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TRIRATNA BUDDHISTS JOHANNESBURG - HISTORY AND STRUCTURE

Ratnajyoti arrived in South Africa in 1991, having encountered Triratna Buddhists in England and started from an intention to share meditation classes with like-minded individuals. Initially at home the classes soon required a larger space and the Theosophical Society in Melville became a new base for activities. Having to set up the shrine and take it down after every class on a Monday was a small task, but eventually the room upstairs became available and this served as a base for aproximately 4 years . In 1997 Ratnajyoti was ordained and came into contact with Vajradhara as a result of the network of the Triratna Buddhist Order. A South African by birth, and living in England from the mid 80's, he had wanted to assist in spreading the Dharma in South Africa. As their friendship and working partnership grew, so did the aspirations around a centre grow. As more individuals became involved with the group an old shop became the premises for Triratna Johannesburg for 2 years from 2004 to 2006 and very much due to conditions arising, a house across the road from the shop came up for sale, was bought and became Shantikula, the new Triratna Buddhist Order/Community Johannesburg Centre and the first Triratna centre in Africa. It opened in September 2006 and continues to grow in an organic way.

Shantikula runs as a Section 21 not for profit company. Grants from Windhorse Evolution funds made possible the initial move into the rented shop premises and the capacity for the expansion of Triratna Buddhists in Johannesburg. Donations from various members have contributed to the building costs and the sculpting of the beautiful Buddha in our shrine room. On many fronts and in many ways people have contributed and continue to do so in donating plants, time and effort.

The Shantikula Team thanks all who have contributed in their various ways and all who attend and enjoy the Centre, and we look forward to a long engagement and shared practice.

front of house

tritatna johannesburg

triratna johannesburg

centre

history and structure

people