Events and Resources for Mitras
Commitment is a wonderful thing, and within the Triratna Buddhist Community we honour it by organising events and support for those who have made a commitment to the Buddhist path (called 'mitras').
We hope this page provides helpful resources and a way to keep informed about what is available to mitras in Croydon and Triratna-wide.
Thinking about becoming a mitra?
'Mitra' means 'friend' in Sanskrit. When becoming a mitra, you ritually declare that you are a Buddhist, and that as far as you can see, you want to practice the Dharma with the Triratna Buddhist Community - in other words, you become a friend to the Community. Learn more about what a mitra is in the handbook below.
Before making such a step, you are in conversation with a Mitra Convenor, who can help you with the decision and guide you in the process.
Key dates for all mitras in Croydon
26 June, 7.00pm
A Night in Marrakesh: Fundraising Dinner for the Croydon Buddhist Centre - book here
25 July, 10.30am-4.30pm
Dharma Day Festival - details here
4 and 5 July, all day
Summer Weekend Working Retreat - find out more and book here
7 July, 7.00pm
Mark's Ordination Send-off
11 July, 10.30am-12.45pm
Akasamoksini's (formerly Monique) Ordination Welcome Back - details here
4 August, 7.00pm
Satyasthana (formerly Matt) and Mark's Welcome Back from their respective ordination retreats
26 August, evening
108 year Puja for Sangharakshita
17 October, 10.30am-4.30pm
Ambedkar Day
23 October - 25 October
POWER UP YOUR MEDITATION: Weekend Meditation Intensive Retreat with Vajragupta - book here
26 October-21 November
Big Urban Retreat
Dates for all women
24 October
Pan-London Women's Day @ Brixton Buddhist Centre
8 November
Study Day with Maitrisiddhi from Taraloka @ London Buddhist Centre
Dates for all men
Helpful resources for mitras
Mitra Dharma Study
Mitra Dharma Study is a key part of being a mitra - it helps you clarify your understanding of the Dharma, and just as importantly, build friendship with others on the same path as you. In our Centre, you can start Dharma study without being a mitra, but after the first year, we ask people to make a commitment (and become a mitra) to continue.
If you are interested in Dharma study, contact a Mitra Convenor - they'll be able to tell you what the next steps are. See also more information on the study course and the materials used here.
Retreats
Triratna is a vibrant and diverse community, and mitras are encouraged to branch out, gain experience and build connections by going on Triratna-wide retreats. See some key places for retreats below.
Thinking about asking for ordination?
When asking for ordination, you declare your desire to commit your life to the path to Enlightenment. It is a radical thing, but you don't have to have it all figured out - part of the training process is to find out whether ordination is the right thing for you.
We often call people training for ordination 'GFR mitras', where 'GFR' stands for 'going for refuge'. Going for refuge means organising one's life (in this context, aiming to organise one's life) so that the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha are the guiding forces in each and every moment.
The ordination training process is divided into the women's process and the men's process - see below the relevant resources to learn more. (These resources were prepared by Tiratanaloka or Padmaloka, the two ordination retreat centres.)
Key dates for women training for ordination (GFR mitras)
21 June, 10.15am-4.45pm
Pan-London event @ London Buddhist Centre: Going for Refuge Day
11 July afternoon
Afternoon with Sucimani @ Croydon Buddhist Centre
27-29 November
GFR Weekend @ Tiratanaloka Ware - TBC
Key dates for men training for ordination (GFR mitras)
Helpful resources for GFR mitras
Solitary retreats
Going on solitary retreats forms a key part of the ordination training process. Solitaries allow you to build confidence in being and practicing on your own, and help you get to know yourself in a new way.
Before going on a solitary, it's best to talk to your Mitra Convenor, Order Members you know, or friends who have done solitary retreats before. We also recommend reading Vajragupta's book titled 'Wild Awake', which includes helpful tips and anecdotes to prepare you for your first solitary retreat (click here to purchase from Windhorse Publications).
You can see some solitary retreat offerings on the 'Going on Retreat' website, see here.
Our Mitra Convenors
The Mitra Convenors are here to help you on your spiritual journey. You can reach out to them to discuss a specific topic, or to just get to know each other better. To get their contact details, drop a line to info@buddhistcentrecroydon.org.
