Dhammarati has worked as the convenor of the International Council for the last decade, establishing a structure for communication and collaboration between the College, Order and Movement from every geographical area, to support the unity of our spiritual community across the world. 

In March, he handed over to Arthavadin who will work with the International Council Steering Group and Area Councils, to support and develop the work of the International Council in its next phase.

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Arthavadin.

Since resigning as chair of the Manchester Buddhist Centre (MBC) in 2018 I’ve been working as a freelance organisational development consultant and leadership coach - mainly for the police in the UK. This has been socially worthwhile work and it’s kept me financially afloat but, to be frank, it hasn’t made my heart sing! I have certainly appreciated an 18 months’ sabbatical from ‘full-on’ engagement in Triratna institutions, but I’ve also missed the inspiration, intimacy and intensity of working with order friends who share a common vision. 

When I heard about the opportunity of working for the International Council I didn’t have to ponder too long before deciding to apply. Over the past two years I’ve co-facilitated the IC and this has given me a sense of its value and enormous potential.  Sadly, I don’t think this is (yet) fully appreciated by the order and movement so I look forward to working alongside the IC Steering Group to change that!

I shall start the convening role in early spring but, as you might expect, my mind is already turning towards it. Over the coming months I want to ‘get up to speed’ about the IC and that’s going to require a lot of listening and learning. If you have thoughts or ideas regarding the IC that you’d like to share with me, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’ll be pleased to hear from you.