2023-08-29-accounts - Theravada Buddhist Trust

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Annual Trustees report September 2022 to August 2023

Theravada Buddhist Trust (TBT)

Theravada (school of the elder monks) is a branch of Buddhism that uses the teaching of the oldest recorded Buddhist texts. It is the dominant form of religion in Myanmar (formerly Burma) and its neighbours, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Sri Lanka.

1. Objec�ves and ac�vi�es

Our aims and objec�ves are clearly stated in our trust deeds which are summarised below: (1) To advance the Theravada Buddhist prac�ce in the Yorkshire area for the benefit of the public by encouraging and facilita�ng religious prac�ce through provision of place of worship. This will hold religious ceremonies, mass chan�ng open to the public, prayers mee�ngs, public celebra�on of religious fes�vals plus long and short stay medita�on retreats.

(2) To promote awareness and understanding of Theravada Buddhism by providing regular religious teachings and medita�on prac�ce for the public.

(3) To provide religious devo�onal acts by facilita�ng the Buddhist reverend, visi�ng the sick for encouragement and support of pastoral work

2. Worship and prayer

There is regular chan�ng, group medita�on and discussion of Buddha's teaching by a�endees at the monastery as indicated by the daily programme below. 6:00 Chan�ng. 18:30 Chan�ng

Wednesday and Sunday 20:00 – 21:30 Group Medita�on, Dhamma talks and reading of Buddhist scriptures like Angui�ara Nikaya by Zoom mee�ngs.

and Dhamma discussion.)

beyond. People from surrounding areas as far as Leeds, Manchester and even from London a�ended these mee�ngs. The medita�on and Dhamma discussion sessions are quite useful for the a�endees to further their knowledge on the teachings of the Buddha and enhance their prac�ce of insight medita�on.These have been suspended at the moment.

children who are keen to learn their language of their homeland which they have le� for so many years. Children are ac�vely encouraged to be involved in these ac�vi�es promoted by the monastery to maintain the culture of the ethnic minori�es of Burma. These classes have been suspended since COVID-19.

3. Other religious and fund-raising ac�vi�es

In addi�on to the above ac�vi�es there are regular religious ac�vi�es carried out under the direc�on of the resident Buddhist monk and teacher Venerable Ashin Gawsaka. These are important days in the Buddhist calendar as depicted below.

These events are well a�ended by devotees and members of the TBT. Most of these events are conducted in hired community halls or school sports halls to accommodate the

number of people a�ending these events which include not only Myanmar devotees but also people from various backgrounds like Bri�sh, Europeans and Asians.

i) Buddha Day or Vesak.

This ceremony was conducted on 6 May 2023

This is to honour the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha. In temples all over the world Buddhists engage in prayers and reflect on the virtues of wisdom, courage, and compassion of the Buddha.

praying, readings about Buddha's life and his achievements.

(ii). Waso robe ceremony This ceremony was conducted on 5 August 2023

Buddhist lent. Monks were offered new robes (Waso robes) and other requirements to �de them through the months ahead. Children were encouraged to do readings about the first sermon and group chan�ng of Buddha's first sermon were performed by the members of the Trust and a�ending guests. This was conducted at TBT monastery, Sheffield.

(iii) Abhidhamma Day

This is also called the Fes�val of Lights, marking the end of Buddhist Lent, held on the full moon day of Thadingyut (usually in October) .This last for three days in Burma during which houses and streets are fes�vely decorated and illuminated.

to the Buddha, group chan�ng and refreshments for the guest. In accordance with the tradi�on younger members paid homage to the elders of the Trust and elders gave pocket money to the children .

The ceremony was conducted on 9-10-22

(iv) Kathina Ceremony 29-10-22

This is the largest alms giving ceremony of the Buddhist year. It occurs at the end of Vassa, or monsoon period, in October and November. During the rains retreat the Buddhist monks will have remained in one place for three months, and the Kathina celebra�on marks the �me for them to move on. The fes�val also celebrates the offering of Kathina robe to the monks by lay people. This was celebrated by TBT members in a hired school sports hall/community hall due to large numbers of devotees a�ending. The ceremony began by offering lunch to the invited monks and guest.

Kathina ceremony, ending with a group prayer. All dona�ons went to TBT. Devotees donated Kathina robes as usual. This year it was a collec�ve sponsored event.All the members of the Threravada Buddhist Trust and Dhamma friends chipped in to celebrate this auspicious event.

4. Myanmar tradi�onal community ac�vi�es

(i). Annual Htamenae (crushed glu�nous rice) ceremony.

This is historically a celebra�on of rice harvest marked by cooking of special s�cky rice made with

sesame seeds, peanuts, and ginger.

guest. There was also group chan�ng, praying and sharing of merits. The ceremony was conducted on 4-2-23

(iii). Memorial days and Birthday celebra�ons

These were conducted by the resident monks. Between September 2022 and August 2023 there were 39 memorial services and 34 birthday blessings .

These were deferred since the pandemic.

(v). Ad Hoc visits to the monastery by families

There were 41 visits to the monastery to pay homage to the resident monks and make dona�ons to TBT.

(vi). Bereavement support

The spiritual director regularly gives bereavement support to bereaved families in accordance with the Myanmar culture and Theravada Buddhist tradi�on. This is a much-needed service for the Myanmar community living in this area and beyond.

(vii). Ordina�on to monk-hood

Every Myanmar men has to enter monk-hood temporarily as a novice and a monk at least once in their life�me at a certain age to learn Buddhist scriptures and medita�on. These ceremonies are conducted by the resident monk for those who wish to go through with this experience. There was one ceremony this period.

5. Ac�vi�es of the resident monks

Ashin Gawsaka

He visited USA from 18-03-23 to 31-05-23 and went to many Myanmar Theravada Buddhist monasteries in USA to observe Buddhist ceremonies there. He also exchanged views on how missionary work was done in USA and UK.

There were 11 home visits/ housewarming blessings .

Both the resident monks were invited to other Myanmar monasteries in Birmingham, London and Manchester to a�end Kathina, Waso and ordina�on ceremonies.

Ashin Khemika Linkara

Since his arrival he has been busy carrying out religious ac�vi�es including Dhamma talks, medita�on sessions and standing in for Ashin Gawsaka when he is away. He had to return to Myanmar on 12-7-23 to manage his own monastery there. A farewell ceremony was held on 12-07-23, which was well a�ended by members of Theravada Buddhist Trust and many devotees.

He con�nued to hold Dhamma teaching sessions from Myanmar by Zoom for devotees here on Wednesdays.

6. Structure, Governance and Management

Governing document

TBT is a charitable trust registered with the Charity Commission in December 2014 (reg. Charity number1160584.) and governed by a Trust Deed approved by the Charity Commission on December 2014. This is available on the Charity Commission web site.

Organisa�onal structure

The trustees of the charity are responsible for the general management and ac�vi�es of the charity.

TBT.

7. Reference and administra�ve informa�on

Charity registra�on number: 1160584

Resident monk and spiritual director Venerable Ashin Gawsaka

Board of Trustees

Dr. Ye Myint (Chairman) Khun Saing (Secretary) Min Min Zin (Treasurer) Dr. Tin Maung Myint (member) Ko Aung Myint (member) Win Maw (member) Dr. Soe Naing (member) Dr. Maung Maung (member and joint treasurer) Dr. Yin Thu Aung (member) Contact: 59 Southey Green Road, Sheffield S5 8GU Tel. 0114 3487865/ 07729243899 Website: www.dhammikaramavihara.co.uk Facebook: Dhammikarama monastery

8.Use of volunteers

There are about 10 dedicated volunteers who help in the religious events. Their work includes moving chairs, cooking, cleaning, pu�ng up decora�ons, washing up, throwing waste, and serving food to the guest on large occasions. These volunteers also regularly clear the garden and cut down the branches of overgrown trees. We would like to acknowledge their hard work, dedica�on, and support to the organisa�on.

9. Humanitarian aid eforts

Due to the poli�cal crisis in Myanmar there are a lot of needy places there. Following dona�ons were made by TBT members and Dhamma friends

(I) members of the Dhammikarama monastery and their Dhamma friends in August 2022
(II) A dona�on of £600 was made to people who were disabled in Myanmar due to injuries

10. Future direc�on of the Trust

1.To encourage younger members of the trust to be more involved in the work of the trust. It is envisaged that these young members will become more ac�ve and take on more responsibili�es. Currently there are young members from South Yorkshire and beyond who are star�ng to take on some responsibili�es.

2.To give support to members of local Buddhist community (par�cularly to promising youngsters) who are in genuine need for their educa�on/career progression via special awards/grants as well as rewarding them for excellence.

and build a garden building in the area where the ground has been levelled.

To set up a another bank account with the Charity Aid Founda�on Bank.
To apply to the Local Council to grant a piece of land where we can build a place of worship .

11. Financial report ( to be submi�ed by the accountant)

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|||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |THERAVADA BUDDHIST TRUST (TBT)|No (if any)| |Receipts and payments accounts|CC16a| |For the period|01/09/2022|31/08/2023| |To| |from| |amos|-| |ee|ee|ee| |Section A Receipts and payments| |Unrestricted|Restricted|Endowment| |Total funds|Last year| |funds|funds|funds| |to the nearest £|to the nearest £|to the nearest £|to the nearest £|to the nearest £| |A1 Receipts| |34,682|-|-|34,682|-| |-|-|-|-|-| |-|-|-|-|-| |-|-|-|-|-| |-|-|-|-|-| |-|-|-|-|-| |-|-|-|-|-| |-|-|-|-|-| |Sub total|(Gross income for| |AR)|[ 34,682 ]|-|-|34,682|-| |A2 Asset and investment sales,| |(see table).| |-|-|-|-| |-|-|-|-|-| |Sub total|-|-|-|-|-| |Total receipts|34,682|-|-|34,682|-| |——=——|——| |A3 Payments| |19,232|-|-|19,232|-| |-|1,724|-|1,724|-| |-|-|-|-|-| |-|-|-|-|-| |-|-|-|-|-| |-|-|-|-|-| |-|-|-|-|-| |-|-|-|-|-| |-|-|-|-|-| |Sub total|[ 19,232 ]|1,724|-|20,956|-| |A4 Asset and investment| |purchases, (see table)| |-|-|-|-| |-|-|-|-| |Sub total|[ - ]|-|-|-|-| |———=—|Total payments|19,232|1,724|-|——|20,956|—|-| |Net of receipts/(payments)|15,450|- 1,724|- 13,726|-| |A5 Transfers between funds|-|- -|-|-| |A6 Cash funds last year end|-|- -|-|-| |Cash funds this year end|===|15,450|- 1,724|===>|- 13,726|-|

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CCXX R1 accounts (SS)

24/06/2024

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets	DR. TIN MAUNG MYINT Signature DR. MAUNG MAUNG Details *Total cash funds* (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details Details Details Details	Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 172,398 - - - - - 172,398 - Agreement Error Agreement Error Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Print Name DR. MAUNG MAUNG DR. TIN MAUNG MYINT	Endowment funds to nearest £ - - -
			-
			OK
			Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - - - - Current value (optional) - - - - - Current value (optional) - - - - - - - - - When due (optional) Date of approval 04/06/2024 04/06/2024

CCXX R2 accounts (SS)

24/06/2024

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees THERAVADA BUDDHIST TRUST

On accounts for the year 29-AUGUST-2023 Charity no 1160584

ended (if any) Set out on pages 1-3

Responsibilities of Trustees and independent examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for preparing annual report and accounts in accordance with applicable law and regulations. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“The Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed.

As an independent examiner, it is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act
follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
state whether particular matters have come to my attention

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was completed in accordance with general guidance

provided by the Charity Commission. The work was done through the review of accounting records kept by the charity and consider reasonable and completeness of the accounts presented with those records. Any unusual transactions or disclosures in the accounts are being considered and seek explanation from the trustees for anything of any concerns. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that will be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair” view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Regarding my examination, nothing has come to my attention;
examiner’s statement 1. that give reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
- to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
- have not been met; or
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed: Khine Shwe War Date: 10/06/2024 Name: Khine Shwe War Relevant professional qualification(s) or body Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (if any):

IER

Address:	132 Dunedin Road
	London
	E10 5NL

Section B	Disclosure
	Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern
	(see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and
	guidance for examiners).

IER

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

IER