Annual Report `14 (MBS) - maha bodhi society, bengaluru

Bengaluru
58 Years of Dhamma Service through spiritual,
humanitarian, educational activities
01-04-2013 to 31-03-2014
Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammasambuddhassa
MAHA BODHI SOCIETY
BENGALURU
Annual Report
1 April 2013 to 31st March 2014
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Maha Bodhi Society, Bengaluru, was founded in 1956 by the
Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita. The aim of the Maha Bodhi
Society is to put into practice and teach the most sacred teachings
of the Buddha through spiritual, educational, medical and other
humanitarian services.
This year has been a year
of great loss for all the
members and supporters
of the Maha Bodhi
Society as Venerable
Acharya passed away
peacefully on September
23, 2013. Though the
Venerable Acharya is no
more physically with us,
however, his great ideals
and legacy of Dhamma
will continue to inspire
and guide us to propagate
the noble teachings of
Lord Buddha. The Maha
Bodhi Society has been
g r ow i n g w i t h
Most Venerable
Late Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita,
humanitarian services
the founder of Mahabodhi organizations
year by year.
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The following is the report of the activities of the Maha Bodhi
Society (MBS) during the year 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014.
st
st
FOUNDER PRESIDENT VENERABLE ACHARYA
BUDDHARAKKHITA PASSES AWAY
We are saddened by the demise of Venerable Dr. Acharya
Buddharakkhita who founded the Maha Bodhi Society in
Bangalore in 1956. He passed away peacefully on September 23,
2013. Late Venerable Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita, FounderPresident of Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore and its branches and
sister organizations in Mysore, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, was
born in the then eastern state of Manipur in India. He was born on
March 12, 1922, a full moon day, in Imphal. He was a bright
student graduated from the Institute of Engineering Technology,
Calcutta (Kolkata) in Automobile Engineering. He joined
Government of India Defense Ordinance. The job took him to
Malaysia, Singapore and various other places during the Second
World War. He saw the destruction of life and property and
misery that the war brought in the lives of people, which led him
to turn towards spirituality. He resigned his job and left his home
in search of truth and freedom.
For some years he traveled through the length and breadth of India
and studied Indian religions in various institutions. In 1949 he
took ordination as a Buddhist monk under the most Venerable
Chandamani Mahathera, Abbot of Maha Parinibbana Vihara,
Kushinara, U.P. He then studied Buddhism and Pali in Sri Lanka
and Burma. For a short time he served as a professor at the Nava
Nalanda Mahavihara in Nalanda. In 1956 he came down to
Bangalore to start the Maha Bodhi Society and since then till his
final days he was engaged in spiritual and humanitarian
activities. He was a prolific writer and a compassionate Dhamma
teacher giving every Sunday discourses. He studied Pali and
Buddhism in Sri Lanka and practiced meditation under the
renowned meditation master Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw in Burma. He
was a member of the editorial board of the Chattha Sangayana 2
the Sixth Buddhist Synod held in Rangoon, which brought out a
complete edition of the Pali canon. Subsequently, he stayed in
Myanmar and practised meditation.
He taught Buddhology at the Nalanda Pali Postgraduate Institute,
Bihar. In order to spread the teachings of the Buddha in his own
quite way he resigned the job and started Maha Bodhi Society,
Bangalore on a piece of land offered by the niece of Ven.
Anagarika Dhammapala, Maha Upasika Mrs. B. Moonasinghe,
which was offered by the Maharaja of Mysore for the purpose of
building a Buddhist center in Bangalore.
Thus the Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore was founded in 1956.
Since then he has been active in conducting weekly discourses on
Buddhism, writing articles and books, creating awareness among
the people of Karnataka and India about Buddhism. He extended
his activities to other countries of the world to disseminate the
noble teachings of the Buddha. His compassion prompted him to
undertake many projects to alleviate suffering of people, like
building medical centers, monastic institutes and residential
schools in different parts of India for displaced and poor children.
Bada Bhanteji doing puja with senior monks at Loka Shanti Buddha Vihara
3
His untiring zeal also led to establishment of Bhagavan Buddha
University, which has started to f lourish in recent years.
Bada Bhanteji giving a Dhamma discourses
In 2001 seeing the urgent need of training good monks in India, he
s t a r t e d M A H A B O D H I M O NA S T I C I N S T I T U T E ,
BANGALORE, on the auspicious day of 2545th Buddha Jayanti
Celebrations. Today the institute has the strength of more than
100 monks from different parts of India who are getting monastic
training.
Name :
Venerable Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita
1. Monastery:
Maha Bodhi Society, 14, Kalidasa Road,
Gandhinagar, Bangalore – 560009, India
2. Date of Birth:
Holi Purnima 1922 (12-03-1922)
3. Date of Place:
Imphal, Manipur, India
4. Parents’ Name: Fa t h e r – L a t e S r i V i s h n u p a d a
Bandopadhyaya
Mother Late Smt. Sailavaladevi
Bandopadhyaya
4
5. Monk’s life:
Renounced household life on 15-7-1947
6. Became monk:
Ordination took place on the Vesakh full
moon day of 1949 at Kushinagar under the
Most Venerable Chandamani Mahathera.
Went to Sri Lanka for studies and got
higher Bhikkhu ordination at Sri Maha
Vihara, Nureliya, Sri Lanka in Udarata
Amarapura Burmese Nikaya.
7. Studies :
BUDDHIST STUDIES IN CEYLON,
1948-51
Teachers :
Venerable Nyanatiloka Maha Thera (Pali
and Sutta Acharya),
Venerable Widurupola Piyatissa Maha
Nayaka thera (Vinaya Acharya)
Venerable Rerukane Chandavimala Maha
Nayaka thera (Abhiddhamma Acharya)
BUDDHIST STUDIES IN BURMA,
1951-54
Teachers
Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw (Vipassana
meditation Acharya)
Venerable U.Narada, Mula Patthana
Sayadaw (Abhidhamma Psychology,
Patthana).
Ve n e r a b l e Ya m a k a S a y a d a w,
Visuddharama, Mandalay, (Abhidhamma
Acharya)
Joined the Chatthasangayana Editorial
Board of the Union Buddha Sasana
Council as Pativisodhaka, assistant editor.
1952-54 :
8. Lectures :
Taught Abhidhamma at Nalanda Post
Graduate Institute at Nalanda, Bihar. He
also helped in editing the Nava Nalanda
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Tipitaka project. He taught at World
University California since 1980 to 1998.
He taught at Fo Kuang Shan University in
Taiwan in 1990 for a year. He has been
giving regular talks at Maha Bodhi Society,
Bangalore every Sunday since 1956. He
also taught at Cambridge and Oxford in the
UK, USA, Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka,
Burma.
9. Titles :
Conferred “ACHARYA” title by Udarata
Amarapura Nikaya, Sri Lanka in 1951.
Ven. Acharya Buddharakkhita is like a shining pole star in the
Dhamma horizon, having contributed in abundance in the
spiritual field. Recognizing his lifetime dedicated service to the
Buddha Sasana the Government of Myanmar has conferred on
him the highest title of the country ”Abhidhaja Aggamaha
Saddhamma Jyotika” and honoured him. Several titles and
honors have come to him which he says are nothing but humble
f lowers at the lotus feet of the Buddha.
On the special date of 11-11-11, full moon day, the Tumkur
University honored him with Doctor of Literature for his
contributions to Buddhist literature and lifetime self less service.
On 13-5-2012 the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University,
Bangkok, Thailand, honored him with Doctor of Pali Language.
Helped to edit Tipitaka (Pali Scriptures) Published by the
Government of Burma as part of the Sixth Buddhist Synod.
LIST OF ACTIVITIES STARTED AND BLESSED BY THE
VEN. ACHARYA BUDDHARAKKHITA
Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita has been a dynamic
Buddhist missionary. He started two kinds of activities motivated
by wisdom and compassion – Spiritual Practice and Human
welfare.
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1954-56
Taught at Nalanda Pali Postgraduate Institute.
Subjects taught: Pali language and literature,
Buddhist Psychology and Philosophy.
1956
Founded Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore, India.
Established the Holy Bodhi tree and shrine. This
Bodhi tree is a sapling of the original Holy Maha
Bodhi Tree at Bodhagaya.
1959
Founded Mahabodhi Maitri Mandala, devoted to
humanitarian service in the field of medical and
educational work. Under this organization services
to the poor students through giving them free
education, hostel facilities are conducted. Many
camps for leprosy patients, eye donation for blind
people, cancer patients services are being
conducted..
1962
Started monthly magazine SWAYAM SAHAYA
which carried articles on application of Dhamma in
daily life situations and social welfare with spiritual
basis.
1964
Founded a model rural Hospital at Sakalavara,
Anekal taluk for training medical personal for rural
service. Meditation was also taught in this hospital as
a therapeutic technique.
1966
Built the Mahabodhi Burns and Casualty Centre at
the Victoria Government Hospital, Bangalore and
Burns wards at various district hospitals, such as
Mysore, Hassan, Mandya, Tumkur etc.
1968
Started Mahabodhi Residential School for boys at
Bangalore.
1969
The Buddha Vachana Trust, a publishing section of
the Maha Bodhi Society was established.
1969
Established Tipitaka Printing Press and training
school for printing technology.
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1971
Mahabodhi Maitri Medical Mission, which run
holistic medical center.
1971
Established Mahabodhi Artificial Limb Centre.
1972
Established Arogya Foundation (India) and Arogya
Hospital medical center dedicated to total health
with multidisciplinary, holistic approach.
1972
Established Sevakshetra building.
1972
Started monthly Buddhist magazine DHAMMA
1976
Established the Institute of Pali Studies and
Buddhalogy in Mysore.
1980-2000 Visited USA and taught Buddhism and Buddhist
meditation in various educational institutions.
Established a Meditation Centre at Big Bear,
California, USA.
1984
Established the Mahabodhi Vishva Maitri Stupa.
This is the first stupa built in India after the lapse of
about 800 years during which Buddhism declined.
1984
Initiated TIPITAKA GRANTHAMALA PROJECT
– to publish the entire Tipitaka in Kannada language.
1990
Taught at Fo Kuan Shan University in Taiwan.
1994
Built Mahabodhi Loka Shanti Buddha Vihara,
Bangalore – It is a replica of Mahabodhi temple in
Buddhagaya
1995
Mahabodhi Community Centre- A hall used for
community services and functions.
1999
Deutsch Buddhistische Humanitaere Verienigung
(DBHV), Germany – an organization which runs
regular meditation and dhamma study programs and
supports the activities of the MBS
2000
Mahabodhi School, and Mahabodhi Carla Students
Home Mysore – A new building was built to run a
modern school based on moral education.
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2001
Established Mahabodhi Monastic Institute,
Bangalore – the only monastic center with facilities
for intensive dhamma studies and practice. At present
it has 100 monks under training.
2002
Blessed the Mahabodhi Metta Foundation,
Switzerland which supports the spiritual and social
welfare activities of MBS.
2003
Mahabodhi Nalanda Hostel for Monks at Bangalore
– To accommodate 150 monks a beautiful hostel
building was built.
2003
Maha Bodhi Society Branch in Arunachal Pradesh
Mahabodhi School and Mahabodhi Hostel, Diyun.
2003
Association Mahabodhi Karuna, France – It was
started to conduct meditation programs and to
support educational activities.
2003
Mahabodhi Buddhist Center, Lindenfels, Germany
was started to conduct dhamma study and meditation
teaching. Regular programs are conducted in this
center
2003
Mahabodhi Mettaloka Youth Center, Mysore – A
hostel for boys who have completed high school. At
present there are 50 boys staying in this hostel.
2004
Mahabodhi Karuna Belgium – was started to
conduct dhamma teaching programs and to support
educational activities of MBS.
2005
Mahabodhi Metta Charitable Fund, USA – to
support the activities of MBS
2006
Mahabodhi Academy for Pali & Buddhist Studies
(Correspondence
Course), which conducts two
year Diploma in Buddhist Studies course. The
Government of India has granted funds for this
Academy.
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2007
Mahabodhi Rita Girls Home, Diyun, Arunachal
Pradesh – A new hostel for girls was started. At
present 175 poor girls live in this hostel who are
provided with all the needs free of cost by the MBS.
2007
Survey of Buddhist Communities in India – To
understand the situation of Buddhist community in
India.
2007
Mahabodhi Maitri Mandala, Tawang Branch was
started. The center runs an old age home and girls
hostel
2008
Mahabodhi Dhammaduta Vihara –a Center for
Moral and Spiritual Education, Alur, Bangalore is
under development
2009
Establishment of Deomali Branch, Arunachal
Branch
2010
Establishment of Bhagavan Buddha University of
Pali and Theravada Buddhism
2011
Establishment of Satipatthana Bhavana Kutir for
running meditation retreats for monks.
2012
Establishment of Mahabodhi Karuna Medical
Center
2013
Establishment of Mahabodhi Dhammaduta Vihara.
2013
Passed away peacefully at the age of 92 leaving a
legacy of Dhamma for his monastic and lay
followers.
10
The Governor of Karnataka Mr. H. C. Bharadwaj and
The Minister of Revenue, Govt. of Karnataka
Mr. Srinivasa Prasad paying their respects to Bada Bhanteji
A special halo in the sky at the funeral of Bada Bhanteji
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Bada bhanteji’s cremation ceremony at Narasipura, Alur
Various spiritual activities organized by Maha Bodhi Society,
Bangalore for Punyanumodana in the name of late Venerable
Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita
Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore organized punyanumodana
(merit sharing) ceremony in the name its departed founder
president late Venerable Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita who passed
away on September 23, 2013. Bada Bhnateji passed away
peaceful at 3.48 AM on September 23, 2013. His funeral took
place at Mahabodhi Dhammaduta Vihara on September 27,
2013. Thousands of devotees attended the program and paid their
last respects to Bada Bhanteji who was bacon of light of Dhamma
for them. A befitting cremation ceremony was held to honor his
work and person. Over hundred monks from India and abroad
attended the ceremony held in high dignity. The funeral pyre
which was created on an elevated platform with f lower decked
canopy and surroundings, was surrounded by hundreds of monks
and devotees. Amidst the condolence messages of monks and
chanting and a wonder sun bow forming around the sun a rich
tribute was paid to Bada Bhanteji with heavy hearts. The pyre was
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lit by nine monks. This loss is an irreparable one. However, our
noble teacher left for us the legacy of Dhamma, the noble and
enlightening teachings of the Buddha.
In memory of the compassionate and ennobling spiritual and
humanitarian services rendered by late Venerable Dr. Acharya
Buddharakkhita, the founder president of Maha Bodhi Society,
Bangalore and its sister organizations and being desirous of
expressing their heartfelt gratitude, Maha Bodhi Society,
Bangalore along with its upasakas and upasikas organized for a
merit sharing ceremony in the name of late Venerable Dr.
Acharya Buddharakkhita. This ceremony was held on October 6,
2013 as well as October 7, 2013 in the premises of Maha Bodhi
Society, Bangalore. Members of Holy Sangha, including Most
Venerable Gunawanta Mahathera from Arunachal Pradesh, who
is one of the senior-most living Buddhist monks in India, visited
Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore to participate in this merit
sharing programme. There were monks from other countries
such as Myanmar, Thailand etc. who also came over to Bangalore
to participate in this merit sharing ceremony.
On the morning of October 6, 2013 the members of Most
Venerable Mahasangha gathered at the Bodhi Rukkha and then
they performed Bodhi puja and proceeded towards Mahabodhi
Loka Shanti Buddha Vihara. There in Dhamma Hall monks
gathered along with the upasakas and upasikas and then dana was
offered to the monks. Subsequently, senior monks gave their
message and recollected the great spiritual and humanitarian
services rendered by late Venerable Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita
towards the propagation of Buddha sasana. There was unison
among the monks and they agreed in one voice that the life and
teachings of late Venerable Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita will
work as role model for Buddhist monastic and lay followers alike.
Then merits accrued from these wholesome activities were
shared in the name of late Venerable Dr. Acharya
Buddharakkhita. Then a book called ‘SADDHANJALI- A
Devotional Homage to Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita’,
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containing the messages of several distinguished personalities
from all walks of life was published, which also contained a great
collection of photographs (some of them being very old) of late
Venerable Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita from his younger days till
his passing away. Several senior monks from around the world
and dignitaries including some union ministers, Chief ministers
and ministers and prominent people and devotees gave messages
and articles.
On this occasion a special General Body meeting was held to pay
respects to the founder president. Venerable Kassapa Maha Thera
was chosen as the president of the Maha Bodhi Society and its
Sister organizations. Speaking on this occasion Ven.Kassapa
Maha Thera said that he will commit his life for the mission of
Bada Bhante and applealed one and all to continue their support
and cooperation as before. The members too expressed their
commitment and support for the furtherance of the Society’s
mission.
Thereafter, monks gathered at the dining hall and partook their
lunch. Subsequently, the lay followers had their meal and then all
the monks and the upasakas and upasikas gathered at the
Dhamma Hall. The dana for the alms-meal was jointly shared by
Mrs Monica Thaddey and Mrs G Parmeshwar. Then many
distinguished upasakas and upasikas recollected their association
with late Venerable Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita and the
compassionate manner in which he dealt with all the people and
enlightened their lives with insightful and practical words of
Dhamma. Many persons became emotional while recollecting
their interactions with late Venerable Dr. Achar ya
Buddharakkhita.
In the evening, monks and lay people again gathered at the
Dhamma Hall and Most Venerable Gunawanta Mahathera
performed Patthana chanting and then the monks performed puja
and meditation and shared all the merits in the name of late
Venerable Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita. The entire premises of
Maha Bodhi Society was lighted with one thousand and eight
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candles. After the chanting and meditation, monks gathered at the
Maitri Stupa and Bodhi Rukkha and performed Stupa and Bodhi
puja.
The next day, which was Sunday, monks gathered at the Bodhi
Rukkha and performed Bodhi puja and then moved towards the
Dhamma Hall and settled down there. There, the monks
performed chanting and meditation. Thereafter, the senior monks
gave Dhamma Desana. Afterwards, the monks took their meal
and upasakas and upasikas also had their meal after the monks.
In the evening, all the members of the Holy Sangha gathered at the
Dhamma Hall and chanting and meditation was done by the
monks and lay followers and the merits were shared in the name
of late Venerable Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita. Then Stupa and
Bodhi puja was performed by the monks and lay devotees and the
entire premises of Maha Bodhi Society was lighted with one
thousand and eight candles.
In addition to the aforesaid merit sharing programs, Maha Bodhi
Society also organized a grand dana at Mahabodhi Mahavihara in
Buddhagaya, the place of Supreme Enlightenment of Lord
Buddha in the month of October, 2013. Several hundreds of
monks from various traditions were invited and offered pindapata
dana by Maha Bodhi Society. Venerable Kassapa, the president of
Maha Bodhi Society along with Venerable Sugatananda visited
Buddhagaya and gave the dana on behalf of all the members of
Maha Bodhi Society and also performed the punyanumodana
ceremony in the name of late Venerable Dr. Acharya
Buddharakkhita. We are very thankful to the all the members and
staff of Buddhagaya Temple Management Committee for
extending their kind support to us in this regard.
On 10 October 2013 a special puja and punyanumodana
ceremony was held at the most holy place Mahabodhi Maha
Vihara Buddha Gaya. Over 100 monks attended the Sanghadana
and they were offered other items also. Ven.Kassapa led the
Sanghadana program. Then continuing further he visited all
other holy places like Sarnath, Kushinagar, Lumbini and offered
th
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puja and sanghadana in then name of Bada Bhanteji. Several
books, pomplets, photos were printed in the name of Bada
Bhanteji and were disgtributed freely all over.
Mortal remains of Bada Bhanteji were carried by his disciples
and part of them were merged in the major rivers of India as
symbol of Bada Bhanteji’s wish of ‘Jotetu Buddha Sasanam
Bharatasmim Ratthasamim’ – ‘May the Dispensation of the
Buddha spread all over India’. And Part of the relics have been
enshrined in the branches of Mahabodhi.
In January 2014 a group of 26 monks with 5 upasaka kappiyas
undertook Bodhi Yatra – Buddhist pilgrimage in the name of
Bada Bhanteji to offer puja, recite the whole of Maha Paritta in all
major holy places, meditate and do punyanumodana. Venerable
Bhikkhu Panyarakkhita led the group and conducted the
pilgrimage in a most solemn and dignified way from 20 January
to 14 February. In all the places, Dana was done, puja was done,
1008 candles were lighted and punyanumodana was done in the
name of Bada Bhanteji.
Foundation for Bodhi Rasmi Avasa was laid by Venerable
Ghositbodhisat Vajiranyano of Thailand at the spot of Bada
Bhante’s cremation where a monument and meditation center
will come up to help the spiritual seekers with the inspiration of
Bada Bhante’s message.
Venerable Ananda conducted a meditation retreat in Switzerland
for 9 days dedicated to Bada Bhanteji. Mr.Michiel and
Ms.Raffiela have been offering lunch to Kidwai Cancer Hospital
patients numbering 350 every Saturday in the name of Bada
Bhanteji. So also Ms.Barbara has been offering hospital dana
service mainly in the Mahabodhi Burns center.
In this way yearlong punya kamma – actions of merit are
conducted in the name of Bada Bhanteji and punyanumodana
done. This has helped monks as well as lay people to feel the
presence of Bada Bhanteji always and continue with the work he
has entrusted to all of us.
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MAHABODHI MONASTIC INSTITUTE
MMI is a Monastic Training Centre where monks are trained in
both study and practice of Buddha’s teaching to grow spiritually
and thereby to become a guiding light to the world. They will be
future Dhammadutas. During the year of report there were 119
student monks and 16 teacher monks from all over India. In
addition, there were 4 lay teachers in MMI.
MMI is a training centre for monks where they learn Buddha’s
teaching. Practical part of the Dhamma is one of the most
important parts of the training. MMI was started in the year 2001
by Most Respected Bada Bhanteji, Venerable Dr. Acharya
Buddharakkhita with the sole aim of reviving the Dhamma in its
birth place India.
MMI completed its session 2013-14 completed successfully.
Following are the subjects taught in MMI:
1. Pali, language of Buddhist literature
2. Vinaya, Disciplinary rule and regulation
3. Sutta: Philosophy
4. Abhidhama: Deeper study of the Dhamma
5. English
6. Hindi
7. Basic General Knowledge
There are two periods in the morning session and four periods in
the afternoon session. There were 16 monk teachers during the
year. We had visiting teachers from Myanmar. Many volunteers
too gave their service and we are very grateful about it.
Venerable Ariyajyothi and Venerable Buddhapala, who is also the
principal of MMI, are working hard for the improvement in the
text books of MMI. We are happy to inform that Vinaya text is
now ready and we are hopeful of preparing the other texts soon.
Special English Class was conducted by Value Point Academy for
four month. 23 senior students attended the class and many of
them benefitted. This was to enhance the English speaking skill
as monks have to teach Dhamma to the world.
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Meditation is the heart of monk’s life. In order to encourage and
train in meditation, 25 MMI monks participated in 10 days
Vipassana Meditation at Narasipura, Bengaluru, at the
Mahabodhi Dhammaduta Vihara. Every participant expressed
positive response after the course. We will conduct such courses
every now and then.
Venerable Nodi Nyana from ITBMU Myanmar, a very learned
and Pali scholar conducted one month Pali class for our senior
students. We are very grateful to him for sparing his precious time
for us and encouraging learning Pali. We are constantly making
efforts to improve ourselves in the coming year to develop MMI
so that Buddha Sasana can be revived back to its original glory.
1) The breakup of the student monks with their ethnicity is as
follows:
Serial
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Ethnicity
Chakma
Mog
UP
Singpho
Siam
Khamti
Assamese
Nepalese
Mismi
Simai
Tikhak
Total
Numbers
58
31
6
5
5
4
4
2
2
1
1
119
2) The courses offered were PSLC: Pali School Leaving
Certificate at Nalanda Pali Vijjayatana – Primary and
secondary school education from class one to class tenth.
Pariyatti Pathama: Diploma course in Pali and Buddhist
Studies along with teaching techniques for duration of two
years.
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3) FOOD: The monks were provided with wholesome, simple
vegetarian food. Keeping in view the food habits of different
parts of India, south Indian, north Indian and North-east
Indian food items are prepared. As the Buddha taught, food is
to maintain the body good health so that one’s spiritual
pursuit is not disturbed.
A classroom at MMI
4) HEALTH CARE: Regular medical checkup and health care
were maintained. Whenever necessary, monks were taken to
Mahabodhi Mallige Hospital for diagnosis and specialized
treatment.
5) WARDENS: There are four dormitories for the monks named
as Gotamo, Sambuddho, Sugato and Buddho dormitories.
There are four warden monks with one assistant each to take
care of the discipline of the monks. There is also a chief
warden.
6) EXPENSES: The average expense per month per monk is Rs.
3000/- for food and essential facilities. Education, Clothing,
medicine, books and stationery expenses are extra. The
contribution is made from the Venerable Acharya
Buddharakkhita Foundation to provide Monastic
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Requisites and the rents from the Sevakshetra building are the
main source of income. Lay people also offer dana in cash
and on some days they offer food. When everyday there is
dana offered by lay people into the pindapata, then it would
be the ideal situation and the monks would be able to continue
their spiritual pursuits without worrying about managing
their food.
7) TIME TABLE: A suitable time table has been formulated for
the integrated development of the monks as follows:
04:30 am
Wake up and Wash
05:00 to 06:50 am
Puja and Meditation
07:00 to 07:30 am
Breakfast
07:30 to 08:15 am
Morning Assembly
08:15 to 09.00 am
Cleaning Vihara and Gardening
09.00 am to 09.15 am
Morning prayer before class
09.15 am to 10:45 am
Morning Classes
11:00 to 12:00 pm
Lunch
12:15 to 01:30 pm
Rest
01:45 to 04:15 pm
Afternoon Classes
04:15 to 04:30 pm
Tea
04:30 to 05:15 pm
Cleaning Vihara & Gardening
05:15 to 05:50 pm
Bathing and Washing
06:00 to 07:20 pm
Puja and Meditation
07:20 to 07:40 pm
Gilanapaccaya
07:40 to 09:00 pm
Home Work
09:00 to 09:20 pm
Evening Assembly
09:30 pm
Lights put off
20
Saturday afternoon it is cleaning time in the monastery and
dormitories and monks shave and wash clothes. Sunday
afternoon is free time.
Mahabodhi Loka Shanti Buddha Vihara
8)
EXAMINATIONS AND TESTS: During the year one
annual examination and regular tests were conducted.
9)
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Gardening,
decorations, management of water, cleaning, drawing, arts,
robe making, creative writing, debates, indoor sports, quiz
programs etc formed the extra curricular activities. They are
also trained in getting vegetables, f lowers and fruits from the
market for daily use and for hospital Dâna services.
10) TEACHING STAFF: During the academic session, 16
monks and 4 lay people were teaching the monks.
11) TEXT BOOKS: The following text books were used for
different classes :
1.
2.
3.
Pali Patha-1,2,3,4
Comprehensive Pali Course-1 & 2
Life of the Buddha
21
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Vinaya Pitaka
Buddhist Monastic Discipline
Manual of Buddhist Devotional Chanting
Suttas (Selected) from Sutta Pitaka
Sutta Sangaho
Dhammapada Stories
Jataka Stories.
English readers
Hindi Language
Buddha and His Dhamma - 1
History of Pali Language and Literature
Abhidhamma in daily life
Fundamentals of Abhidhamma-1,
Comprehensive Manuals of Abhidhamma
12) ORAL TRADITION TRAINING PROGRAM: In keeping
with the oral tradition of training and preserving the Buddha
Dhamma the monks are trained in memorization of the
Suttas, Vinaya rules and Gathas.
13) MORNING ASSEMBLY: Every day in the morning from
7.30 to 08:30 AM all the monks assemble for discussing
daily issues and work and studies. It is also time to train
monks to give Dhamma talk to a gathering. This program is
in keeping with the Buddha’s advice to get together often and
discuss issues concerning monastic life and Sangha.
14) ADMISSION OF THE NEW STUDENTS: During the year
50 new students were admitted and 11 students left
afterwards.
22
VENERABLE ACHARYA BUDDHARAKKHITA
FOUNDATION TO PROVIDE MONASTIC REQUISITES
The monks need four basic requisites, namely food, robes, vihara
and medicine. To provide these requisites to the monks of
Mahabodhi Monastic Institute, Venerable Achar ya
Buddharakkhita created this foundation on the occasion of 2550
Buddha Jayanti in 2006, which is a registered trust. The interest
accrued on this corpus is donated to the Maha Bodhi Society for
maintaining the monks. To make the monastery fully self reliant
the corpus needs to be increased to Rs.2.5 crores, which is still a
long way to go. During the year we could add Rs.10 lakhs to this
funds. We appeal one and all to contribute generously to this fund
so that the monastic requisites for the monks can be procured
without any difficulty and monks can practice spiritual life with
ease.
th
BHAGAVAN BUDDHA UNIVERSITY OF PALI AND
THERAVADA BUDDHISM (BBU)
The Vision:
To teach and practice the Noble Eightfold Path to progress on the
path of enlightenment.
Mission Statement:
To make known the rich heritage of enlightenment bestowed by
Lord Buddha 2600 years ago to the present day world and thereby
spread universal peace and happiness.
Objectives:
1. To preserve and offer the pristine pure teachings of Bhagavan
Buddha enshrined in the Pali Tipitaka of Theravada
Buddhism.
2. To offer comprehensive teaching and research facilities to
learn Pali, the language used mby Lord Buddha, so that the
original teachings of the Buddha are made known to the
world.
23
3. To offer comprehensive teaching and research facilities to
study and to conduct research on the original Pàli Tipitaka
and the Aññhakathà, Tikà and other Pali texts – Pariyatti.
4. To teach and offer facilities to practice the fundamental
teachings of Lord Buddha, namely Sãla, Samàdhi and Pa¤¤à
(morality, meditative concentration and wisdom) – Pañipatti.
5. To translate and publish the sacred Pàli Tipitaka, its
commentaries and sub-commentaries in different Indian and
international languages.
6. To publish books on Pali and authentic Theravàda teachings.
7. To teach meditation and to organize meditation courses,
camps, retreats, etc.
8. To organize seminars and conferences on various issues
concerning Pali, Buddhist philosophy, the Tipitaka, the
relevance of Buddha’s Teachings to modern life and
development and practical application of the teachings of the
Buddhism in as many modern fields as possible.
MoU between MBS and KSOU
24
9. To formulate and prepare teaching materials for the study of
Pali and Theravada Buddhism from primary school to
university levels.
10. To promote a peaceful, contented and spiritually oriented
society which contributes to world peace and happiness of all
beings.
The Bhagavan Buddha University, which is presently being
developed as a citadel of learning for Pali and Theravada
Buddhism is also desirous of establishing contact with other
educational institutions of repute, both from India and abroad.
Bhagavan Buddha University has already tied up with Tumkur
University in Karnataka and Phd in Buddhism is being offered by
Tumkur University where nine students from Mahabodhi Society
are pursing the same.
In order to promote awareness of the authentic teachings of Lord
Buddha, this year Maha Bodhi Society has established
Mahabodhi Centre for Theravada Buddhist Studies. This centre,
in collaboration with Karnataka State Open University, has also
launched Diploma in Buddhist Studies, Bachelor of Arts in
Buddhist Studies and Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies. The
admission process is going to commence soon.
This Center is going to be unique in the sense that it will not only
be an intellectual center of learning but also a character-building
institution by living a spiritually enriched life which mere
intellectual knowledge cannot accomplish. We used to have such
centers in the time of the Buddha and later in the times of Ashoka,
Kanishka and Harshavardhana. But alas, being subject to the law
of impermanence, these great centers have been lost to the
detriment of the Indian civilization itself. Dhamma has its own
intrinsic vitality and spiritual majesty that will benefit the Indian
nation in the manner our history has never witnessed. India is
coming up not only economically, politically and socially, but has
a civilization and culture of non violence, moral purity and unity
amidst diversity. These are basic qualities of Indian civilization
25
which are so rich and profoundly powerful that India will gain its
rightful place in the world community by its matured, prosperous
and civilized way of life.
With a view to honor the dream of Late Venerable Dr. Acharya
Buddharakkhita, Maha Bodhi Society because we have launched
Diploma in Buddhist Studies, Bachelor of in Buddhist Studies
and Master of in Buddhist Studies in association with Karnataka
State Open University. These programs will be run through
Mahabodhi Centre for Theravada Buddhist Studies. Through
these programs, we are getting nearer to our long cherished dream
of spreading the enlightening words of the Buddha throughout
India.
It will be based on our aims of making known Buddhism through
a systematic character-building educational system. Buddhist
education means not only providing information about
Buddhism, i.e. theoretical aspect of Dhamma, but also training
candidates both institutionally and through distant education
imparting method in the practice of Dhamma by way of
meditation training (Bhavana) and ethical discipline (Sila), good
social behavior, humanitarian service program etc. The idea
behind the training programs is practical education to bring about
a qualitative change in daily life with verifiable results and
harmonious social interaction. The training apart from
understanding Buddhism and Buddhist living, will promote
goodwill and harmony among the various Buddhist traditions to
begin with, and extend the same further to interfaith amity
programs, i.e. how best to live with people holding different
religious views and beliefs. It is important that the candidates are
trained to live in harmony with people, with nature and with
oneself.
Collaborative Arrangement
The Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) has launched
Theravada Buddhist Studies Programme for the first time in India
in collaboration with Mahabodhi Centre for Theravada Buddhist
Studies (MBCTBS), being its academic partner.
26
KSOU and MBCTBS have launched (a) Diploma in Buddhist
Studies - one year (b) BA - Bachelor in Buddhist Studies - Three
years. (c) MA - Master in Buddhist Studies - Two years.
MBCTBS is responsible for total program delivery as per the
norms of KSOU.
In the modern times while man is totally lost in material progress
neglecting the emotional balance, mental development and
spiritual growth, our center will provide the Buddha’s teachings
in modern academic mode, which is also in a practicable way,
both for material and spiritual progress.
Presently Run Programs under BBU
Mahabodhi Research Center: During the year 9 candidates
have been admitted as Phd students. They have successfully
cleared the entrance examination as well the pre-Phd course and
will soon embark upon writing their respective research papers.
Venerable Phrakhrughositbodhisat Vajiranyano, a seniour
professor of Mahachulalongkorn University will be main guide
and Dr.Sanghasena Vardhana will be another guide. The
Direcotor of the center is Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhtia
Mahabodhi Research Centre
27
whose wish is to make this research center a prestigious
institution for the research in Theravada Buddhism specifically.
Research will be conducted on Pali and Theravada Buddhism.
Mahabodhi Academy for Pàli and Buddhist Studies:
This academy was established in 2006 on the occasion of the
2550 Sacred Buddha Jayanti and it is offering Diploma in
Buddhist Studies. A two year correspondence course through
distant mode, it is offered in English and Kannada languages.
Over 800 people have taken the course so far. It is now being
upgraded with addition of Pali language. Now it is being
translated into Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Telugu, Tamil,
Malayalam, Bengali and Assamese languages. The Bengali text
books are under print. It is the wish of our founder Ven. Acharya
Buddharakkhita to reach to whole of India in as many languages
as possible. Now this centre has been taken over by Mahabodhi
Centre for Theravada Buddhist Studies and all the functions of
this centre will now be administered by MBCTBS.
th
Classes on Pali and Abhidhamma
Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita has started classes on Pali
and Abhidhamma which are continued by his disciples. Every
week there is one class on Pali, one class on Abhidhamma and
another class on sutta.
Tipitaka Translation
A separate section has been established in university building as
translation department. The translation work of the Tipitaka
books into Kannada language is going on.
This is one of the main activities of the Bhagavan Buddha
University. This year, Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita wished
to publish sacred Tipitaka in all major Indian scripts and in Pali
language. Accordingly, Mahabodhi Society has started to publish
the sacred Pali Tipitaka in Kannada script for the first time.
Similar books in other major Indian languages will also be
published in the future. It is the wish of Venerable Acharya
28
Buddharakkhita to print Tipitaka in every Indian language so that
all the Indians can benefit from the immensely rich spirituality
contained in the Words of the Buddha.
Telugu Tipitaka Project: We are happy to announce that the
government of Andhra Pradesh has granted Rs.50 lakhs towards
the Telugu Tipitaka Project. Already Visuddhi Magga has been
translated in Telegu and the same has also been published by us.
We are very grateful to the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Shri
C.Anjaneya Reddy (Retd.DGP of Andhra Pradesh) and Mr.
Vijaykumar, who are tirelessly working on this project apart from
the translators.
Some of the books published by the Mahabodhi Society Bangalore
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES: During the year several social
Dhammaduta activities were conducted. Often there are sangha
Dâna and ceremonies. Most of the ceremonies were conducted at
the society’s vihara and sometimes at homes and different places
of devotees. Dhamma discourses and meditation teachings were
given to the devotees and guidance and counseling for their
29
peaceful and happy lives were taught. The Dhamma desana and
pujas were mainly conducted on the occasion of birthdays, death
anniversaries, marriage anniversaries, to relieve sickness,
inaugurations of houses, etc. Many distressed people were given
counseling and taught meditation. They have gained immense
benefit. The senior monks are well trained for this task.
MAHABODHI BOOK CENTER: Maha Bodhi Society,
Bengaluru, has been publishing books on Buddhism, mainly
written by Ven. Acharya Buddharakkhita since inception. Apart
from our own publications we have been receiving many books
from Taiwan and other places. The Mahabodhi Books Center is
distributing the books. A 600 square feet building beside the main
entrance needs to be well furnished.
MAHABODHI DHAMMADUTA VIHARA – A CENTER
FOR MORAL AND SPIRITUAL EDUCATION:
We are happy to inform all that the constructions of the Dhamma
Vinaya Retreat Centre along with a fully operational kitchen and
dining block have been completed and the same have been
inaugurated by the Venerable Mahasangha on March 17, 2014.
On this occasion, puja, meditation and Sanghadana were
organized where members of Mahasangha as well as laity from
India and other parts of the world participated. The donor of this
building is Dhammacarini Monica Thaddey and she offered this
centre to Mahasangha on that day. May this dana bear great merit
for her and enable to progress on the path of Nibbana. This centre
has twenty four rooms and each room has space for two persons,
so 48 persons can attend a retreat there. Now the Dhammaduta
Centre is fully operational and meditation and Dhamma courses
are going on full swing. A group of persons from Switzerland has
done the first meditation retreat at this centre. The Pabbajja
program for the year 2014 has been conducted at this centre. In
addition, a Vipasana retreat for monks has been conducted where
nearly twenty monks participated. Afterwards, some people took
temporary ordination and are spending the Rain’s Retreat there.
30
Some introductory Dhamma courses have also been conducted at
this centre. Many more courses are also coming up. The intention
is to run various courses throughout the year and spread the
liberating words of the Buddha to one and all for welfare of
mankind.
Dhamma Vinaya Retreat Centre, Alur.
Venerable monks of the Mahasangha at the
Inaguration of Dhamma Vinaya Centre, Alur.
31
Monks from India and other parts of the
world performing puja at the Dhammaduta Vihara
Ceremony for offering the Dhamma Vinaya Centre
32
SUNDAY DHAMMA DISCOURSES: Every Sunday Dhamma
discourses are given by monks. This program went on without
break of even a single Sunday during the year. Bada Bhante
always says that the strength of our society is how sincerely we
can give the Dhamma dana. Since he started this program in 1956
it is running without a break for even a single Sunday. The
program includes 20 minutes of puja, 5 minutes of undertaking
Tisarana and Pancasila by lay devotees, 30 minutes of meditation
and 45 minutes of Dhamma discourse. On an average over 100
people attend every Sunday.
DAILY PROGRAM: Everyday puja and meditation were
conducted regularly. Morning it is from 05:00 to 06:45 AM and
evening it is from 06:00 to 07:30 PM. On full moon days there
was special puja at 10 AM. Blessing ceremonies and merit
sharing ceremonies were conducted whenever devotees
requested. Everyday new people visit the society and a monk or
devotee normally guides them explaining the activities, teaching
meditation or counseling.
LIBRARY: It houses good collection of books on Buddhism,
other religions and also on non-religious subjects. The Sacred
Library at the Mahabodhi Monastic Institute Bangalore.
33
Pali Tipitaka in several scripts and translations are the most
valuable treasure of the Library. Measures are being taken for the
preservation of the books, particularly the old ones. Many books
have been added during the year. They are used mainly by the
monks. Since the university program is launched and P.hd
program is taken up by many devotees they too are using it.
Library at the Mahabodhi Monastic Institute Bangalore.
34
Monks’ Dhammaduta Tours Ven. Ananda’s Europe tour for
teaching Meditation and Dhamma to our supporters as well as to
people of Europe was in October-November 2013. Venerable
Dhammaloka visited Europe as a Dhammaduta in December,
2013 till early January 2014. Venerable Dhammadatta and Ven.
Sanghavamsa visited Arunachal Pradesh as Dhammaduta and
still working there. Venerable Nyanarakkhita is presently in
Tripura in connection with establishment of a new monastic
centre. Also, Venerable Khemananda is presently in Mahabodhi
Tripura centre, training the young monks. 25 monks with 5
upasakas visited Buddhist holy places in January. This was
conducted in memory of Bada Bhanteji, Most Venerable Acharya
Buddharakkhita as Punyanumodana, merit sharing. We are
thankful to Bhante Ananda and Madam Monica Thaddey for
their generous support and being in touch with us throughout the
pilgrimage. Monks did puja and meditation at every holy place.
16. Ven. Ananda with a group of devotees in Europe
35
Monks doing puja at Mahabodhi Mahavihara
Monks at Meditation at Mahabodhi Mahavihara
36
Monks at Dhameka Stupa, Sarnath
Monks doing puja at Lumbini
37
Monks doing puja at Mahaparinibbana Temple, Kusinara
Monks meditating at Makuta Bandhana Cetiya, Kusinara
In this way systematic Dhammaduta programs are going on. This
was one of the wishes of Bada Bhante, i.e. to give the dhamma
freely to as many people as possible and thereby remove suffering
in their hearts and give solace.
38
PABBAJJA PROGRAMS: Pabbajja meditation programs were
conducted for character building education and for meditation.
During the Buddha Jayanti celebrations, there were three separate
Pabbajja programmes. The first one was specifically for women
below eighteen years of age. Thereafter, there was the second
Pabbajja programme for young boys below the age of eighteen
years. Finally, the third Pabbajja programme was organized for
the men and many persons attended the Pabbajja programme.
Pabbajja programme being conducted by during
Buddha Jayanti celebrations
In addition, there are other temporary ordination programmes
that go on throughout the year and many other men and women,
both from India and abroad participated in these programmes.
The temporary ordination programmes do profound spiritual
service and is of great benefit for those men and women who are
unable to practise spiritual life on a full-time basis. The spiritual
seed which is sown in these Pabbajja programmes would benefit
the participants for the long time to come.
39
DONATIONS: People have offered donations to run the
activities of the Maha Bodhi Society. We are very grateful to them
for the same. May the blessings of the Buddha, Dhamma and
Sangha surround their lives and that of their families with wellbeing and wisdom! May they all be happy and well! All the
donations were duly acknowledged with official receipts.
MAHABODHI KARUNA HOSPITAL: The construction of
the Mahabodhi Karuna Hospital behind Lalbagh in the heart of
Bangalore city started. Already the basement f loor is finished
and the ground f loor work is going on. When completed on the
ground f loor free medical service will be given. And on the upper
ground f loor meditation will be taught as therapy and for
spiritual progress. The two f loors above will be rented out for
medical activities, the income of which will be used to run the free
medical center without any problem.
HOSPITAL DâNA SERVICE: The hospital Dàna service was
started by Bada Bhanteji way back in 1956-57 when he saw the
suffering of people in Victoria Hospital. During this year too
hospital Dàna service was conducted on several full moon days
and other days whenever donors offered Dàna. Ms. Barbara
Thaddey of Switzerland has donated for this program apart from
the endowment donations, interest of which is used for the Dàna
services. May all the donors get the merits, punya, from this
noble act!
In addition to the existing dana services, from this year another
dana service has been started at the Kidwai Memorial Cancer
Hospital. This dana service is sponsored by Ms Rafaela and Mr.
Michael of Switzerland and dana of special lunch is offered on
every Saturday to the patients at the hospital.
40
Monks during dana service at Kidwai Memorial Cancer Hospital Bangalore.
Hospital dana service
41
ENDOWMENT DONATIONS: The following are the
endowment donations for conducting humanitarian activities.
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
Smt.Shakuntala Venkatakrishnappa Endowment
Smt.C.S.Savithramma Endowment
Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita Endowment
Dr.Nanjamma V.Setty Endowment
Smt.Sheshamma Endowment
Lt.Gen.B.M.Rao Endowment
Dr.A.S.Venkatachalam Animal Welfare Trust
Shri N.A.Raju Endowment
Smt.Shela Srinivas Endowment
Shri R.Narayanaswamy Endowment
Smt.Swerty Devi Endowment
Shri Channappa Subbamma Endowment
Shri. Madhava Mallya Endowment
Shri. U.Nagendra Nayak Endowment
Smt.Shambhavi Gongolli Endowment
Smt.A.Bhagyalakshmi Endowment
Smt.U.Prema Nayak Endowment
Smt. Chinnamma and Sri B.V. Krishnamurthy Endowment
Dodda Mane Maggada Dr.M.R.Narendrakumar and Family
Endowment
Sarayu, Sandhya, Rajaram Endowment
Shri. P.N. Raju Endowment
Shri. Y.B. Nandana and Family Endowment
Prof. S.S. Arakeri, S.Nagaratna Arakeri and Family
Endowment
Shri L. Shivalingaiah, Thejovathi, Chandrakala and family
Endowment
Smt. Jayalakshmamma & Shri. Narasimha Murthy Memorial
Endowment.
42
DHAMMA and BUDDHA DHAMMA MAGAZINES: The
English monthly magazine DHAMMA, which was started in the
year 1972 and has been published continually and during the year
of report too it was published every month. Ven. Sugatananda as
editor and other monks worked hard to bring out the magazine.
BUDDHA DHAMMA in Kannada is a bi-monthly magazine and
it is also coming out regularly. Upasaka Anish Bodh is helping
with proof reading and editing. The articles in these two
magazines contain mainly on the life of the Buddha, suttas,
jataka, meditation, Buddhism in daily practice, Pali language,
Mahabodhi Society News and reports etc. We are trying to take
Dhamma magazine to a higher level and this would require
substantial financial assistance from our supporters. We request
one and all to contribute generously in this regard.
Kannada Dhamma magazine
43
English Dhamma magazine
PUBLICATIONS: Bada Bhanteji was a prolific writer, writing
books of immense value in spite of his old age and health
difficulties. The mastery he had on Pali literature in presenting
the original teachings as contained in the Tipitaka is very rare to
get. During the year many books were published by the Maha
Bodhi Society as follows:
1.
Majjhima Nikaya Volume 5 in Kannada,
2.
Visuddhimagga in Telegu,
3.
Maha Paritta Pali by Venerable Dr. Acharya
Buddharakkhita,
4.
Metta – the philosophy and practice of universal love by
Venerable Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita,
5.
The Supreme Benefactor by Venerable Dr. Acharya
Buddharakkhita,
44
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Sayings of Bada Bhanteji,
Kannada puja book,
An Unforgettable Inheritance-part 7,
Halo’d Triumphs,
Prespective of Buddhism- 30 Dhamma Talks,
Dhammapada Gatha Prasangagalu (Written by Shri
Anish Bodh),
12. Manual of Buddhist Devotional Practice by Venerable
Acharya Buddharakkhita, and
13. Pali Grammar in Kannada.
Most of the publications were donated by devotees in the name of
their departed relatives. The Dhamma Aid Malaysia also has
been helping to print and distribute books mainly in the North
East India.
MAHA BODHI SOCIETY BRANCHES
Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore, has established branches in
Mysore, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura. More and more
branches are being established as and when the human resources
are developed and financial resources are made available. The
latest one started is the Namsai project.
MAHABODHI MYSORE BRANCH:
This center was established in the year 1972-73 and since then it
has been an active educational center providing character
building moral education along with academic education. There
are three main activities in Mysore –
1. Mahabodhi School – The CBSE School ran well with 320
Children, 23 teaching staff and 7 non-teaching staffs. 10th
students brought laurels to the school by securing cent
percent results with good percentage.
45
March past by students of Mahabodhi School
Inauguration of digital classroom
2. Mahabodhi Carla Students Home – The hostel had 186
children from LKG to 10 Standard and 17 staff under a monk
in charge and a monk assistant.
th
46
Children at Carla Students Home
3. Mahabodhi Mettaloka Youth Center – During the year
there were 70 students belonging to Mettaloka. 28 were
living in the hostel and the rest 42 live in different cities
studying different courses.
Venerable Bhikkhu Sangharakkhita assisted by a monk and Mr.
Vittho as the manager, were taking care of the Mysore center
during the year of report.
Students with Venerable monks at Mettaloka
47
MAHABODHI DIYUN BRANCH
The Diyun branch was started in 2003 with a small school and
girl’s hostel in a temporary shed. Today Mahabodhi campus has
developed into an active center in about 20 acres of land and has
constructed school, hostel and other buildings.
Bodhi tree in the Mahabodhi campus, Diyun
1. Mahabodhi School: The school had 478 children on roll and
the second batch of the 10 standard students appeared for the
CBSE examinations. 69 students appeared for 10 exam and
all of them passed with good marks.
th
th
2. Mahabodhi Rita Girls Home: There were 167 girls in Rita
Girls home from all over Arunachal Pradesh. They were
provided with all the needs and Dhamma education.
48
Mahabodhi Rita Girls Home, Diyun
Girls at Rita Girls Home
49
3. Mahabodhi Boys Home: There were 27 boys in Mahabodhi
Boys home. They were provided with all the needs and
Dhamma education.
Students in the classroom at Mahabodhi School Diyun
Students during evening puja at Diyun
50
Novice monks accepting alms
Bhante Vinayarakkhita inaugurating Kathina civara dana program, Diyun
Buddha Jayanti, Dhammapada Festival, Dhammacakka
Pavatthana day and Kathina Civara Dana ceremony were
celebrated apart from full moon day programs and other small
programs.
Venerable Kassapa bhanteji is the Chairman of Arunachal
Branches and under him there are Ven. Dhammadatta, Ven.
Sanghavamsa and one samanera, who were working to develop
this branch.
51
MAHABODHI TAWANG BRANCH: Presently there are 16
elderly people and 50 children at the center. They are provided
with accommodation, food, health care free of cost. We are happy
to inform that the construction of the new old age building got
completed. The building consists of 8 rooms, dining hall, kitchen,
store and bathrooms and toilets. It can accommodate 50
members. This building was built from the grants of the
Arunachal Pradesh government. The government appreciated the
work of Mahabodhi and has extended the help.
An elderly lady being helped at Old Age Home
Blankets being distributed at the Old Age Home
52
Children performing during Celebration of Bada Bhateji’s Birthday
Children doing activity at the children’s home, Tawang
53
The Governor during his visit to Mahabodhi Center, Tawang
Every Sunday special puja and discourse, daily puja and
meditation and moral education for local children are going on.
Venerable Panyarakkhita, Ven. Cagarakkhita and another monk,
has been performing excellently in developing the center.
MAHABODHI DEOMALI BRANCH: The Deomali branch
has been developing slowly. Efforts are being made to start a
school. Effort is being made to start a hostel for the poor people
where at least 20 poor children can be kept. They can attend the
Hostel rooms under construction at Mahabodhi Deomali branch
54
regular school and stay in the Mahabodhi hostel. The
construction of some bamboo rooms for the hostel is being built.
The temple is also being renovated. In addition, the work for
putting fences around the temple area has been started.
Regular Dhamma teaching and meditation were taught to the
locals on every Sunday at Mahabodhi Deomali branch.
MAHABODHI KANUBARI BRANCH: On the request of Shri
Newlai Tingkhatra, honorable Minster for Water Resource
Development, Women and Children, Government of Arunachal
Pradesh, Ven. Ananda, Ven. Kassapa and Ven. Dhammapala
visited Kanubari in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh.A
beautiful Buddha temple cum meditation hall and rooms for
monks is under progress. Also there will be de-addiction center
coming up simultaneously. In the first phase we will run 1.
Meditation Center, 2. Sunday Children Dhamma School, 3. De
addiction program, 4. Medical service programs. In the second
phase educational institutions will be started like school, hostels
and colleges. We are saddened by the sudden death of Mr.
Tingkhatra who had made a great effort to establish Buddhism in
this part of Arunachal Pradesh. His family members have shown
interest in carrying forward the noble legacy of Shri Tingkhatra.
To have a Mahabodhi branch at Kanubari was a dream of Late Mr.
Ting Khatra and it must be fulfilled. The completion of the ongoing constructions and running it smoothly will benefit the
people of this part of the state of AP. His untimely death is a great
loss for the Buddhist community of this region.
We are soon planning to continue with our construction work in
our Mahabodhi Kanubari branch.
MAHABODHI TRIPURA BRANCHES:
A new branch started three years ago at Chi Chin Chera near
Manu in Tripura is slowly developing. At present Mahabodhi has
acquired nearly 20 acres land and a temple and monk’s residence
has been built. The temple is still in bamboo structure and a new
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permanent temple is planned. The dormitory for monks has been
completed. Also, three class rooms were built. There were 36
children last year in the school. Two monks are assisting Ven.
Visuddhananda who is the in-charge of the center. There are 20
anagarika monks at the monastery. Several activities are going on
at this centre. Free medical camps and hospital dana services has
been performed throughout the year. The new school has been
inaugurated. Regular Dhamma discourses are also given.
Upasikas and Upasikas come to the monastery and take eight
precepts on the full moon days.
Free medical camp organized by Mahabodhi Chi Ching Chera Centre Tripura
Pindapata
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Mahabodhi Suknachari was established on 17th December, 2013
on a full moon day. This is a new centre, which is developing
slowly and already has shown a lot of potential to grow into a big
centre. Presently, there is a hostel and 25 monks are living there.
The hostel also has the toilet and bathroom facilities. Four class
rooms and one office room have been built where classes are
going on regularly. Two water tanks have also been built to
provide the students and monks with clean water facility. Every
full moon days and new moon days, the monks are going on alms
round. Every Sunday moral education class is arranged for the
students. Every full moon day there are two separate Dhamma
discourses, one for children and one for elders, respectively. In
addition, Dhamma class is organized on every Saturday at the
school. This centre is ably managed by Venerable Nyanarakkhita.
Monks during class at Mahabodhi Suknachari.
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Monks at alms round at Suknachari.
MAHABODHI NAMSAI BRANCH
Namsai is a town situated on the Tezu highway on the boarder to
Assam in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is soon going to
be a district headquarters. The government is going to build the
college building under the grants. Till then the government has
provided an old building which was renovated to start the college.
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Mahabodhi Lord Buddha College is a premier institution of
higher learning in Namsai area, established with the aim of
imparting value based higher education. Venerable Dr. Acharya
Buddharakkhita, Aggamaha Saddhammajotika, PhD. D. Litt.,
who established Maha Bodhi Society, Bengaluru and its
branches, was the main driving force to established this college.
Aims and Objects of the College
1.
To provide excellent facility to pursue higher education for
the youth in all the contemporary fields.
2. To provide moral and character building holistic education.
3. To offer value-based professional courses and equip the
youth to be self reliant, creative and enterprising.
4. To run courses in humanities, science, commerce, business,
Buddhist studies, medicine, technology,
5. To develop patriotism and brotherhood/sisterhood of
mankind.
6. To develop respect for the rich cultural heritage of
Arunachal Pradesh and to encourage the youth to preserve it.
7. To provide the modern education at affordable costs to
people, particularly the tribal and minorities.
8. To develop clear perception of goal, confidence, academic
brilliance, emotional balance and leadership qualities.
9. To develop respect for environment and preserve the delicate
and rich natural recourses of Arunachal Pradesh.
10. To put strong foundation of values of equality, fraternity and
liberty enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
11. To develop social responsibility based on metta – universal
love and respect for all beings.
12. When a student passes out of the institution he/she should be
equipped with rational mind, compassionate heart,
professional skills, broad outlook, social and moral values,
respect for cultural diversity and desire to self lessly do good
for others.
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Mahabodhi Lord Buddha College, Namsai, has started
functioning from the academic year 2013-14 with sufficient
ground work done in the past years. The college has got affiliation
with the Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.
The people and public leaders of Namsai region invited
Mahabodhi to start a college, with great zeal, enthusiasm and
generosity. It started functioning from 1st August 2013 as per
university norms in the presence of Honourable Minister Shri
Chow Na Mein, former MLA Nang Sati Mein, present Namsai
Deputy Commissioner R.K Sharma, present MLA Chow Zingnu
Namchoom, student’s leaders of ATKKSU ANYA, Zila Parisad
Members and Anchal Samity Members and general public. The
government of Arunachal Pradesh under the leadership of Chief
Minister Nabum Tuki and Honourable Minister Chow Na Mein
has extended its support in the construction of the academic
building. The work is under progress. The present college
building is suitably located in Namsai town and the building has
spacious requirement of a degree college. It is our sincere effort to
make it one of the premier institutions in whole of Arunachal
Pradesh in offering higher education.
Students Enrolment
During this Academic Session the total strength has been
increased to 210 as per previous year. In B.A (semester basis) the
enrolment is 86, B.A annually basis the enrolment is 82, and in B.
com (semester basis) the total enrolment is 42.
Courses offered
Presently the college offered courses for B.A: Political Science,
Economics, Geography, History, Hindi, Compulsory English and
Elective English.
For B.Com: Compulsory English, Economics and Mathematics,
Management and Accountancy.
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Activities
To improve and develop the skills of the students in
extracurricular activities like Sports, Literature, and Cultural
Activities, our college annually organize various programs like
Fresher’s Meet, Annual College Week, Sport competition and
Literary competition etc. To develop the intellectual and self
confidence of the students our college also organized monthly
Seminar, Group Discussion and Class Presentation as a part of
academic activities. To enhance and inculcate Moral value among
the students and faculties our college frequently conducts Ethics
classes and mental culture programs.
Results
In our initial Academic Session 2013-14 the result of our
commerce department was very encouraging as our college stud
first rank among all the existing esteemed colleges under Rajiv
Gandhi University Arunachal Pradesh. The result of humanities
was also quite satisfactory.
Computer Lab and Library
To enable the students with the future computerized world, we
have computer Lab facilities with internet access.
Self education is the primary expectation for higher studies. A
well equipped library is an essential infrastructure in a higher
education institution. At this juncture the college management is
planning for providing library facilities for students and staff.
The college has acquired a plot of land about 51 acres near Adi
Nningroo, which will have all the basic facilities. The college will
have well-furnished library with a facility for E–learning, digital
classrooms, a well equipped computer lab, an equipped seminar
hall, prayer hall, a spacious playground, drinking water with R.O.
system facility. The conveyance facility will also be met and then
both the students and staff will be much benefited.
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Minister of Finance, PWD, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh
at Lord Buddha College, Namsai
New college building under construction at Namsai
Mahabodhi Maitri Girls Hostel, Namsai
Mahabodhi Maitri Girls Hostel, Namsai was started in the year of
2013 to help and support in education to those students who are
coming from poor family background. It will be started in a rent
house near Namsai police station with 8 girls. This year 2014 we
shifted to another bigger rented house because the number of girls
has increased. At present there are 21 residing in the hostel. Out
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of them 9 are studying in 12 standard, 11 are studying in 11
standard and 1 is studying in B.A. 1 semester. Two of 12 standard
and three of 11 standard girls are in science stream. Rests of them
are studying Arts. There is one warden to guide and look after the
girls. The 11 and 12 standard girls are studying in Government
Higher Secondary School, Namsai and the B.A. Student is
studying in Mahabodhi Lord Buddha College, Namsai.
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The hostel is running quite well in the rent house with essential
facilities. There is an inverter for uninterrupted power supply in
study hours. The girls themselves cook for their food in by taking
turn. Every morning and evening regular puja and meditation
session is there in the hostel. We are planning to have a well
equipped girl’s hostel in our own Mahabodhi campus.
Mahabodhi Monastic Institute, Namsai
It was an earnest wish of Bada Bhanteji Venerable Acharya
Buddharakkhita, Aggamaha Saddhamajotika, Ph. D., D. Lit., the
founder president of Mahabodhi Society, Bangalore, to establish
a monastic training center in Namsai area to train young monks in
Bhagawan Buddha’s teaching and his Monastic’s Discipline for
the preservation and propagation of the holy teaching of the
Buddha. Mahabodhi Monastic Institute, Namsai was started by
the blessings of Bada Bhanteji with the ordination of 18 young
monks in the year of 2013. At present 44 monks are residing in the
monastery.
Initially the monastic residence was constructed and donated by a
great devotee and an ardent disciple of Bada Bhanteji, Maha
Upasaka Chow Pinthika Namchoom and his family members. We
are ever grateful to him for helping the monks in practicing,
preserving and propagating the Buddha’s teaching. We are
planning to increase number of monks in the institute. So, to
accommodate more monks, a monastic residence is being erected
with bamboo and wooden structure. Hopefully the construction
will be ready within few weeks.
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The resident young monks are getting both monastic and secular
education. They go to nearby government in the morning session
for their secular study and afternoon they are getting monastic
education in the monastery. Every morning and evening regular
sutta chanting and meditation session is going on regularly. Apart
from that regular Sunday Dhamma program is organized in the
monastery prayer hall. Frequent power cut is common in this part
of Arunachal Pradesh. So recently a generator set has purchased
for uninterrupted power supply to take care of the power cut. For
conducting Sunday Dhamma program we have got a public
announcement system also.
So with this limited infrastructure the Institute is running
smoothly. The young monks are also happy with their daily
routine and day to day activities. Apart from monastic duties they
grow vegetables in the garden. This time we got sufficient green
vegetables, chilly and plenty of maize. We are growing ginger and
garlic also, and still waiting to mature. Now we are planning to
plant banana also.
Along with these activities the institute celebrate all the Buddhist
events with great zeal and enthusiasm, like Buddha Purnima,
Asalha Purnima (Dhammacakka day), Rains Retreat, Pavarana
etc. We wish that one day this institute will become a foremost
monastic training institute in whole of India.
FESTIVALS:
Monks performing puja at the Mahabodhi Monastic Institute Namsai
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Maha Bodhi Society has been celebrating all major Buddhist
festivals in a meaningful way. So also every full moon day is
celebrated with special chanting and meditation. Following are
the reports of festivals and events celebrated during the year.
Buddha Jayanti Celebrations
2557th Buddha Jayanti was celebrated on the sacred Vesakha
Buddha Purnima day on May 09-05-2013 to 26-05-2013. To
commemorate the Buddha Jayanti, Mahabodhi Society,
Bangalore organized various programmes in order to
meaningfully spread the message of wisdom and peace taught by
the Lord Buddha. Different programmes of spiritual and social
significance, spanning over three week were organized by
Mahabodhi Society, Bangalore.
The path taught by Lord Buddha begins with inculcating wisdom
in our daily life and ends in perfection of wisdom in its highest
and most pristine form and, in order to grow in wisdom, Lord
Buddha has, in no uncertain terms, advised to live a virtuous life
and show devotion to meditation. He has emphatically stated that
there is no path other than meditation to attain supramundane
wisdom that frees beings from the cycle of suffering. In view of
this, three pabbajja and meditation programmes were organized
by Mahabodhi Society. The Pabbajja and meditation course for
ladies from May 9, 2013 to May 13, 2013. For Children May 13,
2013 to May 18, 2013. And for men May 18, 2013 to May 26,
2013. The response to these programmes was very heartening.
Monks meditated with great effort in order to attain wisdom,
which is so very necessary for all of us to lead a happy life in the
true sense of the term.
For this whole Pabbajja courses some devotees donated all
requisites - their names are, Shri B. Gopal, social worker and
leader, Dr. Jay Prakash, Chairman, International Institute of
Business Studies Bangalore, Kolkata, Noida and Shri Ashok
Dadlani, Silk Museum, Bangalore.
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In between these days some hospital dana service was also
conducted by Maha Bodhi Society Bangalore.
On May 20th hospital dàna service was arranged by Mahabodhi
Society. The venerable monks of the Mahabodhi Society visited
Mahabodhi Burns and Casualty Centre at Victoria Hospital and
distributed fruits and other food items to the patients therein.
Burns patients service day led was by Shri Ramesh Babu.
Service was sponsored by Smt. Bhushanam Krishnamurty and
family.
On May 21st, another hospital dàna service was arranged by
Mahabodhi. This time it was conducted in Kidwai Institute of
Oncology, Bangalore. Cancer patients service day was led by Shri
S.Mariswamy, IAS. Service was sponsored by Upasaka Shri
Kamalanabhan and family.
On May 23rd, another hospital dana service was arranged by
Mahabodhi at Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Care, Bangalore
and this was led by Mr. Shri K.N Sreenivasa Chairman, Amar
Jyoti Educational Inatitutions, Bangalore. Service was sponsored
by Samyak Prabodhan, Bangalore.
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On May 24 , another hospital dana service was arranged at
Mysore KR Hospital, Mysore and this was led by Prof. V.
Jagannatha, Environmental Scientist and service was sponsored
by Shri Puttamadaiah, Superntendent of police, SESK, Mysore
Zone.
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On the morning of May 25 , i.e., Buddha Jayanti Day, venerable
monks of the Mahabodhi Society performed Puja at the
Mahabodhi Tree and Mahabodhi Vishwa Maitri Stupa. Then the
proceeded to the main temple and after lighting the lamps, and
worshiped the triple gem and chanted the Suttas. Thereafter,
Upasakas and Upasikas took three refuges and some of them took
Uposatha Silas i.e., eight precepts and others took five precepts.
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Ven Monks performing puja at Bodhi tree.
Subsequently, Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita, the founder
president of Mahabodhi Society explained the unique events in
life of the Buddha:
He said; this is the greatest day of a life of the devotee of the
Buddha. He said that the Bodhisatta was born and, immediately
after his birth, he walked seven steps and that had never happened
in the life of any person in this world in the past or such a thing can
happen in future. Seven steps he walked and he said;
Aggo hamasmi lokassa,
jettho hamasmi lokassa,
settho hamasmi lokassa.
I am the chief in the world, chief of all human beings, chief among
beings. He said this not even five minutes he was born. This does
not happen in the life if any ordinary person when they come into
the world. This extra ordinary human being has born from Deva,
from the realms of the gods, and immediately after his birth, he
walked seven steps and declared his future mission, what exactly
he was going to be, i.e., a Buddha, a Supremely Enlightened
person, enlightened teacher of both human beings and gods. In
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this way, the Bodhisatta came into this world and later he became
a Buddha and taught the Dhamma to god and human beings for
forty five years.
Bhanteji said also that he was a prince who has going to be
Chakravati Maharaja. He had the most beautiful woman as his
wife, when he married her at the age of sixteen in a competition of
khatriya princess. But at the age of twenty nine, when he was
spiritually mature and ready to fulfill his role as a Buddha, as a
Supremely Enlightened Teacher of Gods and Human beings, he
gave up his kingdom, gave up everything like child, wife, father
and mother. He gave up these all not because he was not kind and
compassionate, In fact, He was the most kind person, most
compassionate one, most loving father, loving husband; yet he
had a different mission for the benefit of human being and Devas.
Dr. S. C. Sharma, Former VC, Tumkur University, and Shri
C.Anjaneya Reddy, Former DGP of Andhra Pradesh released of
following books:
1.
2.
3.
4.
An Unforgettable Inheritance-part 7
Halo’d Triumphs
Prespective of Buddhism- 30 Dhamma Talks
Dhammapada Gatha Prasangagalu (Writen by Shri Anish bodh)
Book Release
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Sangha dana being offered on Buddha Jayanti
54. Bada bhanteji blessing devotees in his kuti.
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At 11 o clock, Sangha dàna or alms-meal offering to the monks
was organized by the devotees. At 12:30pm Bada Bhanteji met the
devotees and blessed them in his Kuti. Afterwards, devotees took
their meals.
In the afternoon, Dhamma Deeksha, Meditation and Dhamma
discourse programs was conducted by Bhante Ananda. Many lay
devotees took Dhamma Deeksha.
In the evening symposium on “The Relevance of Buddha’s
Teachings in Today’s World” The speakers were, Dr.
Siddalingaiah, Chairman, Kannada Pustaka Pradhikara, Dr. Ahsa
Devi, Kannada Author and Critic, and Dr. Ramchandra. Ananda
Bhanteji also spoke on this occasion.
The programme was concluded at the Bodhi Tree where the
monks and Upàsakas and Upàsikas performed the puja with the
thousand of lamps and other ingredients accompanied by great
devotion.
We whole-heartedly thank one and all, who worked hard to make
the programs a great success. We thank all the guests who came
from far and wide out of love and respect to lord Buddha.
Dhammacakka Pavattana Day Celebrations
Dhammacakka Pavattana Day was celebrated at Maha Bodhi
Society, Bangalore. This day holds a special spiritual
significance for all the Buddhists. On this day, which is the full
moon day in the month of Àsàlha (July), 2602 years before, Lord
Buddha preached His first sermon which is known as
Dhammacakka Pavattana Sutta. His first teaching is also
considered as essence of all the Buddha’s Teachings. It was
delivered in a place called Isipatana, presently known as Sarnath,
which is near the city of Benares. The salient features of this
discourse are as follows:
Lord Buddha advises avoidance of two extremes, namely,
indulging in sensual pleasures and self-mortification. Instead, he
preaches a middle path known as the Noble Eightfold Path. It
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consists of eight factors, namely, Right View, Right Resolution,
Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort,
Right Mindfulness and Right Meditative Concentration. In this
discourse Lord Buddha also teaches what constitutes the core of
His Teachings known as Four Noble Truths. They are (i) The
Noble Truth of unsatisfactory nature of all worldly phenomena;
(ii) The Noble Truth of origin of unsatisfactoriness; (iii) The
Noble Truth of cessation of unsatisfactoriness; and (iv)The
Noble Truth of Path leading to the cessation of unsatisfactoriness.
He also teaches the manner in which these four Noble Truths are
to be realized by a spiritual truth seeker.
Given the profound spiritual importance of this discourse, on
every full moon day of July, Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore
celebrates Dhammacakka Pavattana Day. Like previous years,
this year also various spiritual programs were organized on July
21, 2013 and July 22, 2013. On July 21, 2013, the programs
started with worshipping the sacred Bodhi Tree by the monks and
the lay followers. Later on monks and lay followers gathered at
Mahabodhi Loka Shanti Buddha Vihara. Thereafter, monks
chanted Dhammacakka Pavattana Sutta led by Venerable
Kiribathagoda Gnanananda Thera, founder of Mahamevnwa
Monastery. After the chanting of Dhammacakka Pavattana Sutta,
three refuges and five precepts were administered to the lay
followers. Thereafter, recorded video of a discourse delivered by
Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita, Founder President of Maha
Bodhi Society and its sister organizations, was played. Venerable
Acharya could not personally be present at the function due to his
illness. Afterwards, Venerable Kiribathagoda Gnanananda Thera
delivered a discourse appropriate for the occasion.
After the discourse, many two books were released. They were
namely (i) Manual of Buddhist Devotional Practice by Venerable
Acharya Buddharakkhita and (ii) Pali Grammar in Kannada.
Thereafter, a sanghadana was organized by the Upasakas and
Upasikas where the monks were offered alms-meal.
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In the afternoon, around 2PM monks and lay followers gathered
at Loka Shanti Buddha Vihara and they chanted Dhammacakka
Pavattana Sutta once again. Thereafter, Dhamma discourses and
meditation was conducted by the monks. These programs
continued till 4.15 PM.
In the evening, monks and lay devotees again gathered at Loka
Shanti Buddha Vihara and chanting of Dhammacakka Pavattana
Sutta was conducted by the monks. Afterwards, meditation
program was conducted by the monks. Subsequently, monks and
lay devotees offered Deepa Puja at the Stupa and the Bodhi Tree
and the entire Vihara was decorated with candles.
The next day i.e., July 22, 2013 monks and lay devotees gathered
at Loka Shanti Buddha Vihara and chanted the Dhamamcakka
Pavattana Sutta. Thereafter, Dhamma discourses were delivered
by the monks.
In the evening chanting, Dhamma discourse was organized at
Loka Shanti Buddha Vihara and then Deepa Puja at the Stupa and
sacred Bodhi Tree was performed. All the merits that accrued
from these wholesome actions were dedicated in the name of
Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita for his speedy recovery from
sickness.
Activities undertaken by the Maha Bodhi Society for
protesting against the Buddhagaya bomb blasts
The tranquil environment of Buddhagaya was shaken by a series
of bomb blasts that occurred within the premises of Mahabodhi
Mahavihara, the scared place where Lord Buddha attained His
Supreme Enlightenment. These blasts occurred on July 7, 2013
early morning. There were about ten blasts and one of the blasts
occurred under the most scared Bodhi Tree, sitting under which
Lord Buddha attained His Supreme Enlightenment.
Buddhagaya is the most sacred place for all the followers of Lord
Buddha and the Mahabodhi Mahavihara symbolizes the crown
jewel in terms of spiritual places that Buddhists often pay a visit
to. Therefore, these blasts have struck at the heart of every
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Buddhists. However, as the followers of the Lord of Infinite
Compassion, the Buddhists have chosen not to respond with
violence but with loving-kindness. In keeping with the noble
tradition of staging a protest without creating troubles for anyone,
the monks and lay community decided to gather in front of the
Town Hall in Bangalore led by the monks of Maha Bodhi Society,
Bangalore on July 9, 2013 and July 10, 2013. Monks from all over
Karnataka led by the monks from Maha Bodhi Society,
Bangalore participated in this peaceful protest. These programs
started with chanting of Karaniya Metta Sutta, Discourse on
Universal Love, delivered by the Lord Buddha. Through the
chanting of this Sutta, monks radiated loving kindness towards all
beings and wished for the speedy recovery for those injured in
these bomb blasts. They also radiated loving kindness towards
perpetrators of this heinous crime wishing that their minds open
up to the wisdom and compassion and may they also be free from
suffering.
Thereafter, Venerable Ananda Bhante, Venerable Kassapa
Bhante, Venerable Panyarakkhita Bhante spoken on this
occasion. They unanimously stated that these kinds of terrorist
activities at Buddhagaya, the haven of peace is absolutely
unacceptable. It was also demanded that adequate security must
be provided to all Buddhist sites and the Buddhist community,
which includes both monks and lay followers. This terrorist
attack was denounced in the strongest of terms. Leaders from the
lay community also condemned the terrorist attack as a
reprehensible action and asked for security for the Buddhist holy
sites and Buddhist community and also demanded that the
government must brings the perpetrators of this crime to justice.
Subsequently, monks from the Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore
along with certain prominent upasakas visited the Raj Bhavan
and handed over a memorandum in this regard to the secretary to
the Honorable Governor of Karnataka.
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On July 31, 2013, another peace march to protest against the
bomb blasts in Buddhagaya Temple was organized under the
leadership of Maha Bodhi Society and Buddhists from all over
Karnataka participated. It is one of its first kinds of large
assembly of Buddhists from Karnataka and thus, indeed can be
termed as a landmark event. The procession started from Town
Hall of Bangalore. It was f lagged-off by Venerable Ananda,
General Secretary of Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore. Monks
from Maha Bodhi Society and many other monks participated in
this peace march and they led this procession. The procession
culminated at Freedom Park, Bangalore. There the monks and lay
community took seats. The program started with chanting of
Karaniya Metta Sutta (Discourse on Universal Love, delivered by
the Lord Buddha) led by the monks, thereby radiating loving
kindness for all beings. Along with the prominent leaders of
Buddhist community, the Honorable Social Welfare Minister of
the Government of Karnataka, Shri Anjaneyya also participated
in this program.
Here the monks emphasized on following the path of the Buddha,
which is the path of peace, compassion and wisdom. They also
put a demand before the central and the state governments to take
care of the Buddhist holy sites and also ensuring the security of
the Buddhist community at large. The lay leaders of the
community also echoed the sentiments of the monks and also
demanded that for the improvement of the socio-economic
conditions of the Buddhists, adequate steps must be taken by the
government. The Honorable Social Welfare Minister of the
Government of Karnataka, Shri Anjaneyya promised to look into
the problems of the community and promised to render all
possible assistance in this regard. A memorandum in this regard
was also submitted to the Honorable Minister. Afterwards, he
visited Mahabodhi Loka Shanti Buddha Vihara and was very
appreciative of the endeavors being undertaken by the Maha
Bodhi Society. He also promised to help the society for its future
endeavors.
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Visit to Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore by the members of
Asia Pacific Youth Network for a Session on Buddhism
Members of Asia Pacific Youth Network, a youth organization
promoting social change, including communal harmony and
religious tolerance visited the premises of Maha Bodhi Society,
Bangalore on July 20, 2013. The main purpose of the visit was to
learn about the Buddhism and also use the tenets of Buddhism in
promoting religious and social harmony. They visited around 4
PM. The program started around 4.30 PM. It started with
chanting of Karaniya Metta Sutta (Discourse on Universal Love,
delivered by the Lord Buddha) led by the monks of Maha Bodhi
Society. Then Venerable Ananda taught meditation to the
members of Asia Pacific Youth Network. Thereafter, Venerable
Sugatananda delivered a discourse on the basic tenets of
Buddhism, primarily dealing with Four Noble Truths and the
Noble Eightfold Path as taught by Lord Buddha. Finally, there
was a question-answer session where the members of Asia
Pacific Youth Network asked various questions about Buddhism
as well the means to promote religious and social harmony
amongst various communities and Venerable Ananda answered
the questions to their satisfaction. He underlined the need for
practicing Metta, Loving-Kindness as it can change the minds of
the people from being resentful/hateful towards each other to a
more harmonious and peaceful state. In the end, Asia Pacific
Youth Network Youth Ambassador from India, Mr. Mayank
Solanki thanked all involved in this program, especially the
monks from Maha Bodhi Society for this enlightening
experience and the program was concluded.
Various spiritual activities organized at Maha Bodhi Society,
Bangalore for Punyanumodana in the name of late Venerable
Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita
Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore organized punyanumodana
(merit sharing) ceremony in the name its departed founder
president late Venerable Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita who passed
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away on September 23, 2013. Bada Bhnateji passed away
peaceful at 3.48 AM on September 23, 2013. His funeral took
place at Mahabodhi Dhammaduta Vihara on September 17,
2013. Thousands of devotees attended the program and paid their
last respects to Bada Bhanteji who was bacon of light of Dhamma
for them. This loss is an irreparable one. However, our noble
teacher left for us the legacy of Dhamma, the noble and
enlightening teachings of the Buddha.
Venerable Nirmalananda Swamiji paying homage to Bada Bhanteji
Last rites of Bada Bhanteji at Alur
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Bada Bhante Punyanumodana ceremony at Buddhagaya
In memory of the compassionate and ennobling spiritual and
humanitarian services rendered by late Venerable Dr. Acharya
Buddharakkhita, the founder president of Maha Bodhi Society,
Bangalore and its sister organizations and being desirous of
expressing their heartfelt gratitude, Maha Bodhi Society,
Bangalore along with its upasakas and upasikas organized for a
merit sharing ceremony in the name of late Venerable Dr.
Acharya Buddharakkhita. This ceremony was held on October 6,
2013 as well as October 7, 2013 in the premises of Maha Bodhi
Society, Bangalore. Members of Holy Sangha, including Most
Venerable Gunawanta Mahathera from Arunachal Pradesh, who
is one of the senior-most living Buddhist monks in India, visited
Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore to participate in this merit
sharing programme. There were monks from other countries
such as Myanmar, Thailand etc. who also came over to Bangalore
to participate in this merit sharing ceremony.
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On the morning of October 6, 2013 the members of Most
Venerable Mahasangha gathered at the Bodhi Rukkha and then
they performed Bodhi puja and proceeded towards Mahabodhi
Loka Shanti Buddha Vihara. There in Dhamma Hall monks
gathered along with the upasakas and upasikas and then dana was
offered to the monks. Subsequently, senior monks gave their
message and recollected the great spiritual and humanitarian
services rendered by late Venerable Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita
towards the propagation of Buddha sasana. There was unison
among the monks and they agreed in one voice that the life and
teachings of late Venerable Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita will
work as role model for Buddhist monastic and lay followers alike.
Then merits accrued from these wholesome activities were
shared in the name of late Venerable Dr. Acharya
Buddharakkhita. Then a book called Saddhanjali, containing the
messages of several distinguished personalities from all walks of
life was published, which also contained a great collection of
photographs (some of them being very old) of late Venerable Dr.
Acharya Buddharakkhita from his younger days till his passing
away.
Thereafter, monks gathered at the dining hall and partook their
lunch. Subsequently, the lay followers had their meal and then all
the monks and the upasakas and upasikas gathered at the
Dhamma Hall. The dana for the alms-meal was jointly shared by
Mrs Monica Thaddey and Mrs G Parmeshwar. Then many
distinguished upasakas and upasikas recollected their association
with late Venerable Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita and the
compassionate manner in which he dealt with all the people and
enlightened their lives with insightful and practical words of
Dhamma. Many persons became emotional while recollecting
their interactions with late Venerable Dr. Achar ya
Buddharakkhita.
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In the evening, monks and lay people again gathered at the
Dhamma Hall and Most Venerable Gunawanta Mahathera
performed Patthana chanting and then the monks performed puja
and meditation and shared all the merits in the name of late
Venerable Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita. The entire premises of
Maha Bodhi Society was lighted with one thousand and eight
candles. After the chanting and meditation, monks gathered at the
Maitri Stupa and Bodhi Rukkha and performed Stupa and Bodhi
puja.
The next day, which was Sunday, monks gathered at the Bodhi
Rukkha and performed Bodhi puja and then moved towards the
Dhamma Hall and settled down there. There, the monks
performed chanting and meditation. Thereafter, the senior monks
gave Dhamma Desana. Afterwards, the monks took their meal
and upasakas and upasikas also had their meal after the monks.
In the evening, all the members of the Holy Sangha gathered at the
Dhamma Hall and chanting and meditation was done by the
monks and lay followers and the merits were shared in the name
of late Venerable Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita. Then Stupa and
Bodhi puja was performed by the monks and lay devotees and the
entire premises of Maha Bodhi Society was lighted with one
thousand and eight candles.
In addition to the aforesaid merit sharing programs, Maha Bodhi
Society also organized a grand dana at Mahabodhi Mahavihara in
Buddhagaya, the place of Supreme Enlightenment of Lord
Buddha in the month of October, 2013. Several hundreds of
monks from various traditions were invited and offered pindapata
dana by Maha Bodhi Society. Venerable Kassapa, the president of
Maha Bodhi Society along with Venerable Sugatananda visited
Buddhagaya and gave the dana on behalf of all the members of
Maha Bodhi Society and also performed the punyanumodana
ceremony in the name of late Venerable Dr. Acharya
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Buddharakkhita. We are very thankful to the all the members and
staff of Buddhagaya Temple Management Committee for
extending their kind support to us in this regard.
Pavarana Ceremony
On October 18, 2013, Pavarana Ceremony was organized at
Mahabodhi Loka Shanti Buddha Vihara. Pavarana Ceremony is
done at the end of the three months of Rains’ Retreat which the
monks undertake and at the conclusion of the Rains’ Retreat, the
Pavarana is organized. The monks gather in the morning and
request each other invoking reproach for any mistake made by
them. This is a wonderful method given by the Lord Buddha
where monks voluntarily ask each other get admonition so that
they continue to progress in the Holy Life. Monks in the
Mahabodhi Loka Shanti Buddha Vihara performed this
ceremony in the morning and then they gathered at the Dhamma
Hall. Upasakas and Upasikas were also present at the Dhamma
Hall. The monks performed the chanting and meditation.
Thereafter, the lay devotees offered civara (robes) and other
monastic requisites to the monks as per the Buddhist tradition laid
down by the Supremely Enlightened Buddha. Subsequently, the
merits were shared in the name of late Venerable Dr. Acharya
Buddharakkhita. Then the monks had their meal.
Throughout the day, Dhamma discourses and meditation were
organized at the Dhamma Hall. In the evening monks again
performed puja and meditation at the Dhamma Hall and then they
performed Bodhi and Stupa puja and the Mahabodhi Loka Shanti
Buddha Vihara was lighted with thousands of candles.
Dhammapada Festival
Dhammapada Festival was celebrated by Maha Bodhi Society,
Bangalore for a week commencing on March 10, 2014 and ending
on March 17, 2014. This is first time the Dhammapada Festival
80
was celebrated after the passing away of Venerable Dr. Acharya
Buddharakkhita, the Founder President of Maha Bodhi Society
and its sister organizations. Throughout this week various
meaningful programs were organized to pay respect to Venerable
Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita (fondly known as Bada Bhanteji by
monks and lay persons), whose great effort to revive the
Buddhism in India has made him a truly pioneering figure in
history of modern Buddhism.
On March 10, a Pabbajja (temporary ordination) program was
started at Maha Bodhi Society. Around forty persons participated
in this program and they were ordained as temporary monks for a
week’s time. This is a really unique experience where the
participants lead a holy life of a Buddhist monk and also practice
meditation.
On March 15, a hospital dana service was organized at Kidwai
Cancer Hospital. This dana service was sponsored by Ms Rafaela
and Mr. Michael of Switzerland and the program was conducted
under the leadership of Venerable Khemecara Bhanteji from
Hyderabad. On the same day in the evening, a seminar was
organized at the premises of Maha Bodhi Society titled as “Lord
Buddha’s message for world peace”. Many eminent persons
participated in this program and delivered meaningful messages.
The main speakers were Mr. H S Gopala Rao, senior historian,
Smt. Chandramma, registrar, Karnataka University, Dharwad, Dr.
Aruni, deputy director, ICHR, Bangalore chapter. The seminar
was inaugurated by Venerable Ananda Bhante, the general
secretary of Maha Bodhi Society and was presided by Venerable
Dr. Phrakrughosit Bodhisat Vajiranyano, meditation teacher at
Mahaculalokgkorn Rajavidyalaya University, Thailand.
On March 16, which was full moon day and also the birthday of
Venerable Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita, the program started at
9.30 AM in the morning with monks doing puja at Loka Shanti
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Buddha Vihara. Thereafter, a Sanghadana for the monks was
organized by the upasakas and upasikas at 10 AM. After the
Sanghadana, a bronze statue of Venerable Dr. Acharya
Buddharakkhita in front of Satipatthana Bhavana Kuti was
unveiled by Venerable Sanghasena Maha Thera, president,
Mahabodhi International Meditation Center, Leh, Ladakh. Then
monks gathered at Loka Shanti Buddha Vihara and the program
was inaugurated by Venerable Kassapa Maha Thera, President of
Maha Bodhi Society and thereafter, robes were offered to the
monks by Smt. A Bhagyalakshmi. Many elder members of the
Sangha from various countries including, Venerable Dr.
Phrakrughosit Bodhisat Vajiranyano, Venerable Sumanasara
Thera from Sri Lanka, Venerable Sayadaw Ottawa from
Myanmar, Venerable Buddhapriya Thera from Hubli, Venerable
Sivalee Thera, president of Mahabodhi Society of India,
Venerable Masao Isitani from Japan, Venerable Khemacara
Thera from Hyderabad were present. Many eminent upasakas
were also present on that occasion, including Wg. Cdr. S
Rangaswamy (Dadu) who was closely associated with Bada
Bhanteji for nearly six decades. Mr. Venkatachalapathi, sculptor
and former president Karnataka Shilpakala Academy was
honored by the monks. Subsequently, Buddha images were
distributed by Venerable Phrakru Sitthivarakom of Thailand to
many Indian monasteries. This program was attended by Ms
Monica Thaddey, Mr. Alex Auf Der Maur and members of
Mahabodhi Switzerland. On this occasion, many books were
also published, namely, Majjhima NIkaya Volume 5 in Kannada,
Visuddhimagga in Telegu, Maha Paritta Pali by Venerable Dr.
Acharya Buddharakkhit, Metta – the philosophy and practice of
universal love by Venerable Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita, The
Supreme Benefactor by Venerable Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita,
Sayings of Bada Bhanteji, Kannada puja book etc. In the evening,
Dhammapada and Abdhidhamma chanting were organized at
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Loka Shanti Buddha Vihara and thereafter Deepa puja was
organized.
On March 17, 2014 a large group of monks and lay persons
started from Maha Bodhi Society in the morning for Mahabodhi
Dhammaduta Vihara at Narasipura village. They reached around
9.30AM there and then Paritta patha, Buddha puja and Tisarana
and Pancasila and Dhamma desana was organized by Venerable
Buddhapriya Thera. Then a Sanghadana was organized for the
monks by the upasakas and upasikas. Thereafter, the Dhamma
Vinaya Retreat Center for Moral and Spiritual Education was
formally offered to the Sangha by Dhammacarini Monica
Thaddey. Subsequently, the foundation stone for Bodhi Rasmi
Avasa, a memorial dedicated to Venerable Dr. Acharya
Buddharakkhita was laid Venerable Dr. Phrakrughosit Bodhisat
Vajiranyano. Then Mr Raghunath and Ms Monica Thaddey were
honored for their great contribution towards donating the land as
well building of Dhamma Vinaya Retreat Center for Moral and
Spiritual Education, respectively. Later on, the monks and
upasakas and upasikas returned to Maha Bodhi Society,
Bangalore and in the evening the Deepa puja was organized at
Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore. The Pabbajja program
concluded next day morning.
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Project Report of
MAHABODHI KARUNA MEDICAL CENTER
Bengaluru
&
An Appeal
Maha Bodhi Society, Bengaluru, was established by Most
Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita in 1956 and since then the
society has been serving through spiritual, educational, medical
and humanitarian services to the most needy people. To run
humanitarian serviced Ven.Acharya started a sister organization
Mahabodhi Maitri Mandala.
A piece of land (6750 sft) behind Lalbagh in Siddapura was
acquired for the purpose of Maitri Medical Mission, a program to
run a medical center based on universal love and compassion.
Siddapura is one of the biggest slums of Bangalore. It is our
earnest wish to build and run a holistic community medical
center. This will be run fully on charitable lines. It will be
absolutely free for rich and poor, both. This is the wish of
Ven.Acharya Buddharakkhita based on the noble intention of
offering arogya dana – gift of health. In the present world where
even the health, the basic need of a human being is sold for money,
we would like to demonstrate by this project, though in a small
way, that there are good people to share and there are people to
receive this service with gratitude. Anybody is free to donate.
Therefore we have drawn the following plan to develop this
project. There will be two programs in the project, each one
accommodated in a separate f loor.
1.
Medical section: This section will consist of few
consultation rooms, treatment rooms for disabled people,
dialysis center and labs. Apart from employed specialists, we
have some doctors who are prepared to render voluntary
services and give their time for consultations. There will be
Ayurvedic and Naturopathic treatment centers.
84
2.
Meditation center: One f loor will be meditation and puja
hall. In this section meditation will be used as therapy for
many ailments apart for giving spiritual counseling and
solace.
Mahabodhi Karuna Hospital under construction
The total plan is to build parking plus four f loors (total 5 f loors),
each measuring 3100 sft.
Estimates:
1. Building: The total costs for each f loor would be
3100 sft X Rs.1500 =
Rs. 46,50,000
Therefore for five floors total will be
Rs. 2,32,50,000
2. Equipment for medical Center
Rs. 32,00,000
3. Meditation center
Rs. 8,00,000
4. Landscaping and development
Rs. 5,00,000
5. Compound
Rs. 4,00,000
6. Electricity connection
Rs. 20,00,000
7. Bore well and Water/sanitary connections
Rs. 6,00,000
Total
Rs. 3,07,50,000
(Rupees Three crore seven lakhs fifty thousand)
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This is a project to help the urban poor who have much more
problems than the rural poor. It is our wish to build a healthy
society which is morally, physically, mentally and educationally
strong and spiritually enriched. This seva program aims at
contributing to the service of our nation. Out of the four f loors
two f loors on the top will be rented out. The income generated
from the rents will be used for the running of free medical
activities and further expansion to reach more and more people.
We appeal to you to join in this endeavor and help us to serve the
suffering and needy people. We request you to kindly be part of us
in developing this project and donate generously.
Kindly send your donations in the name of
Mahabodhi Karuna Medical Center
To :
The President,
Maha Bodhi Society,
14, Kalidasa Road,
Gandhinagar,
Bengaluru – 560009
Or transfer to bank account
Mahabodhi Karuna Medical Center,
A/c No.
IFSC Code UBINO 535311
Union Bank of India,
Gandhinagar Branch,
Bengaluru – 560009.
86
MAHA BODHI SOCIETY, BENGALURU
Committee of Management
For the Year 2013-2014
1
Late Venerable
Acharya Buddharakkhita
Founder President
2
Venerable Kassapa Thera
Vice President
3
Venerable Ananda
General Secretary
4
Venerable Bhikkhu Panyarakkhita
Member and In Charge of
Tawang Branch
5
Venerable Bhikkhu Panyaloka
Member and In Charge of
Mahabodhi Namsai Branch
6
Venerable Dhammacitta Bhikkhu
Member and In Charge of
Deomali Branch
7
Venerable Dhammaloka Bhikkhu
Treasurer
8
Venerable Sangharakkhita Bhikkhu
Member and In Charge of
Mysore Branch
9
Venerable Buddhapala Bhikkhu
Member and Principal of MMI
10
Venerable Visuddhananda Bhikkhu
Member and In Charge of
Tripura Branch
11
Venerable Buddhadatta Bhikkhu
Member and Monk in Charge of
Mahabodhi Dhammaduta Vihara
12
Venerable Sugatananda
Member and Chairman of
MBCTBS
13
Venerable Sanghadatta Bhikkhu
Member and
Superintendent of MMI
14
Venerable Nyanarakkhita Bhikkhu
Member and In charge of
Sukhanachari Branch
Shri G.S. Ravikumar - Chartered Accountant
Maha Bodhi Society
14, Kalidasa Road, Gandhinagar
Bengaluru-560009, India
Tel: 080-22250684, Fax: 080-41148440
Email: [email protected]
www.mahabodhi.info