Embedded Files
a worldwide buddhist community
a worldwide buddhist community
Although the Bristol Buddhist Centre is a separate charity, we are part of the wider Triratna Buddhist Community founded in the UK in 1967 by Sangharakshita (1925–2018).
Sangharakshita was an Englishman who was ordained as a monk and practised for over 20 years in India with a range of teachers, before establishing our movement under its original name, Friends of the Western Buddhist Order (FWBO). He played a key part in the revival of Buddhism in India, through his association with the followers of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar.
In founding Triratna, Sangharakshita’s vision was to create an effective Sangha (spiritual community) in the modern world, using teachings and practices that would speak to people in their daily lives. He emphasised that all Buddhist traditions are founded in the Buddha’s original teachings, and that all Buddhists place their trust in the Three Jewels – the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.
In Triratna we are therefore not aligned to any one tradition or school, but draw our inspiration from the whole stream of Buddhist practice since the time of the Buddha. We value spiritual friendship very highly, and encourage people to support and inspire each other in diverse ways.
‘Triratna’ is the Sanskrit word for ‘three jewels’
‘Triratna’ is the Sanskrit word for ‘three jewels’
The three jewels are a symbol for most precious things in Buddhism: the Buddha, his teachings (the Dharma) and the community of his followers (the Sangha).
a developing tradition
a developing tradition
Triratna is a new Buddhist movement which has grown rapidly. From an early small start, a large number of Centres and communities were established in the 70s, 80s and 90s. The Triratna Buddhist Order now has more than two thousand members worldwide, a third of the Order being in India. Our centres run activities in 27 countries around the world.
In the late 80s, Sangharakshita handed on his responsibilities to a College of Public Preceptors, whose main role is to oversee the Triratna ordination process. In 2018, Sangharakshita died after a short illness and was buried at Adhisthana in Herefordshire. Adhisthana is Triratna’s international hub, and its Teaching Community continues to communicate Sangharakshita’s vision, as well as developing it for future generations.
Criticisms and controversies
Criticisms and controversies
Reconsidering and envisioning how Buddhist practice can be fully lived in the modern world has not been without its difficulties. Mistakes were made, especially in the early days. There has been controversy about Sangharakshita’s sexual behaviour and some of the early approaches to teaching. These issues have been widely debated in the Order and a restorative process was carried out. In August 2020, this work was summarised in a report.
We wish to be open and transparent about our past and to learn from it. Upholding the ethical integrity of our community is of paramount importance and we treat any concerns very seriously. All centres have robust safeguarding policies and you will find ours here.
You can read more about Triratna’s development here and a concise account of Sangharakshita’s life and the creation of Triratna in this recent book. It may also help to talk to Order Members at the Bristol Buddhist Centre to have their perspective on Triratna’s history.
Page updated
Report abuse