On Sunday, January 8, at 10AM, Portsmouth Buddhist Center joyously opens its doors to 2017 with a double Mitra ceremony for Meagan VanHoogan and Laura Horwood-Benton.  

A Mitra ceremony involves a formal, public declaration of the intention to explore what it is like being a Buddhist and practicing Buddhist ethical precepts, in the context of the Triratna Buddhist community.  “Mitra” is a Sanskrit word meaning “friend,” so it is also a ceremonial expression of joining and being welcomed into a community of friends, based on shared spiritual aspirations.  Triratna’s founder, Sangharakshita, once said that becoming a Mitra is like joining a dance: “Up until this moment you have been in the wings and you have been watching the dance – the collective dance – and you have tried out a few steps. But now with this act you are joining the dance.”  We are looking forward to dancing with Laura and Meagan.

This will be a festive occasion to launch the New Year at Portsmouth Buddhist Center – please join us!