‘Tradition is the handing on of the flame, and not the worship of ashes’.
Gustav Mahler
“From its literal meaning of a site, residence, or position, the word Adhisthana is then applied to the power pertaining to such a position. It can therefore mean the power which belongs to divine forms, and in this sense comes near to the conception of grace. It can also refer to the power that is experienced in meditation or through the recitation of mantras. In that it may be transmitted by a spiritual teacher to his disciples, it may also be translated as blessing...”
A home for the Triratna community
Triratna has grown over the last 50 years to include centres in West and East Europe, India, North America, Latin America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
The Buddha taught that one of the conditions for the stability of the Sangha was for it to meet together in large numbers. Adhisthana, Triratna’s home in quiet rural land near the Malvern Hills, is a place for the whole movement. This is where people from all over the world meet, study and practice together.
A home for Sangharakshita
Sangharakshita, the founder of Triratna, is the teacher and kalyanamitra for the Triratna community worldwide. Adhisthana was Sangharakshita’s home for his last years, until his death on the 30th October 2018.
Therefore, Adhisthana is a place where people can visit to connect with Bhante, and what he represents. For instance, it houses Bhante’s library and archives, his images and thankhas.
A place of Buddhist practice
The Triratna Community is based upon Sangharakshita’s particular presentation of the Dharma, faithful to the Buddha’s own teachings and honouring the best in all schools. And this is not a simple or static thing, it is evolving as times change and as experience grows.
Adhisthana is where deepening experience of practice and teaching can be shared. This ensures a ‘high level of commonality of practice’ that a spiritual community needs.
A venue for Triratna retreats and events
