The word ‘Mitra’ means friend and this is a step that marks a deepening of commitment, to living a life based on compassion and wisdom and doing that within this spiritual community. Following the recent Mitra ceremonies, we asked Ian, what this step meant to him?
Becoming a Mitra wasn’t just a step; it was a deepening of my commitment to a path that has brought immense richness into my life. The twin pillars of meditation and sangha have been incredibly supportive, developing my ability to connect with my inner self and the wider community. What I truly celebrate about being a Buddhist is its incredible capacity to foster genuine connection among people.
There’s an inherent curiosity that permeates the practice, an openness to exploration, and a refreshing sense of fun that often surprises those outside the tradition. I continue to practice because it grounds me, informing my ability to live with congruence, to embrace adventure, and to navigate what I’ve come to see as a beautifully challenging path.
In my teenage years I’d dipped into books, absorbed snippets of wisdom, and felt a quiet certainty that there was something more, something essential, waiting to be fully explored. In my late 30s arrived and the centre beckoned, not just as a neighbour, but as a promise of the deeper understanding I felt I was drawn too.
It’s a journey of continuous growth, ever-unfolding, and always leading me towards greater authenticity and connection. This connection feeds my internal letting go, which has paradoxically, fueled a powerful surge of love and kindness, not just for others, but for myself. This newfound inner abundance naturally spills outwards. Externally, I find myself presenting as calmer, more grounded, and even more expressive.