it glows, it shines, it blazes forth.
Join us on a retreat celebrating kindness, love and Bodhichitta – central qualities to the Buddhist path and central qualities to Bhante’s teaching. Led by a large team, the retreat will be an opportunity to explore different ways to awaken your heart to boundless and luminous love. Taking the Karaniya Metta Sutta as the foundational text, there will be talks from different team members each day, ritual and devotion, meditation and groups. The retreat will also include an exploration of the Bodhisattva path in relation to early Buddhism and we will do the Bodhichitta practice daily.
DAT E S 31 MAY7 JUNE 7 nights TEAM Vidyamala, Dhammarati, Dhivan, Paramartha, Parami, Saddhaloka + team FO R Order members Residential + Online
Blazing Hearts, Mexican folk art.
6/7
I M M E R S I O N R E T R E AT S
T H E YO G I ’ S J OY In this empty uninhabited land This happy yogi’s song was let out like a dragon’s roar. The rain of renown falls in all ten directions, The petals of compassion’s bloom unfurl, Bodhichitta’s result purely ripens, And enlightenment’s activity pervades everything! Milarepa’s songs can nourish us with fresh inspiration, open our hearts, and guide us into the nature of mind to find our freedom. During this week together, we’ll explore some of the songs from the chapter The Song of a Yogi’s Joy. We’ll focus particularly on the instructions about meditation and insight, including Milarepa’s teaching about ‘The Nails (or Key-Points) of View, Meditation and Conduct’. We shall explore the text through teaching, guided meditations, and evening devotional practice. The retreat will
DAT E S 18-25 OCTOBER 7 nights L E A DE R Vessantara FO R Order members Residential + Online
mainly be in silence. As usual with Vessantara’s retreats the aim is to have a satisfying meditation retreat, but with enough teaching input to gain new tools and understandings to take away with you and unpack in your future practice.
Milarepa on Mount Kailash, Tibet, c.1500 Art Institute of Chicago, Public domain 8/9
I M M E R S I O N R E T R E AT S
S AD H A NA C O NV EN TIO N
Sadhana is a rich, deep and multi-faceted form of meditation practice. There are many ways of approaching it, suitable for different types of practitioners and levels of experience. Once we make it our own, it can become a cutting edge of our practice, and a source of guidance and support for life. We’re inviting all of you who practise sadhana, or would like to revive your practice, to a gathering of the sadhana clans – an opportunity to meet with other Order members to share experiences, learnings, difficulties and enthusiasms, questions
DAT E S 22-29 NOV 7 nights TEAM Prakasha + team FO R Order members Residential + Online
and inspirations. We’ll have opportunities to practise our own sadhanas, and to participate in kula groups with others who do the same practice. We’ll also be able to experience being led in some of the major sadhanas we practise in the Order by people with decades of experience. To feed into this rich mixture, there will be a series of talks exploring the principles and practicalities of sadhana and yidam practice, with an experienced team on hand to discuss any aspects of sadhana you want to explore.. We hope this event will give you fresh inspiration, deeper understanding and insights to take into your sadhana practice, as well as making or strengthening your links with other people who practise the same sadhana or sadhanas.
10 / 11
I M M E R S I O N R E T R E AT S
Kannon, Japan, c.1700 Metropolitan Museum, NY. Public domain
02 ORDER SEMINAR RETREATS
You should know, Kashyapa, That I am like a great cloud That arises in the world And covers all things everywhere. White Lotus Sutra
Adobe
Wendy Kaveny/
Storm Cloud
DATES 26 JANUARY2 F EB RUARY 7 nights
LEA DER Dhivan
FOR Order members Residential
U DĀ N A: INSPIR E D UTTE R ANCES The collection of discourses known as the Udāna is a particularly rich and diverse set of teachings and stories, in which the Buddha appears in dialogue with vivid characters like the nāga king Mucalinda and the Buddha’s cousin Nanda, and gives core teachings, such as those to Bāhiya. In 1974 and 1975 Sangharakshita conducted seminars on the Udāna, which have now been edited and published in the Complete Works (Vol. 10). This seminar will explore Sangharakshita’s exegesis of the Udāna in the context of reading the text in translation and in relation to the Pāli, and will particularly dwell on Sangharakshita’s holistic style of interpretation as a model of how to read Buddhist scripture. Dhivan was an advisor during Vidyādevi’s editing of the Udāna seminars for publication in the Complete Works and contributed new translations of the verses to the published text. He is a Buddhist scholar, working on early Buddhist and Mahāyāna philosophy, and presently based at Adhisthana after an academic teaching career.
14 / 15
S E M I N A R R E T R E AT S
DAT ES 17-24 MAY 7 nights
TEAM Ratnaghosha + Prajnanita
FO R Order members Residential
THE E NC O UR AG ING LO TU S The White Lotus Sutra is the most popular Mahayana sutra in China and Japan. But when we read it, we are hard-pressed to know what exactly it is saying and why so many millions of people revere it, and why it has been such a huge influence on the cultural and religious life of the Far East. On this seminar retreat, we will delve into the highly imaginative world of the sutra and draw out some of its relevance to our lives and practice through reflection, meditation, and recitation. We will be looking at the sutra and at Bhante’s commentary on it in The Drama of Cosmic Enlightenment. This kind of exploration in the company of Order friends can take you to places no other practice reaches!
DATES 12-19 JULY 7 nights
LEA DER Ratnaguna
FOR Order members Residential
D I S C ER NM E NT AND LO VE : T H E K A LA M A SUTTA How do we know what’s true? What – and who – can we rely on? In the justly famous Kalama Sutta the Buddha enumerates ten things that may seem to be reliable sources of truth but are not, and two things that we can safely rely on. Sangharakshita led a study group on this text in 1980, and the transcript of that study group will inform this seminar. In the sutta, the Buddha goes on to teach the four Brahma Viharas, which we will practise daily on the retreat, in the simple way he taught them there.
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S E M I N A R R E T R E AT S
DAT ES 20-27 SEPTEMBER 7 nights
L EAD ER Ratnaguna
FO R Order members Residential
THE VO IC E W ITHIN: REF LEC TING O N O UR TEACH ER’S REF LEC TIO NS Throughout his life Bhante wrote short pieces; essays, poems and aphorisms. In many of these he shares his observations, feelings, reflections and insights with us. And his love of the Buddha, of Above: Sangharakshita, 1970s and opposite, in seminar, Padmaloka, 1980s.
other people, of nature and of art. In short, his love of beauty.
Urgyen Sangharakshita Trust
own inner lives, a voice that speaks to our own inner voice. And
Reading these miniatures we can sometimes catch glimpses of Bhante the person, sense his inner life, hear his inner voice. On this retreat we'll read some of these small gems, we'll talk about them and we'll spend time reflecting on them, together and in solitude. Perhaps they will be like sparks that light up our perhaps we will answer.
DATES 20-27 SEPTEMBER 7 nights
LEA DER Paramartha
FOR Order members Residential
W I T H HANDS F O LDE D IN R E V EREN CE ‘One thing — when developed & pursued — leads solely to disenchantment, to dispassion, to cessation, to stilling, to direct knowledge, to self-awakening, to Unbinding. Which one thing? Recollection of the Buddha.’ an 1.287-296 The development and engagement of imagination is one of the keys to spiritual life and is a major aspect of our practice within the Triratna Buddhist Order. This retreat provides us with an opportunity to come together to immerse our hearts and minds Life of the Buddha, Manuscript cover binding, detail, Burmese, 19th Century. Public domain
18 / 19
in a practice the Buddha himself was said to have taught – the practice of recollecting the Buddha (Buddhanusati). We will study, reflect, meditate and engage in devotional ritual together. Study materials will be drawn from both traditional sources as well as Sangharakshita’s seminar material, writings, and poetry.
S E M I N A R R E T R E AT S
DAT ES 4-11 OCTOBER 7 nights
L EAD ER Ratnaprabha
FO R Order members Residential
THE SC IE NTIF IC VISIO N, THE B UDDHIST VISIO N Do the vistas of science amaze you? Can evolutionary biology, cosmology, and particle physics be related to Bhante’s connecting of imagination, shraddha, and prajna? Can the scientific vision be further integrated into our presentation of the Dharma, in particular catering more effectively for those with scientific training or enthusiasm? On this retreat, we will explore science as Ring Nebula, nasa, esa C. Robert O’Dell
a visionary and imaginative endeavour. Following a fully booked seminar retreat last year, we are offering another opportunity to engage with this topic.
DATES 11-18 OCTOBER 7 nights
T EA M Saddhaloka + Vilasamuni
FOR Order members Residential
T HI S R AR E AND PR E C IO US O PPORT U N IT Y 'This life I must know as the tiny splash of a raindrop, a thing of beauty that disappears even as it comes into being...'
The Precepts of the Gurus is a text from the Tibetan Kagyu tradition found in the Buddhist Bible anthology, collated by Dwight Goddard. Between 1978 and 1980, Bhante led four weekend seminars with a small group of 10-20 people. Although these seminars aren’t currently spoken about as widely as some, they had a strong influence on the ethos of the fast-growing Order and movement during these formative years.
Raindrop, Thomas Charters/ Unsplash
Some 45 years on, we return to the text and seminars, hoping to enter deeply into them through discussion and reflection. Together, we hope to understand more deeply why Bhante chose this as a means of sharing his fundamental understanding of the Dharma and its living spirit at that time. This will allow us to keep alive whatever value we have been given, make it our own, and pass it on to future generations.
20 / 21
S E M I N A R R E T R E AT S
DAT ES 25 OCTOBER1 NOVEMBER 7 nights
L EAD ER Saddhanandi
FO R Order members Residential
LIVING W ITH K INDNE SS Unskilful states always seek to drive the wedge of self-interest between things, obstructing the flow of life with the thought of our own benefit
Akulamatiau/Adobe
or gain. This seminar, based on the well-known Karaniya Metta Sutta, accompanies our earlier retreats exploring the same topic. It is a rich text with a simplicity that disguises its depth and profundity and we will use the nature of a seminar-based retreat to go deeper into that richness.
Sangharakshita’s commentary unfolds as a full mindtraining text with an overarching vision: ‘the defining characteristic of skilful action, speech, or thought is its freedom from narrow self-interest’. Taking this as the main ‘slogan’ we will explore the text’s principal themes in light of Bhante’s presentation, enabling an entry into its spiritual world and revealing its relevance, both in our everyday experience and our deeper spiritual life. Through discussion, meditation and enquiry, we will use our time together to reflect on our personal understanding of ethics, love, and on our particular ‘wedge of self-interest’.
03 ORDER MITRAS+ FRIENDS
24 / 24
order, mitra, friends
INTERNATIO NA L SPRING S AN GH AS RETREAT : THE TASTE OF FREEDOM
Just as the great ocean has one taste, the taste of salt, so also this Dhamma and Discipline has one taste, the taste of freedom. Uposatha Sutta, Udana 5.5
DAT ES 28 MARCH1 APRIL 4 nights TEA M Saddhanandi, Dhammarati, Khemabandhu + the Adhisthana communities FOR All familiar with Triratna meditation Residential + Online
Adhisthana is now offering Combined Sanghas Retreats. We want to enable sanghas to come together with experienced teachers, to deepen their Dharma practice, and to connect with each other and wider Triratna. This year we have three opportunities to do this; in Spring, Summer and Autumn. If you aren’t affiliated with one of the participating sanghas you are still very welcome to come, although book early as places are limited. Taking full advantage of this four day holiday, Adhisthana offers this short retreat led by resident teachers alongside members of the Adhisthana community. It is an invitation for the International sangha to gather together, to talk about the Dharma, and to celebrate Triratna as a rich context for Dharma practice. With presentations and discussions (in various languages), we’ll explore themes taken from Sangharakshita’s lecture ‘The Taste of Freedom’ which is based on the very expressive Uposatha Sutta in the Udana. We’ll be looking at the nature of freedom and lack of freedom, of individuality and even the mysterious quality of the Dharma itself. Teachings that are pithy, pragmatic, and surprisingly bold. Join us to take your practice deeper in the context of connecting to the wider Triratna sangha. If you would like your sangha to be included, contact your Chair and then get in touch, otherwise just book on and bring your friends!
Ocean. David M Schrader/ Adobe
T EA M Saddhanandi + team
Albertina, Vienna, Public Domain
Turf, detail, 1503, Albrecht Durer
The rain falls equally on grasses, shrubs, and trees, and each grows according to their natures. Just so, the cloud of the teaching is offered impartially to all beings, and they grow, according to their various capacities. White Lotus Sutra DATES 30 AUGUST6 SEPTEMBER 7 nights
FOR All familiar with Triratna meditation Residential
S U M M ER SA NG HA S RETREAT: L I V I N G W ITH K INDNE SS The natural tendency of the mind is to set limits and settle down, but positive emotion goes against this tendency. We have all been taught the Metta Bhavana, and it is tempting to imagine we know what we will get with a retreat on kindness. But do we consistently act to nurture the seeds of metta in our hearts and minds? It is possible to live our everyday lives so they are aligned with kindness, one of the most powerful qualities a human can possess. With practical exploration of the theme through meditation, talks and group discussion, this retreat will draw together Sangharakshita’s teachings on metta to equip those attending to return to their sanghas with greater confidence and connection with their practice and others.
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ORDER, MITRA, FRIENDS
DAT ES 15-22 NOVEMBER 7 nights
TEAM Saddhaloka, Parami, Ratnaprabha, Prajnanita + team
FO R All familiar with Triratna meditation Residential
A UTUM N SA NG HA S RET REAT : THE DR AM A O F C O SM IC EN L IGH T EN MEN T The wisdom of the Buddhas is infinitely profound and immeasurable. The door to this wisdom is difficult to understand and difficult to enter. This ancient text unfolds across the universe, employing mythological scenes on a cosmic stage and with myriad beings as its actors. This retreat invites you into the path of the bodhisattva through parables and wisdom beyond words. Open the door to illuminate the transformative power of the White Lotus Sutra. An opportunity for participating sanghas and individuals to come together to take their practice deeper in the context of the wider Triratna sangha. If you would like your sangha to be included, contact your Chair and get in touch, otherwise just book on and bring your friends!
DATES
5-11 JANUARY 6 nights
18-21 APRIL 3 nights
TEAM
Sanghadeva, Ratnaghosha + Saddhanandi
Samata
FOR
All familiar with Triratna meditation Residential
Those ordained by Sangharakshita Residential
TREE PLANTING +
ELDERS' GATHERING
WORKING RETREAT
28 / 29
We want to extend the
Another opportunity for
woodland by planting over
all those ordained by
500 trees. During the retreat,
Sangharakshita to come
we will work together in
together for a long weekend
the mornings, study with
of friendship, conversation,
Ratnaghosha and Saddhanandi
shared practice, reminiscence,
in the afternoons and spend
and celebration. Adhisthana
evenings in the shrine room.
enjoys and appreciates hosting
Those attending need to
these events for members of
be able-bodied enough to do
the Order who have contributed
approximately 3 hours manual
so much to its development.
work each day. You need to
We are offering unlimited
have a good back and be ready
dana places so that money need
to work in winter weather.
not be an obstacle to attending
Bring suitable clothing.
– please email.
ORDER, MITRA, FRIENDS
18-21 APRIL 3 nights
3-6 MAY 3 nights
Prakasha, Akasajoti + Khemabandhu
People of Colour retreat, 2023 Opposite: Arhat/Luohan, c. 1000 China, Metropolitan Museum, Frederick C. Hewitt Fund Sycamore seeds. Alamy
Residential
All people of colour Residential
SUB40 ORDER WEEKEND:
PEOPLE OF COLOUR
DEATH, REALITY + REBIRTH
BIG WEEKEND
For any young Order member,
An opportunity for all people
with elder friends, preceptors,
of African, Asian and mixed
and teachers, the increasingly
heritage to come together
regular reminder of death in
from all around the UK
the coming years will create a
for meditation, practice
challenge and an opportunity.
and community. A treat
Drawing on Bhante’s Tibetan
of teachings, guidance,
Book of the Dead seminar,
connection and celebration, led
Prakasha will guide us through
by people of colour, for people
the bardos as we practise
of colour.
together, establishing and deepening peer bonds that may last decades, or even lifetimes.
DATES
10-12 MAY Weekend
10-17 MAY 7 nights
TEAM
Dhivan, Ketumati + Abhayadhara
Prakasha, Satyalila, Ratnaprabha, Amitajyoti + Aryavachin
FOR
Mitras + Order members Residential
Order members Residential
LIBERTY, NIETZSCHE +
BHANTE, BLAKE + VISION
BUDDHISM PHILOSOPHY SYMPOSIUM
A long-standing part of the Adhisthana programme,
Friedrich Nietzsche detail, Edvard Munch, 1906. Thielska Galleriet
The annual Philosophy
this retreat draws on our
Symposium at Adhisthana is
imaginations to integrate
an opportunity to hear talks
Dharma practice and the
on philosophical themes and
cultural context of the Western
for lively and open discussion,
tradition through creative
in an atmosphere of critical
exploration. This year’s theme
Teach These Souls to Fly William Blake, 1796. Tate Gallery
thinking and respect for
will be ‘vision’, the subject
different points of view. This
on which Bhante most often
year’s Symposium will explore
referred to Blake. This retreat
the thought of Friedrich
is an opportunity to learn from
Nietzsche in relation to the
and enter into that vision, and
political ideal of liberty and
play and transform in its light.
Public domain
in the context of Buddhist practice. 30 / 31
ORDER, MITRA, FRIENDS
No familiarity with William Blake’s work is required.
5-7 JULY Weekend, extendable up to 7 nights
14-21 / 19-21 JULY Up to 7 nights
Self-led
Khemabandhu, Vidyamala, Lokeshvara, Caroline + team
Order members Residential
All familiar with Triratna meditation Residential
CHAPTER WEEKEND
INTERNATIONAL PILGRIMS’ WEEK
An invitation for Order chapters to spend time together
Pilgrims gathered in 2023
in the company of other
from Europe, the Americas,
chapters with a self-directed
Oceania and India to spend
programme. Agree with your
time together. The entire
chapter and then get in touch
programme is optional, but
to book. We can respond
expect talks, meditation, study,
to requests for Dharmic
ritual, circumambulation and
input from experienced
lots of opportunities to explore
teachers from the Adhisthana
and get introduced to the
communities and the local
different parts of Adhishtana.
Teaching Community.
We will repeat the 108 hours of
If these dates don’t suit you,
continuous circumambulation
get in touch to arrange to come
around Bhante’s burial mound
on another weekend.
again this year. You can attend for the duration, or just come for the weekend.
DATES
12-14 JULY INTENSIVE TASTER COURSE Weekend
12-21 JULY SUMMER SCHOOL 9 nights
12-26 JULY SUMMER SCHOOL 14 nights
S A NS K R IT SUM M E R SC HO O L This year the Triratna Scholars Network will for the first time be offering a two-week Sanskrit Summer School at Adhisthana. The aim of this project is to help participants develop a working knowledge of Sanskrit and Pali that will allow them to go deeper in their study of the Dharma by engaging with Buddhist texts in their original language. The teaching will focus on practical skills that can be used right away, and students will start reading actual Buddhist texts from the very first lesson. The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Dispensing Boons. Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita Manuscript, India, 12th Century Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Metropolitan Museum, Public Domain
32 / 33
There will be two different classes to choose from – one for complete beginners, especially those who have never studied another language before, and one for those who have some experience of studying Sanskrit or Pali, or who are already confident language learners. Participants will attend 3 hours of classes in either the mornings or afternoons, with the remaining time free to spend on individual study and on enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Adhisthana. Participants will join the shared morning meditation practice, and in the evenings we will recite the Sevenfold Puja in Śāntideva’s original Sanskrit. ORDER, MITRA, FRIENDS
TEAM Śraddhāpa
FO R All familiar with Triratna Meditation Residential
It is possible to attend the summer school for the first weekend only (12/7–14/7), for nine days (12/7–21/7), or for the whole two weeks (12/7–26/7). The summer school will be led by Śraddhāpa, who has over a decade of experience as a language teacher. He has a Master’s degree in Sanskrit and is currently studying for a PhD in Buddhist Studies at the Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts in Taiwan, specialising in Sanskrit Prajñāpāramitā literature.
DATES
21-26 JULY 5 nights
2-9 AUGUST 7 nights
TEAM
Prakashamitra + Prajnanita
Dhivan + Śraddhāpa
FOR
All familiar with Triratna meditation Residential
Mitras + Order members Residential
BUILDING THE BUDDHA LAND
ADVENTURES IN EMPTINESS
WORKING RETREAT
SCHOLARS’ RETREAT
A Bodhisattva’s Buddha Field is
The teaching of emptiness
a field of positive thought; a field
(śūnyatā) goes to the heart of
of high resolve; a field of virtuous
Buddhism, as a doctrine about
application.
the nature of reality and as a
David M Schrader/Adobe
profound meditative theme. We’ll bring the vast cosmology
But emptiness seems to mean
and deep myth of the Buddha
different things at different
Land into lived experience
stages in the development
through work-as-practice,
of Buddhist teaching and
study, reflection, and ritual.
doctrine. In this study retreat,
It is essential that those
Dhivan and Śraddhāpa will
attending can do 3 hours of
explain and compare some
work each day. Bring clothing
of these presentations. The
for working outdoors.
retreat will involve meditations on emptiness based on these ideas.
34 / 35
ORDER, MITRA, FRIENDS
04 YOUNG BUDDHISTS
22-24 MARCH Weekend
Vajratara, Jnanadhara, Vajrashura + Young Order Steering Group
Prajnahridaya + Caroline
Those aged 18-34 involved in facilitating young Buddhist events Residential
Residential
PASSING ON THE FLAME
SUB30 WEEKEND RETREAT
CHANGEMAKERS WEEKEND
HOW TO LIVE BEFORE YOU DIE
For the past ten years, the
A renewed Buddhism needs
quote opposite from Gustav
to confront the modern world
Mahler has welcomed you to
as it is. It needs to be a radical
the homepage of Adhisthana’s
alternative to an individualistic
website.
consumer society. It needs
On this his annual Sub35
teachings that help to overcome
Changemakers’ weekend, we’ll
hatred and prejudice. It needs
mark 15 years since the start
people working together
of the Young Buddhist project
to reduce suffering, tackle
by learning how we can each
loneliness and find meaning
play our part in tending to the
in their own and others’ lives.
flames of Sangharakshita’s
Come and get a taste of the
four-fold lineage of teaching,
Buddhist vision for life on this
practice, inspiration, and
weekend retreat for anyone
responsibility.
aged 18-30.
36 / 37
YOUNG BUDDHISTS
THE ASHES
18-21 JANUARY 3 nights
TRADITION IS THE HANDING ON OF THE FLAME, NOT THE WORSHIP OF
DATES
24-27 MARCH 3 nights
9-18 AUGUST 9 nights
TEAM
Sona
Vijayamala, Jnanavaca + Ksantikara
FOR
Residential
Residential
SUB30 STUDY SEMINAR
MEDITATION INTENSIVE
THE ALCHEMIST’S BOWL
Through Dharma study
Meditation goes far beyond
we dialogue with the
improving concentration and
enlightened mind, feeling
managing stress; it offers us
our own experience coming
a vision of a consciousness
into relationship with the
that transcends all limitations.
experience of awakening that
First, we develop a steady,
the Buddhist tradition has
empathetic, dynamic mind;
handed down to us for over
then we turn that flexible mind
2500 years. Turn the March
toward a direct encounter
Sub30 weekend into a 6-day
with reality. With several days
retreat by staying on to study a
of silence and 1:1 meditation
foundational Buddhist text with
reviews, this intensive offers
Sona, in a seminar-style setting
a perfect opportunity to
of 6-12 people.
encounter your mind, deepen your experience, and progress (or start!) your practice of meditation.
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YOUNG BUDDHISTS
29 NOVEMBER-1 DECEMBER Weekend
1-4 DECEMBER 3 nights
Candradipa + Jayadhi
Saddhanandi
Residential
Residential
SUB30 WEEKEND RETREAT
SUB30 STUDY SEMINAR
A perfect way to experience
Turn the November Sub30
Buddhist practice in an
weekend into a 6-day retreat
immersive setting with
by staying on to study a
meditations, talks, silence,
foundational Buddhist text with
discussions, and ritual – all
Saddhanandi, in a seminar-
led by a team of young Order
style setting of 6-12 people.
members. Amidst the ups and
Although we can read Buddhist
downs of everyday life, in our
books and watch Dharma
times of social unrest, and
teachers on youtube, things
hardship, the one part of reality
will often open up much more
that we know we can change is
fully, deeply, and clearly when
ourselves. Come together with
studying the Dharma alongside
others to practise meditation
others. Come along to awaken
and explore Buddhism. If
your longing for the truth.
you’re new to Buddhism, or have been practising for some time – this retreat is for you!
05 ADHISTHANA MANDALA
DHARMALIFE COURSES Above: DharmaLife course, 2023
PILGRIMS AND VISITORS
Each year we run four-month residential courses for those aged 18 to 35 to provide an opportunity to live an intensive Dharma life: living, practising, studying, and working together within the
Friends, mitras, and Order
context of Adhisthana. You’ll
members from across the
receive a grounding in the
world are welcome to visit
principles and practice of
and spend time at Adhisthana
Triratna Buddhism through
outside of any retreat
retreats, study with experienced
programme. We offer an
teachers, and communal living.
opportunity to abide simply
You’ll also participate in the
in the countryside in the
life of the wider Adhisthana
flow of blessings. You can
sangha, meditating together,
meditate in the shrine room,
performing ritual, developing
circumambulate the burial
kalyanamitrata, and joining in
mound, visit Urgyen House,
with regular work periods.
sit in the gardens, meet friends and study in the Library. We ask visitors to take part in the daily work rota which integrates you into life here.
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MANDALA
URGYEN HOUSE Above: original kesas of the Western Buddhist Order
ORDER FUNERALS
Any visit to Adhisthana is an opportunity also to visit Urgyen House, Bhante’s last residence. It contains many of Bhante’s personal possessions on display. You
Below: 'After twenty years in the East, I find myself, at the beginning of 1965, in England...' Diary, January 1, 1965. Foundations exhibition
can relax in his sitting room,
A recent development for
view his bedroom, meditate
Adhisthana is hosting funerals.
in the intimate shrine room,
As we weave in this strand,
view photos or simply sit and
Adhisthana begins to hold a
absorb the atmosphere of the
greater breadth of our lives;
place. The new Foundations
from ‘birth’ at ordination,
exhibition has just opened
throughout our Dharma
exploring the period from
lives, and eventually to death.
Sangharakshita’s return from
We have also been exploring
India through to the founding
memorial stones and plaques
of the movement and then
to honour and remember past
Order.
Order members.
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MANDALA
SELF-RUN RETREATS
SOLITARY RETREATS
In addition to the many events
Two new solitary huts have
you see in our programme,
arrived at Adhisthana. In July
we also host an array of other
we installed the Sunset Hut
events and retreats. If you
in the lower field and then
are in a chapter, going for
in August the Sunrise Hut
refuge group, mitra group,
arrived and was tucked into
or want to hold a reunion for
the treeline in the main field.
your ordination year, you are
The huts have been named for
welcome to get in touch with
the vista they offer. The hut
us to come and have your own
in the lower field is facing out
self-run event here. We take
across the swales to the west,
care of the practical side, so all
to Amitabha skies and trees
you have to do is turn up and
on the horizon. In the top
enjoy.
field, behind the Buddha and the big oak tree, the second hut is looking to the east; the Malvern hills on the horizon and birdsong all around. We look forward to welcoming you here on a solitary retreat.
If you would like us to host your self-run retreat, get in touch with us at programme@ adhisthana.org. Opposite + above Sunrise hut
VOLUNTEERS
Many people who visit Adhisthana have a strong impulse to give their time and energy to the project. Adhisthana thrives on volunteers and we want to give opportunities to as many people as possible. Volunteering is a great opportunity to become part of the Adhisthana network and develop a relationship with the place, communities and Bhante. We are particularly looking for those with skills in cleaning, admin, gardening, electrics, cooking, translation and WordPress. If you have initiative and willingness to contribute, we would love to hear from you. Adhisthana came alive to me in a more personal way through volunteering. Joining with the community over those few days gave me a hearty appreciation for everything that goes into the life of Adhisthana, and I so enjoyed putting all of myself into physical work, showing my gratitude in giving something back (with buckets of earth!) Viryananda, Sheffield When I first attended a retreat at Adhisthana I was drawn to being part of and helping to maintain the inner and outer beauty I could see was being created there. Volunteering has given me the opportunity to do just that. Working in the gardens, cleaning, or doing the laundry puts me in touch with a gratitude for my teachers and all who make this movement and Order a reality. Annette Schlaudraff, Swansea
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MANDALA
SANGHA RETREATS Get in touch with us at programme@ adhisthana.org for more information and to book in a retreat.
Adhisthana offers a simple and easy space to host your sangha retreat. Gather together to meditate, communicate and collectively deepen your practice. The practical organisational side will be taken care of before you arrive, so all you have to do is turn up and enjoy! It couldn’t have been a better experience. The Adhisthana staff were really friendly, helpful and responsive. Every aspect of our requirement was well met, with excellent food, morning Adhisthana community-led shrine room activity, plentiful meeting rooms, highly flexible bedroom provision and not least the beautiful gardens to sit and walk in. Silabodhi, Chair of Manchester Buddhist Centre The team at Adhisthana are extremely responsive, calm and flexible to the needs of our sangha retreats. They really convey that they are pleased to have us at Adhisthana and make every effort to make it go smoothly. Maitrisara, Chair of Birmingham Buddhist Centre From an organiser’s perspective, it’s a dream – wonderful food, stunning grounds, access to Urgyen House and Bhante’s burial mound, and all the facilities you need for running successful retreats. Every time we visit, I notice a step change in the depth of friendships between people and our connection with the wider Triratna sangha. Prajnaketu, Oxford
M DATES HEARING THET EA DHARMA
FOR In a talk given by Bhante
TOWARDS AN ORDER DHARMA COURSE
on Padmasambhava day in 1979 he says that our Community is ‘not simply a Buddhist movement... It’s a
TITLE
stream of spiritual energy that transforms and transfigures
Text
everything and anyone with whom it comes in contact.’ Bhante formed the Order and movement as a channel for that energy, and presented the Dharma in a way that expressed his understanding. In these years after Bhante’s death, we face a vital task. The world never stands still, and that presentation has to be refreshed and renewed. The Adhisthana Teaching Community invites us into their explorations of this, engaging more deeply with Bhante’s presentation of the Dharma to refresh and renew our lineage of teaching and practice from the source.
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MDAHNIDSAT LHAA N A R E T R E A T S A
TOWARDS AN
TYPES OF RETEAT
ORDER DHARMA COURSE
You can attend two kinds of Each year, as part of
retreat. The seminars are small
Adhisthana’s programme, we
retreats, whch allow for a more
will run retreats and seminars
intimate communication with
that over time will add up to
each other and a closer, deeper
an Order Dharma Course, and
reading of a text. Immersive
a thorough grounding in to
reteats explore aspects of
Bhante’s teaching. Borrowing
Bhante’s teaching with more
from Windhorse’s Complete
emphasis on meditation
Works framework, we’ll run
and ritual, and experiential
retreats on:
learning, as well as study.
1. Bhante’s ‘Foundation’
You can start the ‘course’
teaching, like the Survey
with any retreat as an entry
and The Three Jewels; 2. his
point. From there, you can
commentary on Pali, Mahayana
direct your own engagement
and Vajrayana texts; 3. early
with Bhante’s teaching, or talk
writing; 4. Buddhism in the
to one of the Dharma Team
modern world, like Buddhism
here about it.
for Today and Tomorrow; 5.
A third, more structured
culture and the arts and ;
course, the Acharya Course,
6. aspects of our system of
will be piloted this year.
practice and training. On the next two pages you can find details of how next year’s events fit this structure.
FOUND ATIO N
PA LI CA NO N
M A H AYA N A M Y T H S
IMMERS IO N
October 20-29 Sadhana Convention 10
May 31-7 June The Blazing Heart Karaniya Metta Sutta 6
February 15-22 Freed from the Burning House White Lotus Sutra 2
SE M IN ARS
September 20-27 The Voice Within 17
January 26-2 February Udāna: Inspired Utterances 14
May 17-24 The Encouraging Lotus White Lotus Sutra 15
September 20-27 With Hands Folded in Reverence Buddhanusati 18
July 12-19 Discernment and Love Kalama Sutta 16 October 25-1 November Living with Kindness Karaniya Metta Sutta 21
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A D H I S T H A N A R E T R E AT S
MAHAYANA W I SD OM
VA J RAYA NA
April 24-3 May Gems from the Diamond Sutra 4
October 18-25 The Yogi’s Joy 8
October 11-18 This Rare and Precious Opportunity Precepts of the Gurus 20
A RTS + C U LT U R E
October 4-11 The Scientific Vision, the Buddhist Vision 19
CALENDAR
event 5-11 5-12 18-21 26-2 2-4 4-11 22-29 29-3 3-8 4-11 15-22 22-24 24-27 28-1 8-12 18-21 18-21 24-3 3-6 10-12 10-17 17-24 31-7 7-16 21-28
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who
online
JANUARY Tree Planting and Working Retreat Open to all European Chairs Assembly Meeting Passing on the Flame Sub35 Changemakers Udāna: Inspired Utterances Order FEBRUARY Men’s Area Order Weekend Men’s Private Preceptors Women’s Private Preceptors Women’s Area Order Weekend MARCH Women’s Mitra Convenors College Meeting Freed from the Burning House: White Lotus Sutra Order Sub30 Weekend Retreat All under 30 Sub30 Study Seminar Mitras under 30 Spring Sanghas Retreat: Triratna Day Weekend Open to all APRI L Anagarika Convention Sub40 Order Weekend: Death, Reality, and Rebirth Order under 40 Elders’ Weekend OMs ordained by Bhante Gems from the Diamond Sutra Order MAY People of Colour Big Weekend Open to all PoC Philosophy Symposium Order + mitras Bhante, Blake and Vision Order The Encouraging Lotus Order The Blazing Heart Order JUNE The Eight Guidelines Women training for ordination European Chairs Assembly
•
•
•
•
event 5-7 12-14 12-19 12-21 14-21 12-26 21-26 2-9 9-18 22-25 30-6 20-27 20-27 4-6 4-11 11-18 18-25 25-1 29-1 1-3 4-14 15-22 22-29 29-1 1-4 5-8
JULY Chapter weekend Intensive Sanskrit Taster Course Discernment and Love: the Kalama Sutta Sanskrit Summer School International Pilgrims’ Week Sanskrit Summer School Work Retreat AUGUST Scholars’ Retreat Sub30 Meditation Intensive Combined Area Order Weekend Summer Sanghas Retreat: Living with Kindness SEPTEM BER The Voice Within With Hands Folded in Reverence OCTOBER Women’s Regional Order Weekend The Scientific Vision, the Buddhist Vision This Rare and Precious Opportunity The Yogi’s Joy Living with Kindness Men’s Regional Order Convenors NOVEMBER Men’s Area Order Weekend College Meeting Autumn Sanghas: Drama of Cosmic Enlightenment Sadhana Convention Sub30 Weekend Retreat DECEM BER Sub30 Seminar Women’s Area Order Weekend
who
online
Open to all Order Open to all Open to all Open to all Open to all Order + mitras All under 30 Order Open to all Order Order
Order Order Order Order
•
Open to all Order All under 30
•
Mitras under 30
DATES
54 / 54
AT BHANTE'S VERY LAST Order T EA M gathering, Prakasha and Srisambhava’s huge Padmasambhava rupa formed the central shrine, which Bhante circumambulated before he left, bowing again and again. Ten years to the day from TBhante’s I T L E arrival at Adhisthana, Padmasambhava returned – a gift from Prakasha and Srisambhava. Text The rupa is currently in the library – do come and pay your respects if you are visiting.
MANDALA
FOR
AD H ISTH A N A Coddington Court Coddington LEDBURY HR8 1JL admin@adhisthana.org