Benefits of the Nagarjuna Training Institute (NTI) courses

> The students come from some of the most deprived and oppressed situations in India, often with a feeling of no hope whatsoever. After a year of Dhamma practice most feel completely transformed, with a new vision of life, and the Dhamma tools to work on it.

> The confidence in the Dhamma and Dr. Ambedkar’s great vision they develop during the year gives them energy to share what they have learnt with many others in their villages and towns.

> The different Scheduled caste communities in India do not usually cooperate with each other, even after they have become Buddhists. At the Nagarjuna Institute they relate to each other just as Buddhists and not in terms of the caste they have come from. This in itself is an enormous contribution to a truly democratic society. The intensive practice for a year with other Buddhists from all over India means they cease to identify with the old untouchable caste but just as Buddhists.

> The ex-students make up a network covering over 19 states in India. This is the basis for organising local activities, retreats and lecture tours, making a very significant contribution to the development of Buddhism in these States.

> Many have started social projects. A group of the first students started two hostels in Tamil Nadu for children who suffered from the Tsunami.

Nagaloka

Nagaloka is situated on a 15 acres campus just outside Nagpur on the Kamptee road. Nagaloka is designed as a Buddhist training centre and a centre for interaction between the Buddhists all over India and Buddhist abroad. Nagpur has become the centre of the modern Indian Buddhist movement after Dr. B. R. Ambedkar converted there in 1956.

Dr. Ambedkar Conversion, Nagpur, 1956

Dr. Ambedkar (1891-1956) is revered figure for millions because of his struggle to eradicate untouchability and caste discrimination. Although he himself played a leading role in drafting the constitution of India, it was Buddhism more than constitutional change that he felt would help bring about the most effective social change in India. He concluded his great life by converting to Buddhism with 500,000 followers. Unfortunately Dr. Ambedkar died on December 6, 1956, barely six weeks after his conversion. Neglected by the Buddhist world, most of his followers although having deep faith in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, have had little chance to understand Buddhist teachings and practices.

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