Hands up if you have ever taken part in or led a Mitra Training course?

Hands up if you have made long lasting friends whilst studying Dharma?

I’m guessing you’ve got your hand up right now (you can put it down now if you like!)

Did you know that there wouldn’t be a Mitra study course, and other essential Dharma materials without Future Dharma donors?

Thanks to Future Dharma donors, amazing projects like Sikkha training (which provides the Mitra Training Course), Windhorse Publications, and Free Buddhist Audio are keeping the Dharma alive and accessible.

We’re reaching out to you at a crucial moment. As the end of the year approaches, we are really close to reaching our fundraising target, with just £2,551 left to go!; We need your help to make sure that we can carry on with this essential work in 2025.

Please give now: https://www.futuredharma.org/campaigns/eoy-appeal-2024

Future Dharma has provided crucial support for Tiratanaloka Unlimited. Our colleague Pundarika managed donor care and Gift Aid, while others trained fundraisers. Next year, we’ll oversee their phone appeal.

We know you care deeply about the future of our movement. That’s why Future Dharma has helped centres like Tiratanaloka, Padmaloka, Dublin, and Helsinki build fundraising skills. Last year, we supported 13 charities and groups, helping them to raise £815,000.

To continue to be able to respond in this way we must raise £30,000 by the end of 2024. Can you help us?

futuredharma.org/give

With your help, we can ensure that vital Dharma projects, like those you’ve supported in Malta, continue to thrive and grow into 2025. Now is the perfect time to make a real difference.

We need to raise £30,000 more by the end of 2024. Thanks to a small number of committed donors we’ve already raised £19,636. And you can help us reach our target.

Can you give a gift today? ✨https://www.futuredharma.org/campaigns/eoy-appeal-2024 👆

In February 2022 on the day that Russian forces invaded Ukraine, Aksobhin was gazing at the 20 foot long bronze statue of a dead human in the picturesque harbour of Valletta, Malta.

Standing at the imposing monument to those who died on the island during World War 2, Aksobin had an inspired response.

“That was the day I decided to stay and work for the Dharma as the only viable answer to the human insanity of war.”

Aksobhin describes how Future Dharma came “to our rescue" with a grant of £3,000 to get them started. Knowing that Future Dharma were there and able to respond to their needs, Akshobin says, "made it all possible”.

Future Dharma wants to be able to respond to exciting new situations like the one in Malta every time that help is needed.

Can you give a gift today? https://www.futuredharma.org/campaigns/eoy-appeal-2024

This year, we've been inspired to evolve our look and communicate better what we're all about: a broad, deep vision of the Dharma for all beings.

To help us do this, we collaborated with graphic designer @AlexBermingham, a GFR Mitra based in Brixton, to create a new logo which symbolises the Three Jewels shining out in all directions, just as in the fifth stage of the metta bhavana. ☀️

Our new website expands further on this vision, showcasing the incredible work our supporters make happen with rich imagery and stories. We feel the internationality of Triratna is vital, and we’re proud to be able to showcase that in its fullness. Visit us at futuredharma.org

In the coming days, we’ll be communicating our 2024 end-of-year appeal to help us respond effectively to Triratna’s needs next year and bring evermore breadth, depth, and unity to our sangha.

Establishing a new Triratna centre is no easy feat whatever part of the world you are in. However, with a new language to learn, a new culture to immerse in, and a long history of Buddhism within the country Aryapala, Shraddharocini, and friends have faced challenges with starting Triratna Tokyo. As we near the end of the second year of FutureDharma’s three year grant towards Triratna Tokyo, we are delighted to share that the project is going from strength to strength.

Being an international city means that a significant percentage of the Sangha are not Japanese, or brought up in Japan. This cultural mix has allowed for Triratna to take shape and it’s principal characteristics of ecumenicalism and practice being primary has welcomed a committed core group.

Read more: https://futuredharma.org/the-beauty-of-practice-tokyo/

Imagine you’re living your life happily when suddenly you hear about a family tragedy and the loss of a loved one. What do you turn to in moments like this? You might have experienced such loss; it is something none of us can avoid forever.

In 2005, after first encountering the Dharma at the North London Buddhist Centre, Eriane found herself returning to Brazil following the unexpected death of her father. This marked the beginning of a series of family tragedies: her brother’s death from leukemia, her niece’s serious car accident, the death of her 4-year-old great-niece, and the passing of her mother.

Fortunately, due to the dedication of Manjupriya and others, a thriving Triratna Sangha has been nurtured in Brazil, allowing Eriane to rely on the support of spiritual friends:

“They were very, very difficult years, but the teachings of the Dharma have always helped me a lot to focus on the present moment and to have compassion and perspective on the future. Without the teachings of the Buddha and the support of the Sangha, I am sure that I would not have been able to do everything I did.”

Read more here: https://futuredharma.org/gratitude-for-triratna-brazil/

FutureDharma donors support thousands of Mitras training for ordination each year. Dan Sleat, a GFR Mitra from the London Buddhist Centre generously dedicated himself to 100 hours of Metta on behalf of our vital projects supporting those wishing to join the Triratna Order.

Training for ordination is an area close to his heart and he recognises the importance of creating a Triratna context where everyone can connect to this path of liberation.

After hosting a Gratitude & Giving evening in conjunction with FutureDharma for his Mitra study group, Dan realised the scale of the work our donors support for those training for ordination globally and was inspired to find ways to help support our projects and therefore support others in more challenging contexts than him.

Dan has raised £1200 in his latest fundraising efforts for us and we are delighted to share his journey with you.

Read Dan's Story here: https://futuredharma.org/loving-kindness-starts-at-home/

FutureDharma enables numerous Triratna projects worldwide. There are many ways you can support us, from sharing inspiration, awareness, donating, or fundraising for us. Find out more about fundraising: https://futuredharma.org/contact-centre-appeals/

In this years Gratitude Report we celebrate just some of the the wonderful things your generous support has made possible across Triratna. From the first Sangha in Tokyo to a new heating system for a retreat centre in New Zealand, to support for vital projects like Windhorse Publicatons and the Indian Ordination Team, to helping local centres develop and fundraise.

The stories included demonstrate how your generosity and support is making a real difference to our movement and bringing the Dharma to more and more people. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoy sharing it.

Thank you so much. Read here: https://futuredharma.org/annual-reports/

Subhuti’s reflective journey through Mexico’s spiritual landscape highlights not only the country’s cultural richness but also an emerging hub for spreading the Dharma.

Enabled by the generosity of FutureDharma donors, Subhuti was able to support the development of the Order in Mexico by helping Mexican Order Members and GFR Mitras go deeper in their understanding of the Order and its principles.

In the blog below, written by Subhuti, he shares with us insights from his trip, including ancient Zapotec ruins and the vibrant Dia de Los Muertos rituals, his visions for the future of Buddhism, and celebrates the transformative impact of donor support in nurturing the growth of Triratna’s community in Latin America.

Read more: https://futuredharma.org/rooting-the-dharma-more-deeply-in-the-mythic-soil-of-mexico/

Manjupriya has been working, largely alone, in Sao Paulo since 2002. Visiting Order Members’s funded by FutureDharma donors, such as Vajragupta and Bodhikamala, are essential for the Sao Paulo Sangha to thrive.

Here is an inspiring quote from Bodhikamala's last visit!

"It was such a joy meeting the Brazilian Sangha! They are a warm, welcoming, generous Sangha who really want to practice the Dharma. It was particularly moving to witness the inspiration of the women because, for most of them, this was their first single-sex retreat, and they fully committed to the experience beautifully and deeply!" ~ Bodhikamala

Sign up more FutureDharma news: https://futuredharma.org/sign-up-to-our-newsletter/

Built from nothing, and in a very short period of time, the Scarborough sangha has flourished exponentially with the help of you, FutureDharma donors. In November last year, on Sangha Day, the Scarborough Buddhist Centre welcomed its first Mitras. Four became Mitra’s within Triratna for the first time, and two took the opportunity to reaffirm their connection.

"The Mitra Ceremonies of the six mitras in Scarborough were held in the context of a Day Retreat on Spiritual Friendship at the York Buddhist Centre on 26th November 2023. The retreat was led by myself and Shakyapada (Chair of the York Centre). The Ceremonies were, of course, a hugely significant landmark for the Scarborough Sangha." - Mahasraddha

At the edge of the English North Sea, Scarborough can be a dark and isolated place in the Winter. This means that the routes to York and surrounding areas often become impassable for a few months of the year.

The York Sangha and Chair, Shakyapada, acknowledged that there was a spirit and level of engagement in Scarborough that deserved to be met without the requirement of lengthy and potentially treacherous travel to the York Buddhist Centre. Mahashraddha compassionately responded to the need for the Dharma in the small seaside town of Scarborough and so left his home and started a new life there.

Built from nothing, and in a very short period of time, the sangha there has flourished exponentially with the help of you, FutureDharma donors.

We are delighted to share with you below thoughts from Mahashraddha himself, as well as from two of the Mitras. Sadhu Scarborough!

Link to our News story: https://futuredharma.org/creating-sangha-in-scarborough/

The app Funded by FutureDharma donors and available for FREE

On February 13th Maitreyabandhu will host the international launch of the Life With Full Attention app with an 8 week online and in person course at the London Buddhist Centre. 

For the first time, this life-changing course will be accompanied by an app that’s been specifically designed to support those taking part. The course will also be running simultaneously at Buddhist Centres in Berlin, Barcelona, London, and New York.

Led by a team based in Brixton, funded by FutureDharma donors and working with Windhorse Publications, The Sikkha Project and The Buddhist Centre Online the app is ready after three years of hard work.

Find out more about how this exciting project came together here: https://futuredharma.org/creating-the-life-with-full-attention-app 

We are pleased to welcome Suryanaga to the team as our new Systems & Database Manager! Suryanaga brings a wealth of experience in team based right livelihoods as well as his vibrant and creative energy.

Here's what he said upon working for the FutureDharma team:

"It might be apocryphal, but I love the story of someone asking Bhante if he could have Enlightenment or £1 million what he would choose. Apparently, he said £1 million because “with practice, Enlightenment is guaranteed – but to practice and share the Dharma we need resources!”

Join us in saying welcome!

Are you a dedicated Systems and Database professional looking for a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of the Dharma and the Triratna movement? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment with like-minded Buddhists? If you're an experienced and skilled IT professional, this role might be the one you've been waiting for.

We are seeking an inspired and engaged Order member, or Mitra training for ordination, to join our skilled, dynamic, and harmonious team as a part-time Systems and Database Manager.

Find out more and apply here: https://futuredharma.org/we-are-recruiting-systems.../

Our much loved Fundraising Director has joined the Order with the most apt of names, Kusalaraja - King of Skillful Action.

Kusalaraja has written a heartfelt news story about his journey towards ordination, boosted by the strength of the support he received from his friends and co-workers within the Sangha. Not least of which from his Private Preceptor, and colleague, Nandavajra. 

"As I embark on my life within the Order and at FutureDharma, I am resolute in my commitment to support and make more Triratna projects accessible wherever they are needed. Fundraising for FutureDharma is just one of the ways that I am able to do this." ~ Kusalaraja

Read here for more

Picture one of your teachers, someone you admire, respect, and trust, who has helped you on your spiritual journey. Now imagine that they felt forced to step away from their role due to a lack of support or funding.

We are highly fortunate that our private preceptors, public preceptors, and Dharma teachers have options and will not find themselves having to choose between their commitment to Triratna and survival.

However, in India, we can't take this situation for granted. Read more via the link below to find out about one Order Member who had to contemplate an impossible choice.

https://futuredharma.org/how-will-we-survive-the-reality-for-the-indian-ordination-teams/

We don’t know where the Dharma will be needed in the future. 

Just a few years ago we couldn’t have predicted the current thirst for the Dharma in Latin America, or that a Triratna group would want to start in Trinidad or Tokyo. We need to be ready to respond to where the Dharma is needed.

“FutureDharma is a project that’s very responsive, spreading the Dharma where its needed at that time” - Santavajri, who's left a legacy to FutureDharma

Do you have questions about your Will that have gone unanswered? Not made a Will and unsure where to start?

On Tues 21 February at 7:30pm Satyadasa will be leading a free workshop on zoom for FutureDharma subscribers. All you need to do is sign up to our mailing list, and you'll be sent all the info you need to join.

Register your interest in the workshop by signing up to the FutureDharma Newsletter.

Since our launch in 2016, FutureDharma Fund has grown to support 45 international Triratna projects, including those of the India Dhamma Trust, and raised over £1,200,000. This year we aim to raise £500,000 for this vital work.

We are now seeking an inspired and engaged Order member, or Mitra training for ordination to join our skilled, dynamic, and harmonious team as a Fundraiser.

We hope to make a full-time appointment but will consider part-time options.

This is a remote working role with a significant online communication component. However, as many of our current, and potential, donors live in London we are ideally seeking a candidate who is based in the Greater London area or a candidate who can demonstrate strong, current Triratna connections in London.

Full job description here, application here and advert here.