The Triratna Story: Behind the Scenes of a New Buddhist Movement

by Vajragupta

This is the story of a circle of friends dreaming a dream, and working to make it a reality. . . . It’s the nitty-gritty story of how a community evolves. It’s a story of idealism and naivety, growth and growing pains, hard work and burn-out, friendship and fall-out. This book tells the story of an international Buddhist movement, from its inception in London to its growth worldwide. It is the story of mistakes made, lessons learned, and how a Buddhist community was built. Vajragupta is the author of the best-selling Tools for Living your Life .

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, History

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2010

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much of this book, I know the information. I read some of it sarcastically to a friend, and he thought I was a bit cynical. I have asked for ordination into the Triratna Order. Much of this book is known to me. But there are also bits I don't know about, and it's a courageous attempt to tell the order's story, with so many disparate strands. I would like to see other memoirs. I've read the others so far, but I want more!

In the early days of the movement, it was like a wrathful form of Vajrapani, confrontational, impatient and challenging.

I think the chapters on the Guardian article and the challenges the order have faced were the best. I also liked the ending, that profiled a few more order members, it was a kind of chicken soup for the TBC soul.

I had some debates with my preceptor along the lines of the trends and issues he's outlined in this book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Mitra of the Triratna Order, I really appreciate that this book was written. I am also glad that it is (well, in theory, if not always in practice) recommended to people who have asked to become Mitras. While it is unfortunate that any individuals would be harmed (emotionally or otherwise) by people in positions of power within spiritual communities, I want to commend Triratna's work in responding skillfully and compassionately to all allegations, through the publication of this book and also through all the work Munisha has done and continues to do.

Because the Triratna Story is still unfolding, I personally believe this book would benefit greatly from a postscript covering the excellent work that Munisha and her team have done in the area of safeguarding since this edition was published. I very much appreciated having had a recent opportunity to speak with her directly about a number of concerns I still had brewing (many of which were covered, though in my opinion not sufficiently resolved, in this book), and my conversations with her did a lot more to put me in a more positive space around those issues than this book would have on its own.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to Triratna, coming from a lay and beginners perspective. I would probably recommend some basic knowledge of Buddhism and it’s core words/phrases just so that the whole book makes sense, but otherwise no working knowledge of the movement is needed to understand this book. I found it focused on the controversies and struggles of the movement quite sensibly, but I do feel it could have been talked about in more detail. I also felt certain other aspects, such as family based or even non-community based practice, were glazed over in sentences whereas other areas of the book had several pages of content. However, I can see why many sections were kept short to aid the accessibility of the book. The book is also divided up into subsections within chapters, which makes the book very digestible.

[Sinta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful to give the broad overview of the development of the movement. Especially appreciated the writing on the “scandals” and how the movement responded. A bit light on the actual dharma of the group and how that informed the history, as well as the movement in India (given how large it is proportionately)

Two interesting quotes:

Her underlying belief was that if she just made enough effort, she would attain higher states of consciousness and avoid pain. 'I was straining to escape my experience and I manipulated the teaching I received to collude with that,' she says. It was spiritually humiliating to realize that this wasn't going to work.


According to the psychologist James Hillman, 'initiation into a new consciousness of reality comes through betrayal'. His sometimes provocative statements warn against expecting relationships to be completely safe and fulfilling. People will let us down; this is not only inevitable, it is also how we grow up.

[Harriet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motivating and inspiring!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by an Order member at my local Triratna centre because of my mixed feelings about becoming a Mitra (owing to what I had read online about the 'FWBO Files'). Vajragupta is clear from the outset that this is not an extensive history of the FWBO, and as such it was frustrating at times to be moved on so swiftly to each new topic, but he has referenced and indicated extra reading extensively. In short he has done a terrific job!

Importantly he covers the 'FWBO Files' and other "mistakes" made by this fledgling movement with honesty and sensitivity. For me it has been invaluable. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Triratna, or Buddhism. Equally, anyone wanting to understand what went wrong in their past should read this for its honest attempt to clarify what has been over sensationalised by others.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as I am interested in the Western Buddhist movement and I found it interesting and honest.

It is good that an organisation puts it hands up and says 'yes, we messed up, but we learned from it, and are now moving on'. Good for them!

Very interesting read that just made me more interested in the movement.

[Viv JM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Concise history of the Triratna Buddhist Community (formerly known as FWBO). Although written by an "insider" provides insight into the scandals that have arisen within this organisation, and documents the lessons that could be learned from them. An interesting, if brief, history.