Avalokitesvara weeps for the sufferings of the world and from his tears Tara is born.This retreat will have the mythic theme of Green Tara, who has one hand extended in a gesture of infinite giving, and with one leg steps down into the world to go to the aid of living beings. She is also much associated in our minds with the green of nature .
By Munisha on Sat, 20 Dec, 2014 - 20:31The following women were publicly ordained at Taraloka Retreat Centre, UK today, Saturday 20th December 2014. The ceremony was attended by around 80 people: friends, family and local sangha.
Public preceptor Parami Rachael North becomes Amaladhi, a Sanskrit name meaning ‘She of stainless (pure) wisdom’ (long ‘i’). Private preceptor: Padmavajri
Erika Mansnerus becomes Dharmaprabha, a Sanskrit name meaning ‘She whose light is the Dharma’ (long final ‘a’). Private preceptor: Muditasri
By Munisha on Sat, 29 Nov, 2014 - 21:54With sadness we report the death from cancer of Dharmacharini Vajragita, who died very peacefully at home in Amsterdam at around 18.00 local time today, in the company of her community. She was 76 years old.
Vajragita was ordained by Sangharakshita in 1981 in Seaford, Sussex, UK. Her yidam was Padmasambhava. A founder member of the sangha in the Netherlands, she lived and worked at Taraloka (UK) for several years. She recently became a Public preceptor.
By Munisha on Tue, 25 Nov, 2014 - 18:52On 30th September, after 14 years as Chair of Taraloka Retreat Centre for Women in Shropshire, UK, Saddhanandi handed over to Samantabhadri. Saddhanandi leaves in early December to take up her new responsibilities at Adhisthana,in nearby Herefordshire. Samantabhadri will hold the position for two years while Taraloka awaits the arrival of a new, long-term Chair.
Samantabhadri writes, “The transition took place during Community Days at Taraloka, attended by the community, trustees and Dhammadassin,...
Continuing the re-release of the old FWBO Newsreels from the 1990s, here is Newsreel 4, covering news from the FWBO and TBMSG from September 1992 to February 1993. (All the Newsreels are now on YouTube.) This video (55 mins) covers:
Glasgow Buddhist Centre, UK: Ink Print and Design, Windhorse Publications, a new women’s community, a fire and the gift of Dhanakosa Retreat Centre
By Munisha on Wed, 4 Jun, 2014 - 10:53Continuing our re-release of Clear Vision’s FWBO Newsreels from the 1990s, we bring you Newsreel 2 (55 mins) released in spring 1992, with reports on
the FWBO in Australia (Melbourne and Sydney)
Order conventions
the launch of Facing Mount Kanchenjunga
major changes at the Croydon Buddhist Centre
Kalyanavaca’s ordination at Taraloka, and
a special feature on Sangharakshita’s January tour of India
Over 20 years ago, Clear Vision was founded by Mokshapriya to produce professional video for the FWBO, later to become Triratna. As well as videoing...
By Munisha on Mon, 21 Apr, 2014 - 18:44Ratnasuri, founder member of the community at Taraloka retreat centre for women, UK, has moved out to begin a new life, living alone for almost the first time in her 91 years.
Saddhanandi writes: In 1985, in her 60s, Ratnasuri moved to the newly-bought Taraloka, along with Sanghadevi and the two mitras who became Karunasri and Kulanandi. As other women laboured to convert the farm buildings, she worked away to support them, cooking for entire retreats...
By saddhanandi on Wed, 16 Apr, 2014 - 14:29Saddhanandi: Here I am, back at Taraloka after a two-week absence: visiting family, attending a two-day meeting on mindfulness at Adhisthana, and attending a meditation retreat at Rivendell. All these events were enjoyable and productive, but throughout I was very conscious of the fact that whilst I was away Ratnasuri was leaving Taraloka and beginning a new life in Wrexham – living alone for almost the first time in her 91 years.
On the last full day of the Tonglen order retreat, Saddhanandi talks about being present as a ground for deepening understanding and as an incentive to deepen our motivation.