Adhisthana Dharma-Life Training Course

for Young Men

12/02/2017 to 02/07/2017

The course aims to give you a thorough grounding in the principles and practice of Triratna Buddhism and you will have the opportunity to live an intense and full-time Dharma life for 20 weeks. It will be fully residential, and you will be living in a designated community space at Adhisthana. Community living is an important part of the course and you will be sharing a room whilst you are here. As well as a series of retreats, and intensive study of the Dharma, the course will include some skills training, such as debating and giving talks, as well as an ongoing exploration of the arts. You will also participate in the life of the Adhisthana community, meditating with them on a daily basis and worshipping together. There will also be a daily work period to help with the maintenance and development of Adhisthana as well as to give you a taste of work as a spiritual practice.

Testimonials from previous courses –

‘I think that participating in the Dharma training course was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life so far. I particularly enjoyed living, studying and working with a group of committed Dharma practitioners while also becoming part of the wider Adhisthana community for four and a half months. It was a precious opportunity to explore the teachings of the Dharma as presented by Sangharakshita through meditation, study, friendship, work as practice and cultural events. As well as deepening my appreciation of the three jewels and the value of the Triratna community I also feel that I gained a far richer sense of Adhisthana's significance as a place and its importance for the present and future of our movement.’ Dan from Norwich

‘The course at Adhisthana was initially billed to me as a 'study course' but what I received was one of the most immersive experiences I have ever encountered. Exploring the Dharma through group discussions in the mornings, experiencing the spirit of a team-based right livelihood by maintaining and caring for Adhisthana in the afternoon and flourishing within the support of an incredible community of Dharma farers with many years of experience. The course seemed to share all the strengths of Triratna as a movement and give me a glimmer of what Bhante Sangharakshita may have meant when he spoke of a 'New Society'. I grew and benefitted immensely from the course and do not hesitate to recommend it.’ Martin from Sheffield 

‘Thank you for everything. I´m still nostalgic for this great experience, so far the best in my life. I know that Adhisthana is a really interesting place with lots of visitors around the world and it was interesting to find at least someone that I know in each retreat. The fact to start a NEW Community was incredible because in these conditions there is no hierarchy or habits - just a bunch of good men trying to go deep, with lots of energy and love. The best was this feeling of friendship, brotherhood, community...  The exemplification of the community at Adhisthana was an inspiration and also we had the honour to meet Bhante.’ Juan Antonio from Mexico.

The course is primarily aimed at mitras and men who have asked for ordination under the age of 35 but we are willing to consider applications from older men who are looking to deepen their involvement with Triratna.

The cost of the course is £3000 and we can offer some bursaries where needed. If you are unable to fund the course yourself, we recommend doing some fundraising in your local Sangha.

The deadline for applications is 31st August 2016 and you will be informed whether we can offer you a place or not by 30th September 2016.

For an application form, please contact Vidyaruchi vidyaruchi@yahoo.co.uk or Saccanama collegeassistant@adhisthana.org