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.

Buddha Surya Vihar

 Buddha Surya Vihar

The Buddha Surya Vihara, was the first building on the Nagaloka campus. It is very well used with weekly Dhamma classes, lectures, festivals, devotional practices and rituals, and workshops on issues related to the Dhamma. All these events take place there helping people to understand Dhamma. A majestic image of Maitreya Buddha in the Ajanta style inspires all those who visit the Vihara. This year, the proceedings of the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) were hold in the Vihara. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama gave a talk and addressed a concluding session of INEB.