Systems & Structures
To enable it to function effectively, the College needs to meet frequently and implement systems that support its work.
In this section, we look at the the responsibilities and ‘working arrangements’ of the College; the Kula system, which is the organisational structure that reflects our internationality and how we work together; the College Chair’s Council; the connection with Adhisthana; the executive team working for the College; and the finances.
RESPONSIBILITIES + WORKING ARRANGEMENTS
This section contains two important documents that help explain the responsibilities, structures and purpose of the College:
THE KULA SYSTEM
No single Public Preceptor can decide by themselves to ordain someone. That decision has to be ratified by a Kula of at least five Public Preceptors. In time we hope to have a Kula of male Public Preceptors and a Kula of female Public Preceptors in every specially designated Area of the world where Triratna is active – UK & Europe, Australia & New Zealand, India and the Americas – and we are steadily working to that end. At present, experienced Public Preceptors from outside a particular Area may make up numbers, and also work with a Kula in training new Public Preceptors.
Much of the day-to-day work of overseeing ordination training is done by the Kulas and the Ordination teams they work with. This makes the coming together of the whole College at the International College Meeting at Adhisthana each year all the more important in maintaining unity of vision and understanding. We also have a meeting for representatives of all the Kulas which meets quarterly, once in-person during the international meeting. The Kula Reps are specifically charged with joining up the Kulas across regions and genders, with the aim of maintaining a unified approach to ordination training around the world, as well as sharing experience and learning.
THE CHAIR’S COUNCIL
The Chair’s College Council was reformed in 2024 after previous historical iterations. It is a purely advisory body to the Chair and has no executive powers. It convenes several times a year to discuss various issues with the Chair of the College, and to support the Chair in their work.
The membership of the Council comprises a core of people holding key institutional responsibilities in the Order and Movement plus others invited to attend at the Chair’s discretion. This includes the Deputy Chair’s of the College, the International Order Convenors, and Movement Convenor, the Chair of Adhisthana, the Convenor of the International Council and the Director of FutureDharma.
THE COLLEGE EXECUTIVE TEAM
The College has a small executive team to support its workings. This team provide administrative and secretarial support, as well as managing communications and finances. In 2025 we will be working more closely with the team of the International Council, and the International Movement Convenor.
Mahamati
Chair of the College
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Vajrashura
Deputy Chair
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Akasajoti
Executive Assistant
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Visarada
Book-keeper
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ADHISTHANA
Home of the College
Adhisthana is set in beautiful English countryside near the Malvern Hills, not far from the Welsh border. It is the home of the College of Public Preceptors and usually at least three Public Preceptors live there. Once a year, currently in November, Adhisthana hosts an international gathering of Public Preceptors from all around the world.
Adhisthana stands at the heart of Triratna and provides a focal point where people from all over the world can meet, study and practise together, formally and informally, in large and small numbers. It’s a place where that deepening experience of teaching and practice can be shared, and where the commonality of practice that a growing international spiritual community needs can be maintained.
The Triratna Community is based upon Sangharakshita’s particular presentation of the Dharma, which, whilst remaining faithful to the historical Buddha’s own teachings, also honours the best in all the schools of Buddhism. Sangharakshita’s approach allows for a system of teaching and practice that continues to unfold and evolve as times change and experience grows.
Adhisthana is now the burial site of Urgyen Sangharakshita, and home to his library, archives and thangkas, as well as housing two residential communities.
Find out more about Adhisthana and look at their programme of events.
COLLEGE FINANCES
The College relies largely on donations from Order members and mitras for funding. Currently expenditure exceeds income, but two bequests in recent years have helped maintain a healthy reserve, thus avoiding our need to ask for further help at present.
We aim to use our funds as effectively as possible, supplementing the income of a number of Public Preceptors who would otherwise have to find outside work so they can work more full time for Triratna. It is still only a minority of Public Preceptors who are funded, partially or wholly, from College funds.
If you would like to support the College with a regular donation please follow this link.