nagaloka

> 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.

Admission is open for 120 students from all over India for an Annual Course in Buddhism and Social Action. For further details, contact, Vivekratna, Director (NTI) on vivekratna@gmail.com

>> Basic Buddhist teachings and practices, including meditation, Puja, and morality.

>> The teaching is grounded in the basic teachings of the Nikayas/Agamas, but with an emphasis on the Bodhisattva ideal.

>> How to conduct basic Buddhist ceremonies; Dr. Ambedkar’s approach to Buddhism and how it relates to his other work

>> The social situation in India, know how to establish a small social project and how to work in calamities and other situations in which Scheduled Castes and others suffer discrimination

All this takes place within a life of community living and work.