My name is Buddhavajra, I am a young member of the Triratna Buddhist Order. I am living since one year in Bihar, at Bodh Gaya.

It is the centre of the Buddhist world, but Bihar is one of the poorest and most deprived parts of India. Although there are very many international visitors, very few local people are Buddhists: most visitors do not interact significantly with the local people.   Accordingly the local people understand very little of Buddhism and it is difficult for them to hear Dhamma teacing in Hindi.

I have come from Maharashtra with my young family to help Triratna begin social and Dhamma projects here.  I am appealing for your support in this! 

After one year I  have a clear plan how to proceed.  Actually, Triratna is in a strong position to help the situation.   This is because a small community of local people interested in the Dhamma and Triratna has already built up and are working with me in Bodh Gaya.  Some have come through contact with Western and Indian pilgrims, some are graduates of our training program in Nagpur.  Additionally, NNBY (India’s National Network of Buddhist Youth) is very active in Bihar.  This is very helpful to me. 

The following activities are planned:

For 9 months of the year:

·         Weekly 3 Dhamma classes: one in Bodh Gaya, one in Gaya (18kms distance) one in Jhanabad (40 kms distance).  The last two will take more time as they will require an overnight stay.  The classes will offer mindfulness training, practice of loving-kindness, the need for Sila (ethics based on non-violence), NVC, the importance of co-operation, and others.  Already there are contacts and some activities in Gaya and Jhanabad.  In addition there will be some classes in remote villages difficult of access.

·         6 day retreats in Bodh Gaya offering the opportunity to go further and deeper in the Dhamma

·         3 ‘high-profile’ Introductory talks outside Bodh Gaya, using local people as organisers. One annual 6-day retreat at Bodh Gaya.  There will be no activities in the remaining three months as one month is the rainy season; one month will be spent on retreat, and one month will be for family visiting. 

I am seeking to raise UK £500 per year through JustGiving.  However my total budget for the above activities is UK 2,000.  So please give generously, and help me and others return Buddhism to the land of its birth!

Thanking you,

Buddhavajra.

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