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Special dhamma talk of
Buddhamarga in Wolverhampton
By
Ven. S.M. Sujano (Residence PBSUK)
On 2nd September 2007, Punjab Buddhist Society UK has organized dhamma talk programme on ‘How to apply Buddhist meditation in daily life’. This is a part of ‘Buddhamarga’
regular dhamma discussion session at the centre. This talk was given by
Ven. Sayadaw Jnanapurnik Mahasthavir, Aggamahasaddhamma jotikadhaja
vipassanachariya from Nepal.
The programme was started by the lighting the candles in front of
the Buddha by Cllr. D. D. Ahir, society’s senior adviser. All the
participants observed five precepts from ven. Sayadaw. Ven. Sujan, a
resident monk on behalf of society welcomed all the participants and
give short background of the buddhamarga session and hand over ven.
Sayadaw to deliver his massage to all.
The talk was started with the importance and value of being born
as human being in this world. Having such precious life, one should not
forget owns’ target to achieve ultimate happiness by training mind not
to associating with harming other, adulteries, intoxication etc. one
who established in morality, could develop mental peace and clam. In
daily life we are facing many different difficulties and tangled with
it. The more we try to release, tangled more due lack of understanding
of mental condition.
Ven. Sayadaw gave clear vision of over coming from these
difficulties by understanding the nature of mind by observing and
developing awareness. Awareness on each and every object that one is
getting from senses. Just observing as they truly are and letting it
go. Further, to develop this awareness, one has to fully understand the
concept of Eight Fold Noble Path and try to establish on it. Shortly,
Eight Noble Path is known as ‘the Middle Path’, which is Right
understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right
livelihood, Right effort, Right mindfulness and Right concentration.
The eight Fold Noble path can be categorised into three principles;
morality, concentration and wisdom. Clear understanding on these three
principles is the guidance for developing or applying the dhamma in
daily life.
Ven sayadaw has discussed more on Sila or precepts, which is the
foundation for developing concentration or meditation. Meditation is
the practice of awareness or process of paying attention and focusing
your awareness. Awareness will help you to gain or recovery your
energy. It will help you to relax, understand the nature of changing
phenomenan and understand the life as they truly are. However, he
pointed out strongly that with our strong dedication and commitment,
meditation won’t help and won’t work at all. Practice and practice will
help to deal with daily life difficulties.
One hour’s talk was greatly appreciated and responded by the
audience. Audience were eagerly joined the question & answer
session. Audience were multi-nationals; British, Indian British,
Indian, Nepalese, Bangladesi etc. After the Q/A session ven. Sujan
invited everyone to participate ‘buddhamarga’ dhamma
discussion programme on every third Sunday of the month in evening time
and thanked to all the participants. At the end of the programme ven.
Chander Bodhi, a chief monk of the centre and patron/president of
Punjab Buddhist Society UK gave a vote of thanks to all for
participating at the function and inviting all the members to join next
programme and ven. Sangha gave blessings. The programme was ended by
light refreshment. Every participants were enjoyed the talk and full of
joy and happy in the taste of dhamma. They also gave wonderful feed
back for organizing such activity every month. Further, members have
suggested publishing this talk on CD or as a booklet. If anyone would
like to voluntarily join on this project or would like to support
please contact to ven. Chander Bodhi at the centre.
Short biography of Ven. Sayadaw Jnanapurnik Mahasthavir
Ven. Sayadaw Jnanapurnik was born in Nepal on Nov 21, 1939, and
renounced at the early age of 16. At the age of 23, he obtained a
degree in Buddhist teaching in Burma and has been teaching the Buddha
dhamma ever since.
A gifted linguist Ven. Sayadaw is reputed to know seven major
languages of the world. Thus, it was no surprise when he became Ven.
Mahasi Sayadaw, one of the famous Buddhist meditation teacher’s
interpreter in the early 70’s and in the course of his duty, he
traveled widely in the west teaching the dhamma and vipassana
meditation. Ven. Sayadaw is currently the chief abbot of Vishwa Shanti Vihara in Kathmandu.
p.s. special thanks to Ven. U Nagasena for bringing Ven. Sayadaw to
the centre and thanks to ven. Tejwant and Mr. Martin for the
preparation.
May all beings be happy and peace…. Posted on September, 07, 2007
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NIAGARA FALLS CANADA ONE OF THE SEVEN WONDERS OF CANADA RECENTLY DECLARED BY A PUBLIC SURVEY IN CANADA
Pictures 1, 3, 4, 5 of Niagara Falls & picture 2 of Ten Thousand Buddha Temple.
Raj Kumar Oshoraj
Niagara Falls is around 12000 years old natural wonder of Canada and it is at the border of America and Canada. Niagara Falls is located about 130 kilometers to the west of Toronto on Niagara River . Over one million
bathtubs of water flowing every minute in these falls. What an exciting
place to be at, when the temperature is above normal in summer!
Members of Indian Buddhist Society Toronto, Canada
went to see Niagara Falls last weekend and also visited Ten Thousand
Buddha Temple to receive Lord Buddha's blessings. As the name of the
temple states number of Buddhas; in fact, there are ten thousand
statues of Lord Buddha in various postures and sizes in the temple.
Each floor of seven story temple repesents seven life stages of Lord
Buddha. We encourage everyone to visit this temple when ever you are in
Niagara Falls.
Posted on August 01, 2007 |
| ASALHA PUJA DAY CELEBRATED IN WOLVERHAMPTON (UK) Sujan
Punjab Buddhist Society UK Asalha
puja day or known as either Sangha day or Dhammacakkappavatana day is
another important day of Buddhism was celebrated at 83 Lea Road , Wolverhampton on 30 July 2007 at evening.
A
number of devotees were attended to the function. The function started
from observing five precepts from Ven. Chander Bodhi, a president of
PBS UK
. Ven. Sujan, Ven. Tejwant were present. Ven. Tejwant introduced brief
introduction of Asalha purnima and concept of ultimate happiness of
nibbana. Ven. Chander Bodhi also gave a Dhamma Talks on introduction,
important and necessary of Asalha Puja day in Buddhism and for the
modern soceity. Further, he explained the lay people's duties on this
particular day too. The function was end with short meditation and
blessings from the monks and refreshment for all. Forwarded by Mr. R. K. OSHORAJ **************** Posted on August 01, 2007 |
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Some pictures from Asahra Day celebration
ASHARA DAY CELEBRATED AT
INDIAN BUDDHIST TEMPLE, TORONTO
(Inviting Monk for Raining Season Retreat)
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INDIAN BUDDHIST SOCIETY TORONTO, CANADA
Raj Kumar Oshoraj
Vice President
Indian Buddhist Society Toronto, Canada
E-mail: Oshoraj@canada.com
Phone: 416-219-4196
How Indian Buddhist Society Toronto, Canada did come in existence?
There were East Indian organizations registered in Toronto since the early seventies but their objectives and motives were other than spreading Buddhism in Canada.
Even
the groups who claimed to follow Baba Sahib Dr. Ambedkar’s philosophy
did not move a step further to promote Buddhism. They were always
hesitant to go public and promote Indian Buddhism. For whatever
reasons, they were trying hard to keep a low profile to promote Indian
Buddhism. Some exchange of ideologies took place among the followers of
Baba Sahib but the present members of Indian Buddhist Society Toronto, Canada took the responsibility at their shoulders to fulfill Baba Sahib’s dream to promote Buddhism among Indians and non-Indians.
It goes back to almost seven years when Venerable Bhadant Rahula Bodhi Maha Thero visited Toronto to raise funds for the establishment of the Vihara in Bombay.
Bhadant Rahula Bodhi is a renowned name in the Buddhist world. He is
the founder President and Trustee of the Bhikkhu Sangha's United
Buddhist Mission Bombay, India. Bhanteji Rahul Bodhi stayed in Toronto
for a week and we were fortunate to spend some time with him along with
other Buddhists: Parkash Rahul, Mohan Virdee, Late Jit Lal Jhamat,
Gurbax Rai and Hardev Bungar.
Bhanteji was very confident to raise enough funds to build a Vihara in Bombay at his own. It was very motivating for us. We were asking Bhanteji when he is going to build a Vihara in Punjab. Every time Bhanteji told us about building Vihara in Bombay we kept asking repeatedly that when he is planning to build a Vihara in Punjab.
We think when he could not keep it up with our repeated questions, he
said, “Raj, so far, I have not seen anybody so persistent and keen on
building a Vihara in Punjab and I promise you that after I complete my project in Bombay, my next project will be for Punjab.”
Years gone by and Bhante Rahul Bodhi Ji got busy with his project in Bombay
and I did not have any contacts with him. As there is a saying that
where there is a will there is a way. Beyond our expectations, a monk
visited Toronto and I was again informed about his arrival. By now, I had no intentions or hope of a vihara’s establishment in Punjab and I went to meet the visiting monk along with other members.
To everyone’s surprise, this monk was speaking Punjabi and was building a Vihara in England but not in Punjab. I kept quiet and I was not very confident about talking to him about building a Vihara in Punjab. I listened to everything he was saying religiously and a vision of a Vihara for Punjab was still in my mind.
Three years later, same monk came to Canada again and who is well known among us today and his name is Venerable Chanderbodhi Ji from England. This time the purpose of his visit was to raise funds to build a Vihara in Punjab. After learning this from Bhante Chanderbodhi Ji, we were all very excited and blissful.
It was like a dream come true for us, while living in Canada and supporting a monk to build a Buddha Vihara in Punjab. Without any delays, we started getting together with our active workers to raise funds for the Vihara to be built in Kadian, Ludhiana, Punjab. We worked with Punjab Buddhist Society UK until the completion of the Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara Kadian, Ludhiana in Punjab.
It is quite remarkable to mention here that Bhante Rahula Bodhi also
delivered his promise and gave his over hundred percent support to
complete Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara.
During the completion of Vihara in Punjab,
Bhante Chanderbodhi Ji saw a fire was burning in us to light more souls
to connect with Lord Buddha’s teachings. He suggested that we should
have a banner of our own to continue working to spread Lord Buddha’s
teachings. We continued supporting our brothers and sisters of Punjab
Buddhist Society UK and in Punjab and also like the idea to continue working to spread Lord Buddha’s teachings to fulfill Baba Sahib’s dream at the same time.
As a result, an organization was registered under the name of ‘Indian Buddhist Society Toronto, Canada.
June 16, 2007,
was the first Buddha Jayanti celebrated by Indian Buddhist Society
Toronto, Canada. We also participated with Indian Buddhist Society
Vancouver, Canada this year to celebrate Buddha Jayanti. Within a year,
two Indian Buddhist Societies were registered in Canada
and both work for the very same cause to spread Lord Buddha’s teachings
of non-violence, peace and fraternity among Punjabis, Indians and
around the world.
Ours is very young organization, but we have members with well versed experience. Members of the Indian Buddhist Society Toronto are
very committed and dedicated. They are crystal clear about the
objectives of the organization and the direction they want to excel in
future.
First time in the history of Canada
our Indian Buddhist Society Toronto shared the message of Lord Buddha’s
Dhamma in Punjabi media and celebrated Buddha Jayanti. Ours is also the
first organization to go in Punjabi media to spread the message of Lord
Buddha in Canada continuously for several weeks before the celebrations of Buddha Jayanti.
Indian
Buddhist Society Toronto, Canada will continue aiming high with the
support of our well wishers and noble people around the globe.
Posted on July 30, 2007 |
ABS TEMPLE
243 AVENUE, WEST SACRAMENTO (CA.) 95691 ABS Temple 2007 Vas Pinkam Series
Dear
Members and Friends,
This
year Annual Vas Pinkam series organized by the temple will begin on 28
July 2007 with the observance of Rainy Season by the resident monks of the
temple. Traditionally, members and the monks of all Theravada temples in the
world mark the three months of Vas Season by practicing Dhamma more seriously
than other part of the year. We cordially invite all members and friends of the
ABS Temple to participate wholeheartedly in all of the following religious
activities and be benefited by them for you and your family members for their
highly fruitful lives here and hereafter. Following is the schedule for the
three months of Vas Season:
28 July 2007: Invitation to monks to observe Rainy
Season by members.
29 July,07-19 Oct.07:
Daily and weekly ceremonies at the temple
20 Oct. 2007: All Night Pirith Chanting
ceremony
21 Oct. 2007: Kathina Ceremony and Sanghika
Maha Dana
7:00AM
– 7:30 AM Daily Morning
Service and Meditation
11:00AM–12:15 PM: Daily Food Offering
to Buddha and monks
7:00PM–8.00PM: Daily Buddha Puja
and Blessings (Pirith Chanting)
7:00PM
– 8.30PM: Weekly Saturday Buddha Puja, Short Dhamma Talk and Chanting of
Bojjhanga Suttas for better health by members
together with the monks.
VAS
DANA: We
encourage each family to offer ‘Vas Dana’ one or more times during the three
months. Please call the temple and sign up to provide Dana on days convenient
to you. If you may be busy on the weekdays you can bring the Dana on the
previous evening and leave it for next day.
SPONSERING
A WEEKEND PUJA: In memory of deceased family member or in marking a special day
such as a birthday or anniversary you can sponsor a weekend service. A sponsor
is expected to provide items needed for the Buddha
Puja such as flowers, candles, soft
drinks and a small donation to help cover electricity cost etc. Sponsors are encouraged to invite their
friends and family to attend the service, as much as possible. Please help
organizers by calling the temple and reserve a weekend by July 25th. For the convenience of all we try to be as
punctual as possible.
KTHINA
SPONSOR:
This year Mr. & Mrs. Bouttry Janetvilay and their family of Richmond,
California sponsor the Kathina
Ceremony. Sponsoring a Kathina
Ceremony is regarded as one of the most meritorious deeds that lay followers
can perform. If you wish to sponsor a Kathina in a future year please contact
Ven. Shantha, the abbot of the temple to register.
If
you have any question regarding any of the above activities please call the
temple. We wish you good health and happiness with the blessings of the Triple
Gem.
With
Metta,
The Monks and The Dayake Sabha
ABS TEMPLE AT SACRAMENTO (CA.) POSTED ON JULY 8, 2007
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VEN. MONKS FROM ABROAD VISITED PBS UK, WOLVERHAMPTON
BY VEN. SUJAN
Late
evening 12th July 2007, Ven. Phrakrupannasudhammavithet (ven. Phra
Maha Laow) the abbot of Wat Buddhist Vihara kings Bromley, Litchfield (www.watthaiuk.com) along
with senior and meditation master and abbot of Wat Buddha Udayana
monastery from Sweden, two visiting monks and two Buddhist nuns from Taiwan
visited at the centre of Punjab Buddhist Society UK, Wolverhampton.
Ven. Maha Laow, and especially, ven. Monks and
nuns from Taiwan has contributed lot for the completion of Takshila Maha Buddha
Vihara and took care of Ven. Chander Bodhi during his collection period in Taiwan. They also keep continue their help for the completion of Seema
time to time and consulting with bhante Chander Bodhi. Having heard that Ven.
Chander Bodhi’s health is not in good these days, they have managed their time
to visit the PBSUK centre, to see ven. Chander Bodhi in their short tour in EU
countries.
They are very much glad and rejoice to see this
little centre but with great achievements in India and here in UK indeed. They are really rejoiced, appreciated on hard work and
dedication of members of Punjab Buddhist Society UK headed by ven. Chander Bodhi
for the completion of Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara. Bhante Chander Bodhi briefly
explained the completion of Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara. They are very much
appreciated on Ven. Chander Bodhi’s effort and dedication for the establishment
of Bhikkhu Training Centre in Punjab
and supporting for the revival of Buddhism in its own land. During the
discussion, they also have suggested him to send some novices to Thailand after some years of training at the centre in Punjab,
which will help to spread of Buddhism in wider communities near future to come.
They also concern about the lay support to run the training courses to novices
and the centre. They also have suggested some ideas. Among them, the centre
(PBSUK) has to be strong enough to support and organize the centre to run the
activities, provide trainings to new novices.
At
the end, they blessed and wished bhante Chander Bodhi for his quick recovery
from his unhealthy and they also wish him for long life and good health.
May
all beings be happy and peace....
POSTED ON JULY 13, 2007
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INDIAN BUDDHIST SOCIETY TORONTO, CANADA CELEBRATED 2551ST BUDDHA JAYANTI ON JUNE 16, 2007
SOME PICTURES FROM BUDDHA JAYANTI CELEBRATION BY R. K. OSHORAJ
Report by RAJ KUMAR OSHORAJ Indian Buddhist Society Toronto appreciates all of you for participating in the celebrations to keep Baba Sahib's dream live of our people practicing and promoting the message of Lord Buddha on non-violence and peace in our community and throughout the world.Buddhist Monks performed prayer which followed by chanting blessings of Lord Budha by six monks for the audience. Venerable Saranpala Ji from West End Buddhist Centre, Mississauga lead monks during the opening ceremony of the program. The presence of the monks was heart felt by the audience. All monks were wearing same color cholas/robes and the stage was looking covered with maroon color, lots of Dhamma Flags and a huge banner of Lord Buddha on one side of the stage. Buddha Jayanti celebrations were very visual just by entering the hall. There were more than one Buddha statues along with candles, flowers and sences on a nicely decorated table in white. Also, there was a Baba Sahib's portrait in the feet of Lord Buddha's statues.Indian Buddhist Society Toronto, invited Mr. Mohan Gill from California, USA and Mr. M.S. Bahal well known community workers who are making all efforts to spread Buddha's message among our community and as well as to the rest of the world community. They are both honest and committed workers to take Baba Sahib's paigaam/message to everyone as well.I must mention here, that, not like some other so called missionaries in our community, both of them came to attend our celebrations at their own expense and time. Their such committment shows that they are the true messangers of Dhamma and Baba Sahib's mission. I hope it teahces a lesson to some of the other missionaries who most of the time keep their personal interest in front of everthing else and are never ready to do anything at their expense.Mr. Mohan Gill stressed the fact that Buddhism is a need of our today's society locally, nationally and internationally. We can not establish our casteless society without Buddhism not only in India but also in abroad. He also gave assurance that our people can live a life of dignity and respect by joining Buddhism. He appreciated the contributions of Baba Sahib for our community to help us to find a religion like Buddhism. Mr. Gill also shared his contibution of an ongoing fight againt casteism that is very well spread out of India as well. He concluded his speech by recommending to follow Buddhism a wayout of casteism that was also recommended by our savior and the pioneer revivalist of Buddhism in India, Baba Sahib Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.Mr. Kashmir Singh a well known industrialist and a great community worker participated in the program. He encouraged the audience to work hard, have good life and support your children to achieve higher education and be successful in their lives. He presented himself as a living example and also commended his parents to give him education which is a reason for his success in his life. Mr. Singh concluded that as parents we must help our children to be successful.Mr. Darbara Singh was shared his experience of practicing Buddhist Meditation. He also declared that he has a totally different understanding of life since he started following Buddhism. He concluded his speech by recommending each and every one in the audience to practice Buddhist Meditation and experience by themself.Miss Neesha Kumar also gave a detailed information about Lord Buddha's life and teachings.Mr. Mark Varade shared his learning about Buddhism and he was very passionate about Lord Buddha's teachings.Mrs. Juthika Barua entertained audience with Buddhist songs and she was accompanied by Mr. Baldev Singh who played Tabla with her.Mr. M.S. Bahal (England) an internationally well known honest, dedicated and credible personality who always makes himself avilable for our community at his own time and expense shared his great interactions with people at all levels during his community work. He is a frequent flyer to different countries to participate a great deal of our community prgrams. We appreciate his presence and his speech was well received by the audience. He shared his practical experiences of his life and clearly proved the point why he commends Baba Sahib and his mission. He also stressed the fact that a religion must provide Liberty, Equality and Fraternity and that's why only Buddhism was recommended by Baba Sahib. Buddhism includes all these qualities and it is the best religion for our people.Mr. Bahal concluded his speech with a great symbolic story which taught to be loyal, honest and caring about your community. Story also indicated to be direct and helpfull to each other while serving Baba Sahib's mission and practicing Buddhism.India Buddhist Society Toronto, Canada will continue spreading Lord Buddha's message of non-violence and peace among communities in today's nuclear world. Indian Buddhist Society will also spread this message by going in local Indian media especially in Punjabi media. Thanks to all who participated and supported the program.
POSTED ON JUNE 29, 2007
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BUDDHIST YEAR 2551 BUDDHIST CELEBRATION FOR CANADA AND WORLD PEACE 2007
PICTURES FROM BUDDHIST CELEBRATION
Reported by: Ven. Gayanosri Shraman
The Sangha Council of Buddhist Ministry Celebrated Buddha’s 2551 birth day for Canada and World Peace on June 16th 2007 at Woodbine Park in Toronto. It was a very auspicious Day for all Buddhist and non-Buddhist global communities as a whole. The main program was started by the Incense and Anthem by all Cham Shan Temple Buddhist orders (the Chinese traditional praying way.) Then, Venerable A. Ratanasiri & the members of all Theravada Buddhist groups paid homage to the Lord Buddha and Three Refuges. After the homage, a welcome message was delivered by Ven. Dayi Shi Abbot of Cham Shan Temple, and Ven. Ratanasiri Abbot of Toronto Mahavihara. A brief Dhamma talk was then delivered by the Ven. Wu De Fashi Abbot of the Ching kwong temple.
The Greeting from the chief Guest Most Rev. Richard J. Greco Bishop of Toronto emphasized that The teaching of Buddha is very important for human every day life and if the global society wants peace in themselves and the world, than we should follow the Buddha’s noble doctrine.
Greetings from Hon. A.G. Amarasinghe the Consulate General of Sri Lana, delivered his greeting saying all human beings want to have peace for themselves but they don’t know how to begin it or how they will take the first step. There is a lot of violence in the modern world, it’s only people misunderstood, politics or their own ignorance. This ignorance makes people hate each other and makes one selfish; they don’t know what they are doing. And finally, he said that if human beings follow the Buddha’s teaching of the Eight Noble Path than there will be no more need to make nuclear or atomic energy to destroy life or nature.
Mr. Suang Chul Kim Consulate General of South Korea deliberated his greeting, He said that the Buddha’s Middle Path is a very meaningful teaching. Of course, it was about 2551 years ago that the Lord Buddha delivered his sermon which is useful for everyone around the world, it is not that only Buddhists can recite or follow the Buddhist way. If anyone who wants to lead a peaceful life or devotee of the true, he is a real Buddhist.
After all the different Buddhist groups performed their own cultural arts and dance on this occasion, the Triple Jewels song was sung by the all Buddhist groups. At 7pm, there was a walking Meditation for world Peace by Buddhist and non-Buddhist communities of Canada.
POSTED ON www.ambedkartimes.com JUNE 23, 2007
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Some more pictures of Buddhist Conversion in Mumbai (India)
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BUDDHA DHAMMA DIKSHA
GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIOM IN MUMBAI
MUMBAI-- May 28,2007-- Fifty thousands of Dalits from across Maharashtra converged on the Mahalakshmi Racecourse in central Mumbai on Sunday the May 27, 2007, to mark the 50th anniversary of the conversion of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar to Buddhism.
Thousands of Dalits -- low-caste Hindus, who faced harassment for centuries -- also participated in the mass conversion at the racecourse, which was presided over by several Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka, Thailand,USA, UK and India.
Dr Ambedkar, along with 50 thousand followers, had converted to Buddhism on 14th October 1956 in Nagpur, Central India. He had also wanted to have mass conversion at Mumbai's Mahalakshmi Racecourse on December 16, 1956. However, he passed away just 10 days before the event.
His followers decided to fulfill his ambition over 51 years later, and called on Dalits across the state and other parts of India to meet at the same venue. A two-day ' World Peace and Humanistic Buddhism" International conference was organised,at Shanmukhnand Hall Matunga,Mumbai and on Sunday the May 27, 2007 marked the culmination of the event in Indian history.
Republican Party of India (RPI-Athawale group) President Ramdas Athavale, who is also a Member of Parliament and Chairperson of Buddha Dhamma Diksha Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee Mumbai, tried to rope in many prominent Buddhists and Dalit leaders across the globe to attend the function. Which he made it with hard work of 6 months along with his Think Tank of Celebration committee Members.
Venerable Galayaye Piyadassi, Ven. Paiboon Dhamkamjun Asst.Abbot, Dhammakaya Foundation, Bangkok, Ven.Nicholas Thanissaro, Dr. Sribundit Chatchai, Ven.Walpola Piyananda, Sri Lanka, Dr. Ananda W.P. Guruge, USA, Ven. Dhammavirio, and Ven. Walpola Piyanada took part in conference and Dhamma Diksha.
Saturday the May 26 International conference on World Peace and Humanistic Buddhism was great success and so many Buddhist scholars presented their paper on their subject "Relevance of Buddhism in 21 st centaury" Chairperson: Dr. Galayaya Piyadassi, Founder International Buddhist Center UK. Speakers: Dr. Ravsaheb Kasbe, Ven. Rahul Bodhi Dr.Sribudent Chatchai, Dr. Ananda Guruge, Ven.Walpola Piyananda.
Second Session on Buddhism and Global Issues: An Ambedkarian Perspective Chairperson Dr.Narednra Jadhav: Speakers: Dr. N.G. Meshram, Dr. M.D. Nalavade, Dr.Krishna Kirwale, Dr. Phra Nicholas Thanissaro, Prof. Ramakant Yadav and Walpola Piyanda.
Ven. Rahul Bodhi Working President of the Celebration committee, Ven. Ayupal Secretary General, Mr. Vijay Kamble Treasurer, Mr. Arjun Dangle Vice President, Mr. Avinash Kamble, Vice president Ms. Kalpana Saroj Vice president, Dr.Rajendra Gavai, Mr. Nishikant Waghmare, Vice-President and International Coordinator, Mr. Yuvraj Sawant, Mr. Sadhu Katke and Minister for housing Mr. Pritam kumar Shegaonkar they were the people behind Mr.Athawale to make this event grand success.
Mahalaxmi Racecourse Event was made successful by decorator Mr. Ashok Shinde, Mr. Raju Kakade Creative Director who made more than 2000 Big Posters put up all over Mumbai. Mr.Sachin Mohite and Mr. Mayur Borkar done good job of printing work of the event, Photography was done by Mr. Nitin Pawar and so many other people done very good job we all thank them for their good work for this event in particular all RPI Dist. President and their team gave good support for the event. We thank one and all.
Athavale has vowed that he would stitch up a new alliance between the lower and upper castes and Muslims in Maharashtra -- just as Mayawati, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister did recently -- to ensure the defeat of the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party government in the next elections, to be held in about two years.
At a signal from the monk conducting the proceedings, the converts, some of them visibly emaciated or carrying babies in their arms, stood up, took off their shoes and with folded hands repeated Buddhist chants. Hindu scriptures separate people into Brahmin priests, warriors, farmers, labourers, and those beyond definition -- called "Dalits"These low-caste Hindus, making up about a sixth of India's 1.1bn people, were once considered "untouchable", performing the most menial and degrading jobs.While the constitution forbids caste discrimination, and spectacular economic success and exposure to Western culture have remolded many social paradigms, the caste system has persisted, above all in villages.
Large-scale Dalit conversions take place periodically in India, with close to 10,000 changing faith in October to mark the 50th anniversary of the conversion of their deceased political leader Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. Ambedkar, a low-caste Hindu who rose to become a distinguished jurist and played a key role in drafting India's constitution, galvanised Dalits with his public rejection of caste and Hinduism itself. Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who was due to preside at the function, could not attend due to health problems.
"They want to embrace Buddhism because it is a free religion. It is open to all. It preaches non-violence and is not divided on the basis of caste," Ramdas Athawale, the leader of the Republican Party of India (RPI), which organized the event, said.
"Now Ambedkar's dream of making entire India Buddhist again is going to be fulfilled," a senior Buddhist monk Bhadanta Rahul Bodhi Mahathero had earlier told the Hindu newspaper. Yesterday's conversion came just two weeks after Mayawati, a Dalit woman, was sworn in as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, India's largest state in an unexpected majority win that some saw as a sign of how far the group has come.
Marathi writer Lakshman Mane has been touring districts of Maharashtra since 14 April last to mobilize people belonging to 42 nomadic tribes to reach Mumbai for Buddham Sharanam Gachchhami ("I take refuge in the teachings of Lord Buddha"). Buddhist monks are here to hail the event as a significant step towards re-establishing Buddhism in India, its motherland.
But the two-day fete, which included an international conference on `Buddhism and World Peace,' did not start on a grand scale as the spiritual leader Dalai Lama did not turn up to inaugurate it. That, however, did not dampen the spirit of the monks. In his message, the Dalai Lama said conversion to the Buddhist faith was not as important as were efforts to change society. H.H.Dalai Lama's Massage read by Nishikant Waghmare.
"Now Dr. Ambedkar's dream of making entire India Buddhist again is going to be fulfilled," Bhadanta Rahul Bodhi Mahathero, working president of the committee, said in his welcome address. Bhadanta Dhammaviro said the days for realizing Dr. Ambedkar's ideals were near; the outcome of the Uttar Pradesh elections was indicative of that. When Dr. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism in Nagpur, he did not get even five monks to conduct the ceremony but now India had thousands of them.
Nicholas Dhammakaya of Thailand called for raising a million-strong novice monk in India for spreading the religion in its land of origin.
Diplomats of Buddhist countries, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Mongolia and Kampuchia, and Laos Attended the ceremony. Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa sent a goodwill message to the celebration committee read by Venerable Walpola Piyananda of USA.
In 1935, Dr. Ambedkar made the bold pronouncement, "I was born a Hindu, and I had no choice about that. But I will not die a Hindu!" This sent a tremor throughout much of India. For the next twenty years, leaders of other major religions, mainly Muslim and Christian, tried to lure him. During this time, Dr. Ambedkar investigated these other religions to discover which offered Dalits the most advantage and protection.
By 1956, he had reached his decision. On the full-moon day of October in that year, in a public ceremony in Nagpur, he led 500,000 Dalits in taking precepts and accepting Buddhism as their new faith. The precepts were administered by the Arakanese monk, Ven. U Chandramani.
Dr. Ambedkar clearly explained why he preferred Buddhism to all other alternatives. Primarily, he found three principles in Buddhism which no other religion offered. Buddhism teaches wisdom, as against superstition and supernaturalism; love and compassion in relations with others; and complete equality. Considering Marxism, Dr. Ambedkar recognized that the communist movement had shaken the religious systems of many countries, but he did not see that it had provided a solution. Not only failing to eliminate poverty, Marxism, he said, used poverty as an excuse for sacrificing human freedom. Dr. Ambedkar said that Buddhism teaches social freedom, intellectual freedom, economic freedom and political freedom--equality not only between man and man but also between man and woman.
It is wisdom that the Buddha held up as the direct instrument of final liberation, as the key for opening the doors to the Deathless, and also as the infallible guide to success in meeting life's mundane challenges. Thus wisdom is the crown and pinnacle of the entire system of Buddhist education, and all the preliminary steps in a Buddhist educational system should be geared toward the flowering of this supreme virtue. It is with this step that education reaches completion, that it becomes illumination in the truest and deepest sense, as exclaimed by the Buddha on the night of his Awakening: "There arose in me vision, knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and light."
Dr. Ambedkar felt it was necessary to preserve Buddhism in India and to protect it from corruption by Hinduism. He exhorted his followers to swear not to regard Vishnu, Shiva, Rama, Krishna, or any of the other Hindu deities as gods nor to worship them. He denounced as malicious propaganda the Hindu claim that Buddha was the incarnation of Vishnu. Dr. Ambedkar vowed never to perform any Hindu ceremony or to offer food to Brahmins. He promised never to act against the tenets of Buddhism. Following his example, New Buddhists proclaim their belief in the equality of all people.
Since Dr. Ambedkar's renunciation of Hinduism, millions of Dalits have followed suit and taken refuge in Buddhism Most converts have come from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. According to the 1990 census there were 6.4 million Buddhists in India. Five million of these were in Maharashtra, the remainder includes traditional Buddhist populations in the hill areas of northeast India (West Bengal, Assam, Sikkim, Mizoram, and Tripura) and high Himalayan valleys (Ladakh District in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and northern Uttar Pradesh), as well as Tibetan refugees. This was a 35.9 percent increase since 1981, making Buddhism the fifth largest religious group in the country. New Buddhist communities have experienced significant social changes, including a marked decline in alcoholism, a simplification of marriage ceremonies, the abolition of ruinous marriage expenses, a greater emphasis on education, and a heightened sense of identity and self-worth.
The conversion of Dalits and the growth of Buddhism in India must be viewed against the backdrop of the recent resurgence of militant Hinduism. Hindus have violently opposed the mass conversion ceremonies. Some Dalits have been beaten as they attempted to travel to Bodhgaya for such ceremonies while others have been turned back by local police.
With Much Metta,
Yours in the Dhamma
Nishikant Waghmare
Vice President & International Coordinator
Celebration Committee Mumbai (M S) India May 28, 2007.
POSTED ON JUNE 2ND, 2007
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BUDDHA JAYANTI CELEBRATED IN TORONTO (CANADA)
Some pictures from the Buddha Jayanti celebration day
By Anand Balley
Toronto:- The Indian, Korean, Indonesian & Sri Lankan communities jointly celebrated Buddha Jayanti on last Sunday, May 27th, 2007 with great enthusiasm at Indian Buddhist Temple Toronto (Established under Ambedkar mission Toronto). The function was organized by Ambedkar Mission Toronto, Korean Zen Buddhist society, Indonesian Buddhist society and Toronto Mahavihara (Sri Lankan Temple).Ven. Monk from Maha Dhammika Burmes Temple came for Lunch and was given Sanghadana.
The programme was started with offering candles, flowers by Sunday school students and all Dhamma followers. Chief Abbot of Indian Buddhist temple Ven.Gayanosri conducted the ceremony and introduced Chief Guest Ven. Hwasun yangil (president of the Sangha council). He said in his speech that “In the first stanza of Dhammapada it is mentioned that it is the Mind which controls every action of a person. Therefore controlling the mind is the first requisite to live a peaceful life.”
Ven. Ratansri Chief Monk of Toronto Mahavihara gave his blessings to all the devotees.All the present Monks were offered Sanghadana. Ven.Gayanosri explained the importance of the occasion and introduced the speakers and conducted the proceedings of ceremony. Mr. Jagiri Bance Candidate of Conservative Party appealed the audience to unite for good causes and better social life.
Mr. L.R.Balley editor of Bheem Patrika, distinguished author and Buddhist leader from India also participated in the function. He said in his speech that, “After achieving enlightenment Buddha gave sermon to five persons and converted them to Buddhism as Bhikhu. Now in the world one third population is Buddhist. This speaks utility and relevance of Buddhism for peace and prosperity of human kind.” He said that it is not only the duty of a Buddhist to be good Buddhist but they should also spread Buddhism.
POSTED ON MAY 30, 2007.
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Buddha Dhamma Diksha Golden Jubilee Celebration on May 26, 2007
We are happy to inform you that the Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee is organizing an International Conference on “World Peace and Humanistic Buddhism” His Holiness Dalai Lama, Spiritual Buddhist Leader Will inaugurate the Conference Mr. Ramdas Athawale, Hon. Member of Parliament & Chairperson of the Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee Will preside over the inauguration session.
Guest of Honour:
Mr. R. R. Patil Hon. Dy. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Chandrakant Handore Hon. Minister for Social Justice, Maharashtra. Mr.Pritam Kumar Shegaonkar Hon. Minister of State for Housing, Mr. Eknath Gaikwad, Hon. Member of Parliament,
In the Distinguished Presence of:
Venerable Rahul Bodhi, Working President Celebration Committee, Vijay Kamble Hon. Treasurer, Ven.Ayupal, Hon. General Secretary, Justice V. H. Bhairavia, Formar Judge of Mumbai High Court, Sumant Gaikwad,Avinash Mahatekar, Kakasaheb Khambalkar, Arjun Dangle Venerable Galayaya Piyadassi, Founder International Buddhist Center UK. Venerable Paiboon Dhamkamjun Asst. Abbot Dhammakaya Foundation. Dr. Ananda W.P. Guruge Dean University of West California USA Venerable Walpola Piyananda Nayaka Thera, Adviser, International Buddhist Affairs to H.E. President of Sri Lanka. Venerable Phra Nicholas Thanissaro Dhammakaya Center, United Kingdom
Vote of Thanks:- Nishikant Waghmare
Day, Date and Time :- Saturday, the May 26, 2007 at 0930 AM
Venue:- Shanmukhanand Hall Matunga Mumbai
You are cordially invited to participate in the Conference
Relevance of Buddhism in 21st Centaury.
First session 12.00 to 02.00 P.M
Chairperson: Dr. Galayaya Piyadassi, Founder International Buddhist Center, UK.
Speakers: Venerable Rahula Bodhi, Dr. Ravsaheb Kasbe, Dr. Rupa Bodhi Kulkarni, Dr. M. L. Kasare, Dr. S. Chatchai Shri S. Krishna, Dr.Yashavant Sumant, Mr. Kumar Ketkar, Dr. Rameshchandra Parmar
Lunch Break: 02.PM to 0245 PM:
Buddhism and Global Issues: An Ambedkarian Perspective.
Second Session: 02.45PM to 04.45 PM.
Chairperson: Dr. Narendra Jadhav, Vice-Chancellor, University of Pune.
Speakers: Dr. N. G. Meshram, , Phra Nicholas Thanissaro, , Dr. Gangadhar Pantawane, Dr. A.H.Salunkhe, Prof.Ramakant Yadav, Dr. Yashawant Manohar,Mr. S.S. Yadav. Dr.Krishna Kirwale
Valedictory Address 04.45 PM To 05.45PM.:
Chairperson: Dr. Ananda W.P. Guruge Dean University of West California USA
Hon. Chief Guest:- Venerable Walpola Piyananda Nayaka Thera, Adviser International Buddhist Affairs to H.E. President of Sri Lanka.
Yours in the Dhamma
Ven.Rahul Bodhi Maha Thero, Ven. Ayupal Thero, Vijay Kamble
Working President General Secretary Hon. Treasurer
Arjun Dangle Avinash Kamble Sunil Kadam Ms. Kalpana Saroj
Vice –President Vice President Office Secretary Vice President
Ratnakar Repote Nishikant Waghmare S.S.Yadav
Secretary Vice President & International coordinator Office Secretary
Note: please be seated at 8-45am and bring your invitation card for entry.
POSTED ON MAY 24TH, 2007
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Ven. Chander Bodhi in UK
Caratha bhikkhave Charikan Bahujan Hitaya Bahujana Sukhaya;
Travel monks for the benefit of the many, happiness of the many
Ven. Chander Bodhi has return back to UK at the centre of Punjab Buddhist Society UK . Punjab Buddhist Society UK is still at 83 Lea Road in Wolverhampton which is conducting or playing one of the main part for the construction and establishment of Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara in Ludhiana Punjab. With the help of many dedicated devotes from the globe he is able to near construction of the Seema or Bhikkhu Training Centre at Ludhiana . According to report, most part of the works have been completed. Apart from that, there are around 15 monks and novices are living and conducting different religious activities, especially every full moon day and Sunday large number of Buddhist communities participate the religious ceremony.
Here are some activities which was held at the Seema,
* As the part of propagation of Buddhism and baba Saheb’s mission Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara has organized the Baba Saheb Jayanti on 15th April with a large community of Buddhist from different parts of Punjab states and other parts of the world, especially from UK . Report says that over 1500 people were participated at the function. Apart from this, Free medical camp also was provided by the group of Dr. Rahul to all the participants on this occasion.
*2nd May, Ven. Chander Bodhi participated in Buddha Jayanti Celebration at Kushinagar, which was organized by the Indian government. In this celebration Indian President Abdul Kalam and other chief ministers were presented.
* 6th May, Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara also organized Buddha Jayanti at the centre. report says that over 1000 people were participated on this function. On this occasion three Indian boys took a Samanera ordination at the centre too. The ordination of novices at the centre indicates the growing numbers of the novices who will propagate Buddhism and will bring the Baba Saheb’s dream to make India as Buddhist country true. Therefore, take this opportunity would like to invite you all to support this Bhikkhu Training Centre through financial, things, or any as you wish, for the fulfillment of the aims of the centre. Mr. Raj Kumar Toronto, Canada sponsored food for this event.
On way back to UK , Ven. Chander Bodhi participated Buddha Jayanti at Dubai in Sri Lankan Embassy, where Banladeshi community along with others organized to celebrate Buddha Jayanti.
Once again, On be half of the society would like to invite you all to support and sponser the Buddhist activities at the centre. every penny is valuable to achieve aim of the society and fulfillment of Baba Sabeb’s wish. There are many ways to fulfill his wish but this society will try to use Buddhist way of propagate Buddhism and fulfillment of Baba Saheb’s desire. Let’s try another ways and go hand in hand.
May you all be happy and peace….
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| HARMESH JASSAL MET TO H. H. THE DALAI LAMA
(Harmesh Jassal and his son Malind with H.H. the Dalai Lama at his Head Quarter)
Dharamshala (H.P)
: Harmesh Jassal a devout Buddhist and President Dr. Ambedkar Weaker
Section Welfare Society met to H.H. The Dalai Lama at his Head Quarter
in Dharamshala on 30th March, 2007. H.H. the Dalai Lama has Expressed his happiness on tremendous growth of Buddhist in Punjab and particularly on the construction of Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara at Ludhiana.
He asked how much it will take time to complete and Jassal answered
that it’s still in progress and they are doing their best. Harmesh
Jassal presented a copy of Souvenir to H.H. Dalai Lama which was
published on Golden Jubilee of Dhamma Diksha Diwas and opening of
Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara Ludhiana.
Harmesh Jassal along with
his son blessed with Buddha’s statues by his holiness the Dalai Lama.
Although he is 72 years old and looking good in health but doctors
advised him to avoid tiredness. |
| DR. AMBEDKAR WEAKER SECTION WELFARE SOCIETY PUNJAB
& DR. AMBEDKAR MISSION SOCIETY BEDFORD UK SUCCESSFULLY ORGANISED THREE MEDICAL CAMPS IN PUNJAB
ARUN KUMAR (UK)
1) Model of Takshila Buddha Vihara Ludhiana. (2) Free Medical check ups for Buddhist Monks,
(3) Doctors are seeing the patients, (4) Seth Sat Pal Mall is giving away Momentos to Doctors,
Mayor Mr. SurinderMahey, Mr. Harmesh Jassal & others standing.
Bedford (UK):- Dr.
Ambedkar weaker section welfare society, Punjab and Dr. Ambedkar
Mission Society Bedford, UK have taken up the task of organizing “Free
Medical Camps” at various places for the benefit of poor people who are
unable to afford medical care. Till today, three Free Medical Camps
have been arranged.
First free Medical
Camp was organised from 11 Feb. to 13 Feb. 2006, on Shri Guru Ravi Dass
Birthday, at Ramdas Pura, Bootan Mandi, Jalandhar (Punjab) which was
opened by Seth Sat Pal Mall.
Second camp was arranged on 08 Oct.
2006 at the 50th Dhamma Diksha Diwas of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and opening
of Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara Ludhiana. Inauguration ceremony was
performed by Bhante Dhamma Vireo in the presence of all India Bhikkhu
Sangha.
Third was organized from 01 Feb. to 2 Feb. 2007 on Shri
Guru Ravi Dass birthday at Ramdas Pura Boota Mandi, Jalandhar which was
inaugurated by the Mayor of Jalandhar, Shri Surinder Mahey.
During
these camps, over 3000 patients availed the facility of free medical
check up by the qualified doctors and medicines costing over Rs.50,
000/- were distributed free of cost to the patients We wish to continue
this free medical facility in future. We like to spread this facility
in the rural areas where medical care is not easily available. If
somebody is interested to sponsor this programme in his/her village, it
is most welcome. The cost of one camp is between 40-50 thousand rupees.
Without your help, this noble task can not be continued. If anybody is
interested, please contact:
Mr. Harmesh Jassal
Organiser
Ambedkar weaker section welfare society, Punjab
82 Siddharath Nagar, Jalandhar City (Punjab)-144003
Tel: RES—0091-181-2460683 MOB: 9357204426
Arun Kumar
Secretary
Dr. Ambedkar Mission Society, Bedford, UK
25 Hartwell Drive,
Kempston, Bedford, UK,
MK42 8US |
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