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of contributing to democratic students experienced remarkable provides social activism training
processes. personal transformation, feeling for alumni, as well as Jambudvipa
empowered as a result of Dharma Trust which organizes the Ashoka
Secondly, teachers and teaching practice. Many come to us thinking Dhammaduta program.
resources are most important. I they could not do anything in life but
would encourage Buddhist teachers ended up continuing their education I meditate regularly, mainly
to come to India to share their in universities or running exemplary ānāpānasati and mettā bhavana.
wisdom, it can be about meditation, social work programs. Some of our I also do Avalokiteshvara and
sutras and others. alumni have started schools, and Amitabha chanting as part of my
some become Dharma teachers. practice. I am currently writing
Lastly, financial support would Nagaloka is essentially a caste-free about my experiences in India and
always be greatly appreciated. In zone, with no discrimination on Triratana movement, let’s see if they
the Buddhist East, people take the the basis of caste. Friendships are can be published in the future.
practice of dana very seriously, but built with other young people of
please make sure donations are different ethnic backgrounds from What particular Buddhist
used properly e.g. for worthwhile all over India. The community teachings or texts have had the
projects. There is an enormous is mainly made up of the Dalits, most profound impact on your
need for funds to print books, run but not exclusively, as there are life and practice?
Dharma centers, develop retreat others including Scheduled Tribes,
centers, and social work etc. traditional Buddhist Chakma, and I learnt basic Buddhism from
other backward classes. Sangharakshita’s lectures in
(To support, one can visit: https:// the early 1970s. His lectures on
www.nagarjunatraininginstitute. What do you integrate personal the Sutra of Golden Light had a
org/support/) practice with your work? very strong impact on me with
their message of the mutual
What are some of the most These days I have started to transformation of self and world.
significant transformations withdraw from the frontline, but I I like Ven. Master Yin Shun’s
you’ve witnessed at Nagarjuna do advice on major difficulties and approach of combining early
Training Institute? Are we challenges, the development of Mahāyāna teachings with the
attracting the Dalits or ordinary our educational programmes and Nikāyas. Dr Ambedkar’s vision
Indians from various castes? developing ways to generate income. of Buddhism seen through the

Rather than taking a leading role, I principles of liberty, equality
The young generations are inspired feed in ideas and encourage others to and fraternity has had a strong
by Buddhism and Dr Ambedkar’s develop a vision and a sense of what influence on me. EH
approaches, and this itself has we can do at Nagaloka. I am also
given them much confidence. Many working with Manuski Trust which