Becoming a Mitra
Many people who see Triratna as their Buddhist community take the step of becoming a mitra (which means ‘friend’ in Sanskrit). This happens in a simple but beautiful ceremony in which the person becoming a mitra formally makes three undertakings:
- I feel that I am a Buddhist
- I am trying to practise the five ethical Precepts
- I want to deepen my practice within the context of Triratna
Exploring the three undertakings
1. I feel that I am a Buddhist
This means that you have come to feel an identification with the Buddhist tradition. That might mean that the Buddha represents your spiritual ideal; that the teachings of the Buddha make sense for them as a guide to living; or that you connect with the ‘atmosphere’ or imagery of Buddhism
2. I am trying to practise the five ethical precepts
Feeling an identification with Buddhism naturally expresses itself in trying to lead an ethical life, as taught by the Buddha and codified in the precepts The five precepts are:not harming others and practising loving kindness; not taking, or appropriating, what another person is not willing to give, and practising generosity; not acting unskilfully in sexual relations and developing contentment; not speaking falsely and being honest; not indulging in intoxicants and developing mindfulness.
In time, many people ask to join the Triratna Buddhist Order, The Order is Triratna’s core – a thriving spiritual community with over 2,500 members who are dedicated to living ethically, practising effectively and working harmoniously. Several thousand others have asked to join and are currently training for ordination.
3. I want to deepen my practice within the context of Triratna
This means that you feel are happy with the approach to Buddhist practice that you have been learning within Triratna, at least at present.
The Mitra Community
Becoming a mitra marks a deepening of commitment and formalises your involvement in your local centre and the Triratna Buddhist Community as a whole. There are around 9,000 mitras in India and several thousand more in the rest of the world.
As far as possible, Order Members try to ensure that the spiritual needs of mitras are met. There are special activities, including specific retreats, and study groups which follow a four-year Dharma Training Course for Mitras, which covers the key aspects of the Buddha’s teaching as they are understood within Triratna.
Resources
📖 Read a short eBook about what it means to become a mitra in the Triratna Buddhist Community
