Dear Ipswich Sangha,
In the Year of Akshobhya, the blue wisdom Buddha, Ashley Clarke, Fran Biddle and Brian Prettyman became Mitras. They have made a commitment to their Buddhist practice within Tritana, and as a Mitra, which means ‘friend’, they will be welcomed into the community of Triratna Buddhists anywhere in the world. The ceremony, marking this significant event in each of their lives, is proceeded by rejoicing in their merits. This creates an amazingly joyful and connecting atmosphere where ones smile seems to transcend the limits of ones face. Sadhu, or congratulations to all three of you.
We also welcomed four new Order members back from their three month ordination retreats, Silavapi, Sunyamani, Sarasija and Harsamitra. Ordination is both a private and public event of great significance to the individual, to the Sangha and the world. We now have 26 Order members in and around Ipswich who all, in their unique way, are spreading the teachings of the Buddha from their depth of Going for Refuge to the Three Jewels, the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.
Getting ordained is like being reborn. You spiritually die to your old self so that something new can arise. This is symbolised by the new name. The name is a Dharma name which arises from qualities one already has and qualities one can grow into or take as a guide.
I was ordained in Tuscany in Italy in 1998 on a seven week retreat. I remember after the private ordination going back to my tent in the olive grove and lying on my back with my arms and legs wriggling in the air. I felt like an exceedingly happy baby. I had no idea why I was called Shubha but I felt deeply seen and that my hearts desire had been witnessed. Buddhism was at the centre of that baby’s life.
I had always been attracted to Akshobhya, the colour blue and wisdom and I took up the meditation practice on him. About six years later I went on a mandala of the Five Female Buddhas retreat led by Vessantara. He introduced us to each of their meditation practices and when I came home I continued to do the Locana practice, the female blue wisdom Buddha.
Being Chair of the Ipswich Buddhist centre has called me to develop both ‘masculine and feminine’ spiritual qualities which shine forth from these two Buddhas and the symbolism of the vajra and the vajra bell that they hold. If you want to find out more about these 2 Buddhas do come to the Day retreat on 25th October.
When I think of my Mitra ceremony at the London Buddhist Centre in 1990 and my ordination retreat I am filled with gratitude. I have so much appreciation for all those Order members who guided and encouraged me along the path that steadily helped me grow and develop. However it is not only the Order members, a Buddhist centre or retreat cannot run without the infrastructure. So many people, maybe you, help it to run smoothly. There is a lot to do and there are a lot of volunteers at the Ipswich Buddhist Centre. From the moment you step into the Centre, you step into a place of generosity, someone has cleaned the Centre, someone has bought the tea, someone is paying the bills, someone is making the space safe, someone is organising our outreach, the list of appreciation is endless.
On 31st October we are going to have an evening of food and rejoicing to thank all our volunteers. If you help out in any way, however small, you are welcome to this evening. And if you would like a job just let me know. I think the point where one starts helping out and contributing to spreading the Dharma is also a significant point in ones spiritual life. Would you like to make that step. Volunteers are always welcome.
With metta and appreciation,
Shubha
