Ever wondered?

Carunalaka writes from Australia: "It's a little-known fact that Vajradharini, from Pune, India, has been making kesas for the worldwide Triratna Buddhist Order for the past seven years.

Recently I suggested there were many people who would be delighted to 'meet' the woman who makes these items, given to members of the Order at their ordinations. I persuaded her to speak to camera - in English - even though she was very shy about doing so.

White kesas are given at ordination; golden kesas may be taken later by those choosing to make a public commitment to greater simplicity of lifestyle, including celibacy.

Vajradharini's small tailoring business includes teaching other women to sew, and it supports her family, including her husband Yashosagar, a Public preceptor who works tirelessly for the growth of Triratna in India."

Editor's note: 2017 having been a record-breaking year for ordinations in Triratna, Vajradharini has been working extra hard, and others had to step in to meet demand. By the end of the year there will have been 150 ordinations in 2017 with 15 public ordination ceremonies having occurred across Mexico, Spain, Ireland, USA, UK, New Zealand and India.