Responding to Wider Society

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For Triratna, the reason to practise Buddhism is to benefit not just ourselves, but everyone, in the spirit of the bodhisattva who devotes themselves to the welfare of all beings. But, given the needs we see all around us in the modern world, what can Buddhists contribute?

We believe that our greatest contribution is passing on the wisdom of the Buddhist tradition, which addresses the root causes of suffering in our hearts and minds. One way to do this is creating a spiritual community that offers an example of how we can live simply with contentment, awareness and kindness. 

We also contribute more directly. Our large Indian sangha developed principally within the ‘Dalit’ community, long regarded as ‘untouchables’ and subjected to discrimination and prejudice. From the start, Triratna activities in India included social work activities addressing basic needs for health, education and livelihood. Karuna, a Triratna aid charity, continues to fund this sort of work in India’s poorest and most excluded communities.

Many individuals within Triratna respond in other ways. Some work in professions such as medicine, education and healthcare. Others, like Breathworks, have engaged with the widespread interest in mindfulness and are taking what they’ve learned through their Buddhist practice to people across society. 

As scientists and international bodies warn us about the climate crisis the Triratna Earth Sangha coordinates the efforts of climate activists within Triratna, while the Green Earth Awakening camp, run each year by Buddhafield, is a meeting of Buddhists and the wider community of climate activists. 

Individuals within Triratna naturally respond to social and political issues in different ways, often debating them vigorously, and Triratna itself does not engage in formal politics or take sides in elections.