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.

Prospectus

Dhamma Sekhiya Course

A one year introductory residential course in Buddhism teachings and practices, as well as their social application ,with special consideration being given to Dr. Ambedkar’s approach to Buddhism.

This is part of the Nagloka campus, situated just outside

Nagpur. It has exellent residential and study facilities for both men and women. The teaching staff are well trained and experienced.

Eligibility :

Age: preferably between 20 and 45 years old, as on date of application, although exceptions can be made.

Qualifications : 12th std. in (10+2) pattern. Exceptions can be made in special cases.

Resonable written and verbal fluency in Hindi.

Priority will be given to students outside

Maharashtra in normal circumstances.

It goes without saying that students should have a strong desire to understand and practice Buddhism, as well as explore its social implications.

Fees and Scholarships: 

Charges are Rs.1,100 per month to cover lodging and boarding, as well as stationary and other expences. Full scholarships are available to those who cannot manage these charges.

Admission Schedule:

The course will commence from 1st July 2005 and will conclude with Buddha Jayanti in May 2006.

Application forms as well as the prospects can be obtained from the Nagarjuna Training Institute, Nagloka,

Nagpur.

The last date for the submission of applications is 30th April 2005.

Some candidates may be accepted on the basis of their application form. Other will be expected to attend interviews. Where possible interviews will be held in a town near the applicant, otherwise the applicant may have to present themselves in

Nagpur for the interview.

Facilities:Following facilities are available in Esthetic Nagloka:

Buddhasurya Vihar for Puja & to listen Dhamma teaching

SambodhiParayan Shala to learn & Practice meditation

Nagarjuna Training Institute with well furnished classrooms & Library with Reading room for personal study & references .

“Adhidthana” (community building) : Residential  facilities for 60 men.

Separate residential facilities for women trainees at Girls hostel, Jaripatka.

Experienced Dhamma teachers & Social workers as teaching staff for Nag. Trg. Instt.

Care Taking:

             Separate men & women team look after the daily needs of the trainees as well as help to maintain  the disciplin of  Institute. Warden Team member live in the residential community with the trainees. They help & guide in day needs as well as during ill health. We look after th trainees on  the basis on Kalyana Mitrata (friendship).

Daily Routine:

              Residential trainees will have to follow the daily routine which include morning meditation session, class room teachings, discussion groups  personal study, work period,

Morning Meditation period from 6.30 a.m. to 8.15 a.m.

Classroom teachings from 10.00 a. m. to 01.00 p.m.

Group discussion from 2.30 p.m. to 3.30 p. m.

Personal Study in the Library from 4.00 p.m. to 5.00 p. m.

Work period from 5.15 p. m. to 6.15 p. m.

Meditation & Puja 8.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. followed by a period of Complete Silence till next morning.

Sunday is the weekly off. Personal communication, evening puja followed by complete silence till next morning.

Code of Conduct:

1. Trainees should participate in all daily routine activities e.g. meditation, class room teachings, group discussion, library study, work period & Puja etc.

2. Trainees should observe spiritual discipline. e.g. observing silence, practicing precepts etc.

3. Trainees should give up the bad habits,e.g. tobbaco chewing, smoking, ghutka, alcoholic drinks, drugs etc.

4. Trainees will have to take permission of the concerned authority before leaving Nagloka premises

5. Trainees should have to stay for whole period of training at Nagloka.

6. There will  not be any vacation during training period.

7.  Medical expences if any has to be born by the trainee. Only first Aid medicines will be provided in consultation with Doctor.

8. Trainees will have to observe the single sex principle.

9. If the trainee fail to fulfill the above conditions, he/she will be liable to remove from the training without any notice.

10. Management may decide to remove any trainee if he does not found suitable for the training.

11. Language of teaching will be in Hindi and English.

12. Simple nutritious Vegetarian food is supplied to the trainees.