Trailokya Bauddha Mahasangha Sahayaka Gana
Dhammakranti Mahashibir and Dhammajagruti Abhiyana
North India Report
(Dh.Subbuti’s tour from 17 Nov. to 4 Dec. 2007)
By- Dh.MaitriveerNagarjuana

1. Public Talk by Subhuti at Kushinagar (Date-19 Nov.2007)
   Shila is the basis for Equal Society.
   Venue: Bhadant Gyaneshwar Buddha Vihara, Kushinagar
   The Dhamma talk was organized in the Shrine Hall of the monastery at Kushinagar. People were under the influence of the place Kushinagar, as Buddha attained the Mahaparinirvana at this place. Programme started with the reciting of Refuges and Precepts. Programme was especially become wonderful with the presence of 80 participant of the Dhammaktranti Retreat Bodhgaya, as the talk was scheduled immediately after the Bodhgaya Dhammakranti retreat. Bhante Mahendra, Monk In charge of the monastery, Shanti Swaroop Baudh, Manager , Samyak Publication, Delhi, were present in the event.
    
   Dh.Subbuti, address the Dhamma Brothers and Sisters, by emphasizing the practice of Shila (precepts) to end the divisions in the society and to end the inequality of all kind. If more and more people will practice the precepts, inequality will come to an end and the society with Liberty, Equality and Fraternity will form. This was the dream of Dr.Babasaheb, to make society based on Shila and to form equality, he said. He explained the meaning of Babasaheb’s great act of Conversion and its relevance in modern world to make an egalitarian society. He also explained how important to take Dhamma forward in the places like Kushinagar, Bodhgaya, and other similar holy places in Buddhist History to sensitize the humanity for just society. People are just aware of the name Buddha, but unaware of his teachings, and also the contribution of Babasaheb for the Modern Buddhism, he emphasized. There is need to know what they have done for us and for the whole world. 
   The talk was followed by the Interaction with the people. Most of the Buddhist and Ambedkarite activist, Cultural activist, working on similar line were present in the programme. The talk was finished with the vote of thanks by the Dr. Virendra Kumar, Lecturer, Kushinagar College, Kushinagar.
   

2. Public Talk at Patkhauli, (Village near Kushinagar) (Date-20 Nov.2007)
   Get rid of Caste in Mind to form a Casteless Society.
   It was the late morning in the typical village area nearby Kushinagar, Patkhauli. Mr. Ashok Kumar was the organizer for the Public talk in the village. More than Hundred people were participated in the talk. At the beginning Dh. Subhuti and Shanti Swaroop Baudh lightened the Candles and offered flowers to the Budhha and Dr.Ambedkar. Dh.MaitiveerNagarjuna recited the three refuges and five precepts and positive precepts. Children performed a Buddhist song at the beginning of the talk. It was very remote area and has the typical North Indian village culture, where most of the Dalits are leaving the lives on the Agriculture labor and labor work on the basis of daily wages. Most of the people were illiterate, poor; and just aware of the movement led by Dr. Ambedkar. The influence of Kushinagar made them aware of the mere name of the Buddha but not his teachings.
    
   Dh.Subhuti, initiated his speech by explaining, what Dr. Ambedkar wanted to achieve from the Buddhist conversion, where society is highly divided on caste based inequality. By acknowledging the psychology of the village Subhuti tried to clarify, the seed of all inequality and Caste is in Mind. Dr. Ambedkar rightly investigated the disease of inequality- in the idea of Caste, which is deeply rooted in the mind. We should get rid of notion of caste lies into the mind by training our mind for equality and freedom. He explained the dream of Babasaheb to make Casteless society based on Buddhist values-Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. 
    
   He also explained the importance of shila to transform our relation with others so that we can set the ideal of equal society for others. He boosted the confidence in the people by explaining the practice of Dhamma (shila). He also said that other communities will change their attitude to see them and will attract towards them by new way of life showed by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. 
    
   Shanti Swaroop Baudh, spoke for a while, and explained the Buddhist history revived by Dr. Ambedkar. He emphasized to end the superstition and follow the path showed by Dr. Ambedkar and Tathagat Buddha.
   Village head (Sarpanch) gave a special thanks to Subhuti for his coming and visiting his village. Mr.Ashok Kumar delivered the vote of thanks.
    
   Programme was ended with recitation of the Dhammapalangatha and collective offering of flowers to the shrine.
    

3. Dhammakranti Retreat- Punjab (Date-23, 24, 25 Nov. 2007)
   Buddhism is only the way to understand the Laws of Mind and Science of Happiness 
   Leader – Dh. Subhuti.
   Venue: Bodhisatva Ambedkar Public School, Phulpur, Jalandhar,Punjab.
   For the first time in Punjab, Dhammakranti Retreat held to spread the model of Dhammakranti Retreat and thus spreading the Dhamma in Punjab. Punjab is one of the important states for the movement of Dr. Ambedkar in north India. Dr. Ambedkar, himself visited Jalandhar in 1951 for the Public Meeting. His visit to Punjab was one of the remarkable memories in the Dalits and other sympathizers of Babasaheb’s movement. 
    
   Dhammakranti team took some initiative with the help of Mitras in Punjab, to organize a three days Dhammakranti Retreat. It was organized in a Public School-run by some Mitras in Phulpur, Punjab. The location was in silent area; in the green fields whish was helpful for more effective retreat. 
    
   Dh.Subhuti, Explained the vision of Dr.Ambedkar behind Buddhist conversion. He said that caste is a collective idea, so we need to put collective efforts to get rid of the horrible Caste System. By locating the problem of caste in mind, he emphasized to get rid of the notion of caste in mind and explained the purpose of meditation as a means to develop power to work constantly, to develop the positive emotions, and to apprehend the things more sharply. Meditation trains the mind for the freedom. With the practicing sila, we train our mind for the right action. 
    
   He explained the Laws of mind through the teachings of Sila, Samadhi, and Pradnya.
    
   In course of the retreat, he introduced a model of Buddhist culture for daily Buddhist practices and weekly meetings, to practice Dhamma more effectively for New Buddhists. Following the suggestions of Dr. Ambedkar, Subhuti suggested meeting at least once in a week at local Vihara or at any friend’s home and appealed to form a small kula for the effective practice of friendship. He explained the importance of the Buddhist Culture to form a Buddhist society, free of caste and discrimination. He suggested to the people, to read and reflect daily on small portion of ‘The Buddha and His Dhamma’ (by- Dr. Ambedkar) to understand and learn Dhamma more clearly. He comprehensively explained that, “being a Buddhist means practicing Dhamma every movement of the life. So that you can do that you will need to have time each day to remember the Dhamma and reflect your life more deeply. Law can control the violence and misconduct to some extent, it is only the practice of Shila can stop the violence and misconduct fully”, he said. 
    
   For daily practice and weekly meetings, printed guide materials distributed among the participant. In course of the retreat practical exercises for – How to form the Kula, How to communicate Dhamma, and other helpful exercise were performed. 
   
   Dhamma Mitra Ordination ceremony: 
    
   Mrs. Chanchal, who is working as a Principal, Bodhisatva Ambedkar Public School from- Punjab; and Mrs. Seema from- Modinagar, U.P. ordained as a Dhammamitra at the last day of the retreat. It was very inspiring for the local Buddhist, as it was first time happened in the Punjab, and also for the local Buddhist ladies. 
    
   Dhammamitra Chanchal, Husanlal, Baldev, Kulvinder, Dr. Somnath,Balavinder, Teacher Staff, and other took hard work to make the Retreat successful. Mr. Sohanlal Gindha supported for the overall management of the event.
   
   Around 90 people participated in the Retreat from different part of the Punjab. Few persons from Valmiki community were also participated in the retreat. Five ladies Dhammamitras were also join the retreat from Modinagar,Uttar Pradesh, which was very inspiring for the women in Punjab. Few Dhammamitras from Haryana and Punjab were also on retreat. 
   Dhammachari Veemalshil and MaitriveerNagarjuna were present to help and coordinate the people on the retreat.
   

4. Public Talk at Alvar, Rajasthan (Date-28 Nov.2007)
   People of Casteless mind will be the leader of Casteless society.
   Venue: Dr. Ambedkar Chatravas, Khudanpuri, Alvar.
   This was the gathering of the people from 6 districts of Rajsthan. It was first kind of gathering in the District place of Alvar. It was organized in the Dr. Ambedkar Hostel Hall. Many of them were converted into Buddhism since 1956, but were less aware of the teachings of the Buddha. This particular district has more Buddhist population than any other district of Rajsthan.
    
   It was nicely organized with beautiful shrine. By lightening the Candles and offering a garland to Dr.Ambedkar and the Buddha, Subhuti began the speech.
    
   Dh.Subhuti, narrates the great struggle of Dr. Ambedkar to make a society free from inhuman caste practice. He said, Babasaheb Dr.Ambedkar gave his entire life to get rid of this horrible caste practice which divides the society in divisions. He deeply grieved for the data that keeps Rajsthan at the top for the Caste based atrocities. He contextualizes the great struggle of Dr. Ambedkar to make a casteless society. He narrates the beauty of Constitution which provides the society based on Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.
    
   He emphasizes that the true fraternity is possible only through the foundation and practice of Shila. He submits that most of the suffering in our life comes because of breaking the precepts. Ambedkarite people have responsibility to set an ideal of ‘Casteless People’ to set the path for Casteless society for others, he said. He appeals the Ambedkarite people to end the quarrels to take the mission of Dr.Ambedkar ahead.
    
   Most of the Buddhist, members of Buddhist Society of India (BSI), and Political activist from the place joined the talk. 
   Ad. Ashok Kumar and Dhammamitra Khubaraj took special efforts to make an event successful. 
    

5. Delhi Buddhist Meet. (Date-30 Nov.2007)
   People of Maharashtra should come forward to spread the Dhamma and teachings of Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar.
   Venue: Shanti Kunj, Near DDA Sport Centre, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.
   This Get-together was an initiative of some Maharastrians, resides in Delhi. This was the evening participated by most of the Ambedkarites families who are based in Delhi. But the event was also participated by the Buddhist and Ambedkarites friends from Thailand, Laddakh, Haryana, Rajsthan, Punjab & U.P.
    
   Dh.Subhuti, acknowledge the efforts of the friends from the Thailand and Laddakh to be in the gathering of Ambedkarite Buddhist. In his words, ‘To save a thing we place it in a freeze; likewise Buddhist from Laddakh saved the Buddhism in the valleys of Himalayas. And Buddhist from Thailand are trying to preserve it since the period of Asoka-the Great.’
   Most of the Maharastrian people in Delhi are well settled. Subhuti sensitize them for the genuine responsibility left at their shoulders by Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar himself. He encourages Buddhist brothers and sisters particularly from Maharashtra to come forward and take Dr. Ambedkar’s Dhammakranti ahead to make an egalitarian society. 
    
   For taking Dhamma ahead, he emphasized to practice it. Without practicing the Buddhism, we won’t be able to carry forward the great Dhammakranti Mission of Dr. Ambedkar. He also suggested establishing the Buddhist culture at to spread the Dhamma and to fulfill the dream of Dr. Ambedkar.
    

6. Dhammakranti Retreat- Haryana (Date- 1-2, Dec. 2007)
   Casteless Mind (Full of Maitri) is the Foundation for Casteless Society.
   Leader – Dh. Subhuti.
   Venue: Dr.Ambedkar Mahavidya Vihar, Malokhara, Palwal, Haryana.
   It was the first kind of Retreat ever held in the Haryana, it was also the first entry for Dhammakranti in the state. The retreat was organized in the Institute cum Vihara in the village Malokhara, 70 km east of Delhi. Around 95 men and 60 women participated in the retreat. Both educated and uneducated people were took interest in learning and practicing the Dhamma on the retreat. Representative from most of the District of Haryana were on the retreat to experience and learn and listen Subhuti’s talk. Some Mitras from Punjab, Rajsthan and U.P. were also on the retreat.
    
   Dh.Subhuti principally focused on the teachings of Shila & Samadhi. He explained the importance of practicing Metta Bhavana meditation practice to understand, and to see clearly, the deep root of inequality lies in the mind on the basis of Caste. He contextualized the practice of wisdom, compassion and Maitri to establish the society based on freedom, equality and liberty, which were true Buddhist values for Dr.Ambedkar, he said. He emphasized that, “Maitri is very important practice in Buddhism. The mind full of maîtri could only be the casteless mind, and casteless mind is the foundation for the casteless society. Practicing Metta Bhavana, is the tool to transform mind- into casteless mind. By quoting Dr.Ambedkar, he said, real reform can be made in the society by reforming the mind. Caste is nothing, it is mere an idea in mind. Idea lies in the mind, what mind can creates, can also be destroyed, thus we can destroy the notion of caste in our mind to end the inhuman caste system and to make the India in the dream of Babasaheb.”
    
   Subhuti tried to explain the meaning of Democracy for Dr. Ambedkar, was the respect and reverence, and relationship based on friendship (Maitri) among all citizens. Practicing Shila is the basis for true democracy. He tried clarify the practicing maîtri is the way to establish the fraternity and thus a true democracy, he explained.
   
   He explained the four benefits of meditation practice:

   1. We make our mind more happy and peaceful.

   2. We make our mind clearer.

   3. We develop emotional positivity.

   4. We develop strength. 

   He further explained Liberty cannot exist in actual form without the liberty of mind, he said, without Dhamma our mind is just like an animal. Human being by practicing Dhamma can have beautiful plan to beatify the life, society, he said. He also advised people to work with friendship to spread the Dhamma in entire nation. 
    
   Subhuti, also comprehensively explained the daily Buddhist practices to establish a Buddhist Culture to practice and spread the Dhamma. He suggested to read and reflect at least a small part of the ‘The Buddha and His Dhamma’ (by- Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar), to develop wisdom and learn the Dhamma more clearly.
    
   People on the retreat were very inspired by the practice given by Subhuti, and were looking forward to take the Dhammakranti of Dr.Ambedkar ahead as solution to the problem from which the society is suffering from.
   Dh. Gyanratna and MaitriveerNagarjuna, Dhammamitra Savita, were on retreat to help the people.
   
   Dr.K.K.Rahul, Director, Ambedkar Mahavidyavihar, took special efforts to make the retreat effective and successful. 

   
   Jai Bheem!!
   With Metta,
   MaitriveerNagarjuna.