GENDER INCLUSIVITY

When becoming a Mitra in Triratna (deepening one's commitment to practice), it is standard for people to join either a men's or women's Mitra study group, which offers in-depth study and discussion. For people who choose to train for ordination, there are dedicated retreat centres for men (Padmaloka) and women (Tiratanaloka).

These single-sex contexts have developed through the history of our movement, as described in The Triratna Story (2010). The aim of single sex contexts is not to fix people in gender identities. The reason they developed and are maintained today is that many people find them helpful in overcoming gender conditioning, which can still go deep, even today. Mixed contexts are not necessarily free from this, and when we step into a ‘single sex’ environment, we might find it easier to go deeply into our personal issues, without being identified.

Triratna’s emphasis on single sex structures is not universally favoured. Indeed, for some they create a sense of separation and difference, and for those whose gender identity is not experienced in binary terms, having to choose a ‘women’s’ or ‘men’s’ group can be unhelpful and a cause of pain. Society has, obviously, moved on in all sorts of ways since this Buddhist movement began. Gender diversity is being debated widely in Triratna, and thought being given to structural changes.

In the meantime - even though it is acknowledged that this does not answer the structural issue at its root - retreat centres and other Triratna centres are urged to be sensitive and aim to support people who do not identify as ‘man’ or ‘woman’ as well as they can, to improve inclusivity.

There are retreats for gender diverse Buddhists. By the point of becoming a Mitra, people have a relationship with a Mitra convenor and/or Order Members, who will share information and support them on where to go for retreats and which classes to attend.

There is also a Gender Diversity Working Group within Triratna.

At present, although most of our classes and events are mixed, we run men’s / women’s Mitra study groups and there are some men’s / women’s groups training for ordination. We also occasionally have men’s or women’s events or retreats. Our men / women contexts are open to gender diverse people and we warmly welcome you to participate in those contexts. If you are uncomfortable having to make a choice, please do to talk to one of our Mitra Convenors. We want every person to thrive in their commitment to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, and will do our best to find what works for you.

We are open to having specific gender diverse groups as and when that is possible, based on numbers and demand. We want to reflect societal changes and meet people’s individual needs, while staying in relationship to the wider Triratna Buddhist Movement and Order. Things are gradually changing and we expect they will not stay as they are, but continue to develop and evolve over time.

Ultimately, Buddhist teachings tell us that labels such as ‘man’, ‘woman’ or indeed ‘non-binary’ do not define what we most deeply are. Our beings are ungraspable; of the nature of change.

Triratna Gender Diverse Buddhists on Facebook

Gender Diversity in Triratna video interview

Triratna's Gender Diverse Working Group (video)