The formation of Alokasetu marks a significant milestone in the development of the Triratna women’s ordination training program in the US and Canada. In previous years, senior order members flew in from across the country and the UK to lead our retreats. Karunadevi, in particular, has dedicated most of her order life to supporting these efforts – for which we are all very grateful.

 

In 2021-2022, we formed a nonprofit organization, Triratna Ordination Training, Inc., along with our virtual retreat center, Alokasetu. This entity provides legal and financial oversight of our ordination training program and allows its board to take a more strategic view of our activities. We also created an Alokasetu Mandala of Support as an umbrella fund for the previously separate Bridge of Light, Cintamani, and Succession Funds.

 

New Ordination Team, Summer 2023

 

In 2023, the current Ordination Team was formed for GFR women in the US and Canada. This team serves as a planning and communications hub for all GFR activities in our Area. They plan the annual retreat schedule and themes, organize retreat teams, and provide access to resources and materials related to ordination training. They do all this by working closely with the Private Preceptors and Public Preceptor Kula for our region. The current team consists of Amala, Aryadrishti, Padmatara, Sunada, and Viriyalila.

 

While this team oversees the overall ordination training process, separate yet overlapping dedicated Retreat Teams will lead the GFR retreats and events. These retreat teams will be composed of Preceptors and Dharmacharinis from across the US and Canada, as well as from the UK. You will have the opportunity to meet and work with many Order Members throughout your training. 

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The Alokasetu Trustees consist of Viriyalila (Chair), Karunadevi (Treasurer), Padmadharini, Padmatara, Shunyamala, and Sunada.

 

The Preceptors in US/Canada are Amala, Aryadrishti, Ashokashri, Dayalocana, Dayanandi, Dharmasuri, Karunadevi, Padmadharini, Padmatara, Samayasri, Sunada, Taraprabha, Vimalasara, Viriyalila, and Viveka.

 

The Public Preceptor Kula for US/Canada includes Amala, Aryadrishti, Ashokashri, Dayanandi, Padmatara, Paramachitta, Parami, and Viriyalila.

 

Many thanks to Karunadevi, now retired, who is working on her memoirs!

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