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世友行者（中）在研讨会
中除了发表佛教在印度的演
变，也分享40年前与马佛青
结缘的经过，左为中文翻译
刘宜霖。
Dhammacari Lokamitra
(center) shared insights on
the evolution of Buddhism
in India and recounted his
40-year connection with
YBAM. Liu Yi Lin (left) is
the Mandarin translator.

13.04.2024
8.00pm – 9.30pm

槟城普爱学园Pu Ai
Community Service
Centre, Penang

30人 / Attendees

hammacari Lokamitra, a prominent leader
Ddedicated to the revival of Indian Buddhism,
founded a Buddhist academy in India and actively Dharma to every corner of India.
promotes various educational and charitable initiatives. Starting in 1977, Dhammacari Lokamitra followed
He established a connection with YBAM 40 years ago Dr Ambedkar’s vision by continuously helping the
and returned to Malaysia to give a talk, sharing the joy of Dalit community in India, leading the revival of Indian
spreading the Dharma over the years. Buddhism, and establishing the Nagarjuna Institute.
The seminar ‘Reviving Indian Buddhism: Experiences The institute undertakes various educational, charitable,
and Missions,’ was organised by YBAM Penang State and public welfare activities. Dhammacari Lokamitra
Liaison Committee on 13 April 2024 at Pu Ai Community asserted, ‘We cannot merely appreciate the Buddha’s
Service Centre, with 30 attendees. compassion while turning a blind eye to the suffering
YBAM Lay Advisor Leong Kok Hing opened the in society.’
seminar by sharing the history of Dhammacari Lokamitra’s The graduates of Nagarjuna Institute actively
connection with YBAM. Dhammacari Lokamitra then participate in Buddhist propagation and social welfare
recounted his experiences from 40 years ago when he first programmes across India. Although many Dalits
came to Malaysia at the invitation of YBAM. He reflected, still face discrimination, most choose to follow Dr
'The experiences and lessons I learned opened another door Ambedkar’s advice and embrace Buddhism rather than
in my life, laying a solid foundation for my subsequent resorting to violence.
efforts in India and helping the world understand the Dhammacari Lokamitra noted that the unique
development of Indian Buddhism.' aspect of Buddhism in Malaysia is its preservation of
During the seminar, Dhammacari Lokamitra shared traditional elements while also embracing vitality and
his Dharma learning experiences from 1974, particularly innovation, which parallels the current state of Indian
the significant academic insights he gained from his Buddhism.
esteemed teacher, Ven. Sangharakshita. He was profoundly He emphasised, 'A peaceful and democratic
impacted by the idea that ‘One cannot change oneself Buddhist movement is gradually influencing the society
without changing the world, and similarly, one cannot and politics of India. This impact will be more profound
change the world without changing oneself.’ This concept than that of the Buddha and Emperor Ashoka. As this
motivated him to move to India and actively pursue the democratic Buddhist movement continues to grow, it
revival of Indian Buddhism. can positively influence the entire Asia and beyond.'
Additionally, Dhammacari Lokamitra was This seminar not only provided participants with a
deeply influenced by Dr Ambedkar, who believed deeper understanding of the revival of Indian Buddhism
that only by embracing Buddhism could the Dalits but also inspired the public to reflect on their thoughts
break free from the caste system and spread the and actions regarding Dharma propagation.

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