Communicating Triratna to the world

September 2024

How can Triratna communicate better with the world?

 “Go forth, o bhikkhus, for the good of the many, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world, for the benefit, for the good, for the happiness of gods and men. Let not two go by one way. Preach the doctrine that is beautiful in its beginning, beautiful in its middle, and beautiful in its ending. Declare the holy life in its purity, completely both in the spirit and the letter.” ~  Mahavagga, Vinaya Pitaka

The suffering world needs the Dharma and a context to practice it. For Triratna to contribute to this need we must clearly and confidently communicate to the world! What would efficient and effective external communications look like? How will we know if Triratna’s external communications are successful?

At this online meeting we explored and discussed the ideas and proposals of Order Members, many of whom are working in the field of communications, to help focus our collective efforts, with an emphasis on projects and actions that lead to desired outcomes. This was the beginning of an exploration which will continue next February at our IC meeting at Nagaloka.

Some of the questions we explored include:

  • what do we want external communications to achieve?
  • what is currently working well?
  • how could external communications be improved?
  • what are the key messages we want to communicate?
  • how shall we negotiate the tension between unity of expression (e.g. common ‘branding’/logo etc) with the individual expression of autonomous Triratna institutions?

Report from meeting

We’ve created three versions of the report to cater to different levels of interest  and reading time. 

Executive summary: A brief overview of the key themes and recommendations.  It’s just 2 pages and takes less than 2 minutes to read.

Full report: Detailed information and recommendations.  It’s 9 pages and takes approximately 10 – 15 minutes to read.

Appendix: Full report alongside the original plenary feedback data.  It’s 18 pages and takes approximately 30 – 45 minutes to read.

Day One

Bodhikamala, our International Communications Officer, based in Mexico.

Parina, the Chair of the Amsterdam Centre.

Day Two

Ruchiramati is a graphic design, digital artist and website designer who works with Karuna Trust in communications.

Prajnaketu, Chair of the Oxford Centre, and former Director of the Urgyen Sangharakshita Trust.

Day Three

A discussion hosted by Candradasa (director of TBCO) with his colleague Dayaketu, and Parami (College), Jnanadhara (International Movement Coordinator) and Utpaladhi (Order Office).