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457: Carmelites and Buddhists - Women in Spiritual Community
Episode 457
Monday, 26 October, 2026
Welcome back to the podcast! For this first in a series of new episodes, we explore the historic handover of a Carmelite monastery in Hertfordshire to a women's ordination team in the Triratna Buddhist Community, and hear the fascinating stories behind a profound transition. For decades, the quiet, cloistered walls hosted Roman Catholic Carmelite nuns dedicated to silent contemplation and prayer. Now, through a remarkable fundraising campaign, these sacred grounds are being reborn as the new Tiratanaloka Retreat Centre, the heart of ordination training for women Buddhists in the UK.Despite their distinct spiritual paths, both groups of women discovered an intense shared reverence for the spiritual life, and a profound commitment to the service of humanity.The Dharmachakra team visited the site in Ware, Hertfordshire, to speak to the women managing the incredible renovation and readying for the new Centre to open. We hear from Vajratara and Karunadhi about the latest on the project, the deeply symbolic meetings the team had with the Carmelite sisters, as well as the amazing and funny stories the nuns shared about life at the monastery. This episode guides us through the physical and spiritual metamorphosis of the property, including transforming a traditional Christian chapel into a vibrant Buddhist shrine room.We also hear how the Tiratanaloka team have embraced the challenge of the nearby A10 road – and how it has become a symbol of the work they want to do to engage with the world through the unique lens of Triratna’s system of practice.Produced and edited by Candradasa and Gavin Fischer. Presented by Gavin Fischer. Sound recording by Sanghadhara.Show NotesTiratanaloka Unlimited CampaignTiratanaloka Retreat CentreThe Carmelites (UK)Images of the Former Carmelite Monastery at WareThe Buddhist Centre Online Free Buddhist AudioTriratna***Visit The Buddhist Centre Live (events year-round on Buddhism, mindfulness, meditation, and culture)Come meditate with us online six days a week!Theme music by Ackport! Used with kind permission.
