Annual Trustees report September 2024 to August 2025
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
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.
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.
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 3 May 2025
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 12 July 2025
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. Houses and streets are fes�vely
decorated and illuminated during this fes�ve period.
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 6-10-24
(iv) Kathina Ceremony 2-11-24
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 would 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 8-2-25.
(iii). Memorial days and Birthday celebra�ons
These were conducted by the resident monks. Between September 2024 and August 20245 there were 51 memorial services and 72 birthday blessings.
These were deferred since the pandemic.
(v). Ad Hoc visits to the monastery by families
There were 61 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 monkhood
Every Myanmar man 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 were2 ceremonies this period.
5. Ac�vi�es of the resident monk
Ashin Gawsaka
There were 17home visits/ housewarming blessings.
He was also invited to other Myanmar monasteries in Birmingham, London, Manchester to a�end Kathina, Waso and ordina�on ceremonies. He was also invited to the newly formed Thai monastery in Doncaster.
He hosted two Myanmar monks one from USA who visited the monastery. He visited Hospitals in Sheffield as the Buddhist Chaplain.
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 ( also a Trustee)
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) Aye Myat Phyu (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. For the past two years Myanmar students from Sheffield University have regularly visited the monastery to clear the garden and help prepare for big events.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 people and internally displaced people( IDP). Following dona�ons were made by TBT members and Dhamma friends this period.
in April 2024.
10. Other developments
An applica�on has been submi�ed to invite another monk from Myanmar to assist the resident monk.
10. Future direc�on of the Trust
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 academic excellence.
3.To consider suppor�ng some needy local communi�es as part of the Trust’s charitable work
- Financial report (to be submi�ed by the accountant)
THERAVADA BUDDHIST TRUST (TBT) No (if any) Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period 9/1/2024 8/31/2025 To from
Section A Receipts and payments
| Section A Receipts and payments | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 Receipts 42,420 - - - - - - - 42,420 - - Sub total - Total receipts 42,420 A3 Payments 76,889 - - - - - - - - Sub total 76,889 - - Sub total - Total payments 76,889 Net of receipts/(payments) - 34,469 A5 Transfers between funds - A6 Cash funds last year end - Cash funds this year end - 34,469 Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ Sub total(Gross income for AR) A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,527 - - - - - - - 1,527 - - - 1,527 - 1,527 - - - 1,527 Restricted funds |
to the nearest £ Endowment funds |
Total funds to the nearest £ 42,420 - - - - - - - 42,420 - - - 42,420 76,889 1,527 - - - - - - - 78,416 - - - 78,416 - 35,996 - - - 35,996 |
Last year to the nearest £ |
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42,420 | - | ||
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76,889 | - | ||
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- 35,996 | - | |
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| - 1,527 | - 35,996 | - |
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B3 Investment assets B5 Liabilities B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees |
Details Details Details Details Details Signature DR. MAUNG MAUNG DR. TIN MAUNG MYINT Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) |
to nearest £ to nearest £ 152,744 - - - - - 152,744 - Agreement Error Agreement Error to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Cost (optional) - - - - - Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Print Name DR. MAUNG MAUNG DR. TIN MAUNG MYINT Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Fund to which asset belongs Fund to which asset belongs Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) |
to nearest £ Endowment funds |
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| When due (optional) |
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| Date of approval |
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| DR. MAUNG MAUNG | DR. MAUNG MAUNG | 2/28/2025 | |
| DR. TIN MAUNG MYINT | DR. TIN MAUNG MYINT | 2/28/2025 |
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
| Section A Independent Examiner’s Report |
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report |
|---|---|
| Report to the trustees On accounts for the year ended Set out on pages Responsibilities and basis of report |
THERAVADA BUDDHIST TRUST 31-August-2025 Charity no (if any) 1160584 1-2 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity"Theravada Buddhist Trust” for the year ended 31/08/2025. As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). |
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent
examiner's statement[I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have ] come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed: Khine Shwe War Date: 2 9 /0 5 /2026 Name: Khine Shwe War, FCCA Relevant professional Association of Chartered Certified Accountants qualification(s) or body (if any):
Address: 132 Dunedin Road London E10 5NL
1
Oct 2018
IER
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).
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
2
Oct 2018
IER