Resources
A place to find videos, written resources and documents emerging from the International Council
In more detail...
The history of the International Council
In 2009, it was recognised that we needed a structure for ‘joining up’ those taking responsibility in various Triratna contexts across the world. After substantial consultation, what emerged was recognition of the ‘three strands’ of College, Order and Movement in 6 distinct geographical areas.
More about the history
Bhante Sangharakshita gave his blessing on the suggested protocol as part of a healthy succession plan for our community, helping us to pass on his own duties, responsibilities and inspiration.
At the 1st International Council meeting in 2011, at Padmaloka (UK), the themes explored included:
- a shared system of training
- ways of engaging the Order
- funding the Order & Movement
In 2013, at Nagaloka (India), the themes were:
- intensity of practice (led to dialogue with the Order on system of practice)
- ethical and spiritual standards (promoted discussion on addressing serious ethical issues)
- leadership in transition (supporting growth and development of the Movement)
2016, at Adhisthana, themes were:
- system of spiritual life (led to work on commonality and evaluating new developments)
- maintaining unity (led to consultation on What is a Triratna Centre?)
- ethical and spiritual standards (led to recommending ethical & conflict resolution guidelines)
2018, at Bhaja (India) outcomes included:
- overview of Sikkha project
- conflict resolution proposal
- a review of structures: What is a Triratna Centre
- support for movement coordinators
- 20/20 vision: ‘think tanks’ to input into a strategic vision for our community
Due to the pandemic, the IC met online exploring:
- authority in the spiritual community
- commonality
- principles for social engagement
The vision and principles of the International Council
We strive to exemplify kalyana mitrata, and uphold ethical and spiritual standards, in and through our work; to facilitate unity and harmony through the Triratna Community; to offer those in positions of responsibility access to guidance and support; to enable effective decision-making and coordination with the highest possible degree of participation and taking into consideration the widest range of views.
The strategic priorities of the International Council
Over time our priorities change as new circumstances emerge but here are some key priorities identified so far:
young people; financial sustainability; growth of Triratna; leadership
More about its strategic priorities
Inspired by Bhante’s clarity on the inseperability of either pursuing our own ‘personal’ awakening or devoting oneselves to the welfare of others, the International Council aspires to be helpful to the practicing individual Buddhist, as well as facilitating and supporting ways of reaching new populations with our presentation of the Dharma.
The membership and constitution (working arrangements)
Currently, membership of the IC has 2 delegates per strand per Area. So that’s 2 x 3 x 6 = 36! Plus some members of the Steering Group not already included (that’s the Chair of the College, and the 2 international Order Convenors). Each delegate is selected in consultation with the strand in that Area. You find see who is currently serving on the IC further down this page (‘Who is in my Area Council’)
More about the membership and constitution
There is a detailed document describing the working arrangements of the International Council which can be downloaded – not the most exciting reading but good to have such clarity!
How to participate in the International Council
Membership of the IC consists of those actively taking responsibility in one of the 3 strands in a given Area. Typically, the Order strand will have regional Order Convenors as delegates and the Movement strand will largely comprise of Chairs of Centres. So if you wish to put yourself forward to be a delegate you will need the support of your strand in your Area.
Otherwise, have a look below to see who is on your Area Council, and you can get in touch with them to raise concerns or share ideas etc.
Who is in my Area Council?
India
Abhayadana (College)
Nagaketu (College)
Karmavajra (Order)
Sanghabhadra (Movement)
Amrutasiddhi (Movement)
Dharmadarshi (Mitra Convenors)
Pragyasakhi (Mitra Convenors)
Latin America
Parami (College)
Nagapriya (College)
Medhavin (Order)
Saddharuci (Order)
Abhayasara (Movement)
Bodhikamala (Movement)
Oceania (Australia/New Zealand)
Ratnavyuha (College)
Vajrajyoti (College)
Dhiramani (Order)
Khemadhamma (Order)
Ratnajyoti (Movement)
Suvarnadhi (Movement)
Mainland Europe
Amogharatna (College)
Kulanandi (College)
Jnanacandra (Order)
Dharmakirti (Order)
Sraddhamanas (Order)
Gunabhadri (Movement)
Suvarnacandra (Movement)
North America
Karunadevi (College)
Viradhamma (College)
Aryadrishti (Order)
Sravaniya (Order)
Prasadachitta (Movement)
Satyada (Movement)
UK & Ireland
Subhadramati (College)
Vajrasura (College)
Jayadevi (Order)
Shantigarbha (Order)
Bodhivamsa (Movement)
Viryanaga (Movement)
Viryanaya (Mitra Convenors)
The video at the top of this page is an excerpt of the beautiful 10-minute video just above. It’s an introduction to the International Council by Dhammarati, including some audio from Bhante (Urgyen Sangharakshita) addressing an early meeting (you’ll need to listen to that to understand the reference to bees!)
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