Vessantara

Sangharakshita is an Englishman who spent many years in India as a Buddhist monk. He is the founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order that I joined in 1974, and which now numbers about 1800 people around the world. By founding the Order, Sangharakshita has given me a wonderful network of Dharma friends – from whom I have learnt a great deal – as well as a supportive context in which to practise and teach.Through his teaching in the 1970s and ‘80s I received a very clear and practical grounding in the fundamentals of the Dharma, which was a formative  influence on my thinking and practice. Since that time has continued to unfold a vision of how Buddhism can flower in the West, a vision from which I continue to benefit.

I was his secretary for 6 years, and I learned a great deal from his example – particularly his mindfulness and clarity of thought. He has been unfailingly kind to me and I am deeply grateful for his friendship and guidance over many years.

He is now in his eighties, living in Birmingham UK.