Gathering of the Women Mitras

The 14th of June marked the first gathering of women Mitras at Sychdyn. Moksanita, Sraddhadipa and Prashrabdhi led and held space and were joined by Shubhavandana. Our theme was ‘ritual’, with Sraddhadipa opening with an inspiring and spacious talk reflecting on her own experience of ritual and the place of ritual and devotion within Buddhism, and Triratna in particular. 
There was a lovely opportunity for people to be in groups of 3 or 4 and meet other Mitras for the first time, or deepen existing connections. Lively small group discussion focussed among other things, on experiences of and feelings towards ritual. There was reflection on what opens our hearts to the sacred in the seemingly ordinary. 
The gathering ended with a sevenfold puja with Sakyamuni mantra, during which offerings were made to the shrine.  By the close of the puja the shrine was adorned with items of personal significance added by each woman, creating a wonderful sense of community and shared devotion.