Bodhipaksa has been practicing in Triratna since 1982, and was ordained in 1993. He’s originally from Scotland and moved to New Hampshire in 2002, after spending four years in Montana, where he completed a Master’s degree in Buddhism and business. He works full-time teaching meditation on Wildmind, which is an online meditation center. You can also find him on the Insight Timer app. He has written several books on the topic of meditation and Buddhist practice.
Amala has been studying and practicing meditation and Buddhism since the early 1970s. She has been practicing with the Triratna (formerly FWBO) Community since 1991 and was ordained in 2000. Amala is currently the Chair of the Spiritual Vitality Council and leads a variety of retreats and classes. Amala is a Sanskrit name meaning “Pure” or “Stainless.” The word is found in the Heart Sutra. As a name it refers to ethical purity and also to the stainless open dimension of emptiness. Amala lives near the coast in Maine. She has two young adult children, her favorite people on the planet!
Satyada’s name was given to him at the time of his ordination into the Triratna Buddhist Order and translates in English as “a giver of truth” or “one who gives the true Dharma”. He lives the teachings of the historical Buddha with sincerity and conviction. He teaches from his heart. As Chair of the Aryaloka Board of Directors he leads the Aryaloka community not only as a talented administrator but also as a mindful and compassionate Buddhist, familiar with facing all the spiritual challenges of life.
Alisha first came to Aryaloka in 2012 and immediately felt at home. She is a Mitra and is currently in the process of Training for Ordination. She became involved as a facilitator with the Children's Sangha in 2013, which has enhanced her practice as she has learned so much about mindfulness and joy from the participants. She lives in Hampton Falls with her husband and two boys.
Advayasri first walked through the doors of Aryaloka in January of 2014 and immediately felt she had found her spiritual home. She became a mitra soon after and was ordained on a three month retreat in Spain in 2023. Her name, given to her at ordination, means “the radiance of non-duality”. She is an artist and feels that art both deepens and expresses Buddhist practice. Advayasri lives near the coast of Maine and has two sons and two granddaughters who bring her much joy.
Dharmasukta was ordained in 2018. He has had an interest in Buddhism since adolescence, when he read a book by Alan Watts. He discovered Aryaloka in 2007 and immediately felt a strong connection to the Aryaloka community. After becoming a Mitra, Dharmasukta was asked to join the Aryaloka Board of Directors, which he continues to this day. Dharmasukta recently retired from a 32 year career as a mental health and addictions counselor. In addition to enjoying retirement with his life partner Pam, Dharmasukta spends time at Aryaloka doing what he can to support the Sangha.