"Colecta Karuna, Mexico" changes name to "Movimiento Karuna"

Knowing now
that the life at which I aim
is a circumference
continually expanding
through sympathy and
understanding
rather than an exclusive centre
of pure self – feeling
the whole I seek
is centre plus circumference
and now the struggle at the centre is over
the circumference
beckons from everywhere.

Walking the Coast, Kenneth White

Mario Peña writes from Mexico:

Movimiento Karuna (Movement Karuna) is a project that proposes social integration, through a shift in consciousness, to respond more creatively to the suffering, hatred and indifference that are more and more common in society. The project emerged in 2008 as a bridge of connection between people that would like to help, but do not know how, and people that need help.

Helping without underestimating anyone, without an air of superiority, we can come to understand, experience and develop universal values. 

Throughout the year we make collections in kind for the benefit of institutions, lectures, days of meditation and special workshops to help us understand and practice loving-kindness (mettā), compassion (karuṇā), sympathetic joy or gladness (muditā), and equanimity (upekkhā).

In the last years we have done seven collections of different foods, toys, candy, and money to buy things that are needed. We also held two collections in the case of natural disasters that occurred in towns.
We are very happy with the results, but we see that in the time between collections we need others things that help us to keep up the practice and of course to help us clarify these emotions.

It is for this reason that we changed the name because we needed a name that means not only collections, but something more... We hope to show the results of these activities very soon.

Yours in the Buda, Dharma and Sangha
Mario 

EcoDharma launch the Sila Network

Last week Triratna News posted a story from Guhyapati outlining the EcoDharma Centre’s five-year vision and current opportunities.  They've just launched a new initiative, The Sila Network, and are looking for people to join them.  He explains -

“The Sila Network aims to help Buddhist Centres across Triratna bring the transformative power of the Dharma into effective relationship with society.  It also seeks to support the application of Buddhist ethics to the 21st century.  A number of Order Members, friends and mitras have been working together over the last year to create it”.  “Central to our thinking was a conviction that as students of the Dharma, and in a time of planetary crisis, it’s essential we engage with the social context in which we find ourselves,” explains Alex Swain, who is taking on an administrative role in the network. “In Triratna,” she continues, “we speak of this in terms of ‘transformation of self and world’, and this initiative seeks to help make that a reality.”

The Sila Network team, which includes Guhyapati from the EcoDharma Centre, Lokabandhu from the Triratna Development Team, and Ben Jackson who is currently based in Berlin, has drafted the following mission statement:

“The Sila Network seeks to support institutions throughout the Triratna Community to exemplify ethical ideals, as applied to ecological sustainability and social justice issues. We want to help Buddhist Centres, businesses and communities to address ethical consumption, energy descent and radical simplicity, and to communicate about these choices in a way that inspires and encourages similar change in others. Applying Buddhist ethics to a 21st century context, we are seeking to support institutions within Triratna (including: Urban Buddhist Centres, Rural Retreat Centres, communities, Right-Livelihood initiatives and businesses) to embrace and exceed the best practice already evident in society at large. The network emphasises the “power of community” to address our shared ecological and social problems in the belief that, together, we can work towards a transition from non-sustainability and social injustice to a sustainable future and culture of compassion”.

“Dharma practitioners are aware that our ethical precepts need to be upheld consistently through all aspects of our lives,” says Lokabandhu. “It’s increasingly evident that the choices we make in how we consume, where we bank, who our energy supplier is, and so on, really do matter, especially when we stand together in bigger numbers.”  With this in mind the Sila Network team feel that the Triratna Community has great potential to set an inspiring example for a culture which is too often preoccupied with individualism and consumption. It aims to assist our Triratna Centres to become beacons of ethical practice contributing meaningful solutions. “We hope,” explains Guhyapati, “ to support our shared aspirations of compassion and concern for the world, so that the power of the Dharma can continue to transform society, helping our Centres and institutions become exemplars and sources of inspiration.”

How can you help?

The team have already written to Triratna Centres in the UK and mainland Europe (where the initiative will focus for the time being), looking for one or two people within each local sangha to become ‘Sila Network Contacts’.  They’re hoping to find,  within local Triratna Sanghas, people with expressed concerns about sustainability and other social issues who might be drawn to work with the Network. Or people in local Buddhist Centre teams who’re interested in the help the Network could offer. Some Centres are already doing excellent work in these areas. So, there may be someone in your local centre team already engaged in this kind of work, and if there is, the Sila Network team would love to speak to them!  They might also be able to help share their experience around the movement.

Can you recommend someone, or would you like to get involved?  If so, please put yourself or them in touch with us, through our email address silanetwork@ecodharma.com

There will also be a meeting in the EcoDharma space at the Buddhafield Festival in mid-July. If you’re planning to attend, look out for it on the program and come and meet the team there.

Still a few places left on New Society event in Birmingham, 17-19 June

Jnanarakshita writes: 

Dear Friends,  This is to let you know that we’ve had lots of bookings for this event, but there’s still a few places left if you want to join us.

On the weekend we’ll explore some of the principles and practices of creating Sangha together. What are the advantages and the challenges of Dharma work and of communal living? 

The emphasis will be on achievable action and practical next steps, and the programme will include:

- a presentation by Vajragupta: "the New Society – why we need it and how to get involved"

- the launch of a new guide to starting a community, devised by Lokabandhu and others

- mini-talks from 5 or 6 young people who've recently joined or pioneered communal projects

- puja and shrine room practice

- time to meet with others

The New Society in principle and practice

7.30pm Friday 17 June to 4.00pm Sunday 19 June at Birmingham Buddhist Centre

 Cost: dana (by donation).  Accommodation available.

To book, or for more information: email Vidyaruci, matt.notmatt [at] yahoo.co.uk

or see the facebook page June Event: The New Society in Principle and Practice

  

Two awards for Triratna social projects in India

Milind Shakya, an Indian Order Member from Triratna’s Bahujan Hitay social project in Pune, writes with news of two major awards recently awarded to their women's projects.  He says - “We are pleased to inform you that our Bahujan Hitay Girls Hostel in Latur and our Jeevak Women’s Project  in Pune have been honoured with two valuable awards in memory of “Ahilayabai Holkar” by the Government of Maharashtra, Child and Welfare Dept.

"The awards were  presented by the hands of Mr. Prithviraj Chawan, Chief Minister of the Govt of Maharashtra,  on this occasion many dignitaries were present, including  Mr. Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister, and Mrs Varsha Gaikwad, Minister for Woman and Child Welfare, plus. Mr. Laxman Jagtap, MLA.  This award contains Rs. 25000/- a Trophy, and a Certificate".

Karunaprabha, who works for the projects concerned,  adds - “The Award is given in memory of Ahilayabai Holkar wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahilyabai_Holkar. a social reformer who worked for the welfare of the Indian Women and fought for the women rights, in the 18th Century.  This Award is for doing Best Work in the Pune Division and also for the Best NGO in the Pune Division". 

Sadhu!

News from Triratna Mexico

Parami, a regular visitor to Mexico, brings us news of anew project at Triratna’s Mexico Buddhist Centre.  We’re printing it in both English and Spanish for the benefit of our readers in Mexico - and the rest of the Spanish-speaking world!  Ana, one of the project leaders,  says -

“Two Mitras from Mexico City, Juan Carlos Martínez and myself, Ana Martí, are giving yoga classes to 20 men who are homeless.  These men also have psychiatric problems. The yoga is having a wonderful effect on the men and they are thoroughly enjoying their classes.  These photos are from the Integration Social Center. That day our students had their new mat, donated by other Sangha members, and in three of these photos that we´re sending to you, they had already practiced yoga, and at the time of taking the photo they were shouting "one, two, three...THANKS! " to those who had given the mats to them...

And in Spanish -

“Dos mitras, mexicanos, estan dando clases de yoga a 20 hombres indigentes con poblemas psiquiátricos. Estas fotografías son del Centro de Integración social. Ese día los estudiantes recibieron sus tapetes nuevos, y en estas tres fotos que estamos mandando ya habían realizado su práctica de yoga, y a la cuenta de uno, dos, tres... GRACIAS! gritaron a quien les regaló los tapetes... 

Breathworks Launch Facebook News Page

Vilasavajra writes from Breathworks, Triratna’s very successful Manchester-based Right Livelihood. They’re a social enterprise helping people to live well with pain, illness and stress using Mindfulness.

He’s got news of their new Facebook page, and says -

“Wishing to bring this approach to more people and so help alleviate the suffering of pain and stress around the world, we have launched a new Facebook news page.

"Become a fan to keep updated on ideas and developments in mindfulness-related issues. We'd love to hear your comments, thoughts, experiences and questions too”.

It looks great: the latest entry reads -

“Just finished a very successful and inspiring grads retreat - 19 people who have completed a mindfulness-based "living well" course. Many with pain and health problems and yet the retreat was full of joy and laughter. Will be posting "mindfulness of kite flying in a gale" video soon!”

The Facebook URL is www.facebook.com/pages/Breathworks-Mindfulness/143043865730009 and their website is http://breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk.

Karuna win £20,000 grant!

Triratna’s Karuna Trust would like to share with the Triratna community the great news that they’ve been awarded a £20,000 grant to help 10,000 rural children living in poverty in Maharastra. Sadhu!

Andrea writes from Karuna to say - “We’re delighted to announce that Karuna has been awarded a grant of £20,000 from The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Trust. The trust, which has funded Karuna projects for over ten years, was set up in memory of two generations of the Ferguson family to promote their particular interests in education, international friendship and understanding, and the promotion of world peace and development.

This generous donation will go towards funding a child rights centre in rural Maharashtra, which will give up to 10,000 children living in poverty across 150 villages the opportunity to access education and to escape child labour and poverty.

The project, which is run by Karuna’s project partner NISD (the National Institute for Sustainable Development), will organise, educate, train and empower stakeholders, including teachers, government officers, local leaders, youth leaders and parents. Once trained, these stakeholders will implement the project activities across the 150 villages. 24 out of school support classes will benefit school children who are falling behind; a school enrolment drive and education improvement programme will encourage enrolment and retention of children at school, and child activity groups, including child parliaments, will engage children and build their confidence and leadership abilities.

Karuna has worked with NISD since 2003 helping displaced tribal communities, bidi (cigarette worker) families and wage labouring families, all of which are socially and economically disadvantaged. NISD aims to help over 30,000 disadvantaged children and women.

Case study – a child parliament
Kanchan, aged 12 is a Minister in her village Balpanchayat (child parliament) group. The parliament of children aged 10 to 18, which is organised by this project, is currently tackling the issue of school absenteeism. Kanchan gives an example of their work: “There were two sisters in our village who were not being allowed to come to the school. We met with their mother who told us that they didn’t need an education that her son would look after them when he completed his education. We told her that girls’ brains are as capable as boys and that if she educates her daughters that they will be just as capable and more likely to look after her. Both girls are now coming to our school and that makes us all very happy.”

Karuna would like to thank the trustees of The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Trust for their generous, ongoing support.

There’s still much work to do supporting children such as Kanchan! Over 80% of funding for Karuna’s work comes from thousands of individuals across the UK, who having met with a Triratna volunteer, have taken the decision to contribute a regular donation to Karuna.

Here’s how YOU can help - give your time in one of three ways:

1. Help out on a telephone fundraising campaign

We’re recruiting now for our next non-residential, phone campaign which runs from 25 October to 3 December 2010 based out of the Karuna office in North London.

2. Join a door-to-door Karuna Appeal in 2011

3. Live in a men’s fundraising community for a year

Feeling inspired? Curious to find out more?

Contact: Jo, Andrea or Amalavajra.
Phone: 0207 700 3434
Email: appeals@karuna.org

Karuna was formed in 1980 as Aid for India, Triratna's response to the suffering of India's Dalit community. For 30 years, Karuna has worked with some of South Asia's most disadvantaged people, sending over £1 million every year to support low-caste and tribal communities, street children and refugees fulfill their potential through our social and Dharma projects.

Karuna Mexico acts in response to flood and hurricane

Members of Triratna’s Mexican sangha have been battling floods this month, as heavy rains and hurricanes have battered the country.

They write to say -

“This month the North of Mexico has gone through a heavy rain season and a Hurricane called "Alex", this meant many of Mexico’s poorest communities were flooded, as a consequence of living adjacent to rivers and dams which could not cope. Mexican news spoke of over 200,000 affected people, many of whom lost their homes, furnishings, and possessions.

“The photographs talk by themselves.

“Through the "Colecta Karuna" project of Mexico City Buddhist Centre, we invited people to help donating some non-perishable food, water, medicines, etc. Thanks to the support and generosity of people, we were able to gather a good amount of donations that will be useful at this time.

“We also organized an afternoon of meditation in benefit of this cause, doing meditations each hour from 2 pm to 6 pm. We closed the day with a puja dedicated to the victims, with our best wishes and positive feeling for the early resettlement and the arrival of aid.

“This puja was dedicated to Avalokitesvara in order to get in touch with the feeling of compassion to develop and expand, so our Buddhist practice was dedicated to people who are suffering at this time

“We would like to extend the invitation to that we can devote meditations and pujas in various centers of the Order to persons who suffer for whatever reason in the world.

"We end by saying - "Sabbe Satta Sukhi Hontu - May all beings be well, that all beings may be at peace, that all beings be free from suffering”

For more details of Colecta Karuna's work check their website www.karuna.mx

Graduation Ceremonies at Nagaloka, India

Mitra Deeksha ceremony
held in front of Nagaloka's 
Majestic Walking Buddha

Vivekaratna, Director of Triratna’s Dhamma and Social training centre at Nagaloka in Nagpur, central India, writes to say -

“Greetings and  Jai Bheem.

“The training of our VIIIth Batch of students has been concluded with the Buddha Jayanti Festival held from 25th May to 27th May at Nagaloka. On that occasion 57 persons became Dhamma Mitras, including 24 male and 17 female trainees who were reaching the end of their training.

“Certificates to mark their successful completion of the DhammaSekhiya (Dhamma Training) course were distributed in the farewell ceremony to the VIIIth Batch trainees held on 28th May.

Staff and Trainees with Certificates

“I am sending the photos for posting in Triratna News. I request you to help publish this news.

“With Metta.
“Vivekaratna”

More details of Nagaloka's work are available on their website at www.nagaloka.org. Every year they accept approximately 120 young men and women from all over India for a year's intensive training in Buddhism and social work: over 400 graduates now comprise an all-India network of young Dhamma activists.

Anathapindaka Vihara holds foundation stone laying ceremony

Amitayus writes from central India with news of the foundation stone laying ceremony for the new Anathapindaka Vihara and Social Work Center at Triratna’s Amaravati centre. He says -

“ I have the privilege to inform you that the Dhammachari Lokamitra has laid the foundation stone of the Anathapindaka Vihara and Social Work Center in Amaravati. The ceremony started with the offerings to Buddha and Dr. Ambedkar fallowed by chanting by Dhammacharinis and with singing by the Ashvaghosh cultural team.

“The ceremony went very well in enthusiastic atmosphere and in presence of hundreds of Buddhists, non-Buddhists, well wishers, Mitras, and friends along with local leaders from various political and social organizations.

“In his talk Dhammachari Lokamitra appealed to people to contribute in the development of the Vihara as this would be the place of human empowerment and a place of Dhamma Revolution as well as a center from where people can learn and propagate Dhamma.

“Also Urgyen Sangharakshita sent his message to the ceremony which was read out as soon as the foundation stone was laid. In his message he said -


 ‘I am delighted to learn that, with the help of the Dhammamitras, the Dhammacharis and Dhammacharinis of the Vidharbha region are establishing a centre where the Dhamma can be taught and from which social work can be carried on.

 ‘I heartily congratulate all those who are involved in bringing this noble and worthwhile project to a successful conclusion. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Dhamma revolution has brought the Buddha’s sublime message to millions of people who were living in darkness and it is our duty to continue the mission he started.

 ‘Social work must be based on the principles of the Dhamma, and the Dhamma must find expression in social work. The institution you are establishing therefore has this double function, i.e. to be a place where the Dhamma is practiced and taught and from which social, educational, and medical activities are conducted. I am confident that with the support of all concerned it will be a source of blessing to hundreds of thousands of people within the Vidharbha region’.

“Dhammacharini Jayamani introduced the Anathapindaka Vihara which will consist of the Dhamma teaching and meditation hall, an educational residential hostel for boys, and a women child and youth empowerment center, along with a library.

“Finally there was rejoicing of merits (done by clapping hands) for those donors who have donated online and were not present on the occasion. All are invited to visit our on-line fundraising page www.justgiving.com/AnathapindakaVihara.

“Jai Bhim and metta to all,

Amitayus

Foundation stone laying ceremony for Amaravati sangha

Big news is just in from Amitayus at the FWBO/TBMSG’s thriving sangha in Amaravati, central India, where they have big plans for a new social/dhamma centre to accommodate their growing activities.

The new centre has just received its name from Sangharakshita - it’ll be known as the Anathapindaka Vihara. They are celebrating by conducting the foundation stone laying ceremony this 14th April - which Indiaphiles will recognise as the 119th birth anniversary of the great dhamma and social revolutionary Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Amitayus writes -

“Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s birth anniversary and foundation of new Anathapindaka Vihar and Social Work Centre at Amravati will be marked by laying the foundation stone by the auspicious hands of Dhammachari Lokamitra the pioneer of TBMSG-FWBO in South Asia.

Urgyen Sangharakshita named this project and gave us his blessing in the following words -

"I am delighted to learn that, with the help of the Dhammamitras, the Dhammacharis and Dhammacharinis of the Vidharbha region are establishing a centre where the Dhamma can be taught and from which social work can be carried on.

“I heartily congratulate all those who are involved in bringing this noble and worthwhile project to a successful conclusion.

“Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's Dhamma revolution has brought the Buddha’s sublime message to millions of people who were living in darkness and it is our duty to continue the mission he started.

“Social work must be based on the principles of the Dhamma, and the Dhamma must find expression in social work. The institution you are establishing therefore has this double function, i.e. to be a place where the Dhamma is practised and taught and from which social, educational, and medical activities are conducted. I am confident that with the support of all concerned it will be a source of blessing to hundreds of thousands of people within the Vidharbha region.

(sd) Sangharakshita"

“Anathapindaka was a leading disciple of the Buddha. His name means ‘He who gives food to those who are without a protector’, i.e. to orphans and to those who were destitute. Thus he is associated with both the teaching of the Dhamma and with helping the poor and distressed.

“The venue for the ceremony is our proposed site, at Bhumiputra Colony, Congress Nagar, Amaravati. It will be great to see you on this event.

“At Amaravati we serve urban, rural and tribal Buddhists - in fact we are the second biggest Dhamma and social centre after Nagaloka in Nagpur. The need of our new centre arises due to the long-lasting demand of infrastructure from the local Buddhists and those who want to know and practice the Dhamma - both new Buddhists and non Buddhists.

Children's activities at Amaravati

“This new infrastructure will replace the existing rented building that we use for our social activity including HOSTEL, YOUTH, WOMEN AND CHILD Empowerment programmes. Other needs that this building will satisfy are

• Shelter for the hostel boys from rural tribal areas  seeking Residence for their education
• Women’s and children training and guidance centre
• Youth empowerment, training and employment centre .
• Community Hall.
• Bahujan Hitaya project office.
• Vihar and residence for guest and trainees.

“The local sangha appeal and request all of us to bless and contribute to this project by supporting financially, giving time and skills which will highly be welcome.

If it is easy for you to donate online then please just click www.justgiving.com/AnathapindakaVihara. Your donation will be highly helpful.

Please reply your support, involvement, and feedback to dhammachari_amitayus@rediffmail.com

Bahujan Hitay Amaravati celebrates with annual festival

Amitayus, an Indian Order Member from TBMSG’s vibrant Amaravati centre in central Maharastra, writes with news of their recent annual festival, organised to celebrate a very successful 2009. He says -

“Jaibhim and many good wishes from Bahujan Hitay project Amravati.

“It is our pleasure to let you know that Bahujan Hitay project Amravati has organized the Bahujan Hitay annual festival. Participants included beneficiaries, indirect beneficiaries, stakeholder’s staff, donors, well-wishers and management. It is a reflection of our year long success, and for the first time we made it for four days in length, from 9-12 February.

Events included sports events for the Staff and the cultural activities for our direct and indirect beneficiaries and stake holders. The concluding ceremony on 12 February was presided over by Dhammachari Nagabhadra, Chairman of our Bahujan Hitay project management committee.

Some sense of the breadth of Amaravati’s activities can be found from their annual report - available on the Resources page of FWBO News at www.fwbo-news.org/features/Amaravati_annual_report_2007-8.pdf

India week continues - introducing the Bodhisattva Foundation

We continue this week of stories from India with a report from the Bodhisattva Foundation, a new FWBO/TBMSG charity created to work with women from nomadic tribes near Mumbai in Maharastra. Alokasri, its founder, writes-

First Republic Day Celebration by most disadvantaged community:

“India`s 60th Republic day was celebrated on 26th January 2010 all over India but there was something special about the festivities in Aundhe - a small village near Lonavala 100km from Mumbai. Unbelievably, it was first time Republic day had ever been celebrated in that community.

“Aundhe is home to a community of Adivasi and Katakari people, known as nomadic tribes in India. They are every bit as marginalized, if not more so, than the Dalits, or Scheduled Castes, who TBMSG have been working with for over thirty years now. When we met them we were really surprised to discover that in last 60 years they were not knowing what is meant by republic day, nobody involve them in such occasions or make any efforts to aware them about their citizenship. So an early result of our work is that they celebrated 60th Republic Day for those people in their own community.

“On the day, the head of the local Sarpanch, or village Council, hosted the national flag in the early morning at 8.30 AM, saying that though Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar had through his hard work given a constitution to the country, yet there is need to create an awareness amongst people about their rights and educate them how to receive basic amenities from the local authorities.

“Alokashri then explained the purpose of the Bodhisattva Foundation and its first project, the Comprehensive Education Center was inaugurated. It will emphasise a balance of formal and non formal education, plus social awareness programs that will help raise the confidence of the community so that local people will take responsibility of their own development and become self reliant.

“The Bodhisattva Foundation is an Indian Charitable Trust (NGO) run by Indian women who are actively involved in Buddhist practice and as expression of their practice working for underprivileged, marginalized and disadvantage section of the society. It works in partnership with Bodhisattva Activity, a similar trust registered in the UK”.

As a way of fundraising for their activities, Alokasri is leading a series of pilgrimages in India, the next ones being to Nepal in March and north-eastern India in April-May. For further details of these, or their charitable work, please email Alokasri on bodhisattvaactivity@gmail.com

Karuna Mexico is born

For FWBO News' first story of the New Year, we're pleased to report from Mexico. Mario Peña from the AOBO’s Mexico Buddhist Centre writes...

“We have a new project at the Buddhist Centre - "Karuna". I am happy to report that it is growing up even more and more. We are running activities to help groups of disadvantaged people - children without parents, children that live in the street, old people, people with troubled psychology, etc.

“Since 2007 we have been organising collections of different goods. After we make an appeal, people bring and leave things in the Buddhist Centre; and we find that after some months of collecting we have enough to leave them to institutions that help people. So far we’ve done 4 appeals, all with good results - the most recent have been toys in April and food in December. With these we have helped 22 different institutions and more than 1500 people.

“We are very excited, we have finished our collections for the year 2009 and we are glad. With these activities we’ve been able to help people who come to the Buddhist Centre to practice compassion and kindness, (Karuna, Metta) - and of course the donations have had benefits in their own right.

“It could be the response of Mexicans to the work of TBMSG and the Karuna Trust in India.

“We think that when we engage an activity like this we can help change the attitude of people, the tendency towards discrimination against people on another economic level, or old people, or with some incapacity or another - we can help to break the barriers that exist between Mexicans.

“Our web page in Spanish is www.karuna.mx.

“Thank you.”

Mario Peña
Coordinator Colecta Karuna México.
Centro Budista de la Ciudad de Mexico
Tel.: 001 55 5525 4023
contacto@karuna.mx
Colecta Karuna

Agradecemos el apoyo a todas las personas que participaron con entusiasmo en la colecta. Se logro reunir suficientes víveres para llegar a las 5 instituciones que teniamos pensado. La entrega se realizó el día Lunes, martes, y miércoles. ...

MBE for London Order Member

FWBO News has just received a tipoff from our Taraloka mole, who says -

“Just discovered that Sraddhapushpa has just collected her MBE at Buckingham Palace!”

Thanks, mole…! It’s true - Debrett’s says so, where we learn that the Queen has been graciously pleased, on the occasion of the Celebration of Her Majesty's Birthday, to give orders for the following appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire...

Sraddhapushpa (whose English name is Suzy Powesland) is a 79-year-old Order Member living in an FWBO women’s community around the London Buddhist Centre, and was for many years a teacher in some of East London’s roughest schools. She was nominated for the award (a Member of the British Empire)by her community, which was awarded for “voluntary service to Black and Minority Ethnic People in East London”.

Sraddhapushpa featured prominently in Ed Husain's 2008 book ‘The Islamist: Why I Joined Radical Islam in Britain, What I Saw Inside and Why I Left’, shortlisted for both the Book Prize and Orwell Prize 2008.

To quote from Chapter 1, Ed Husain says  - “Sir William Burrough primary school in Limehouse was almost an extension of my home. The teachers would often visit my parents and I remember going to Ms Powlesland’s house to pick cherries in her garden. She loved her pupils so much that even her social life revolved around us. At weekends she often took us to theatres in the West End, where many of the stories we read in class came alive on stage. My particular favourite was Peter Pan. I liked his ability to do the undoable: to fly.

“Growing up in Britain in the 1980s was not easy. Looking back, I think Ms Powlesland was trying to create her own little world of goodwill and kindness for the children in her care. We grew up oblivious of the fact that large numbers of us were somehow different – we were ‘Asian’.

"‘Pakis! Pakis! F— off back home!’ the hoodlums would shout. The National Front was at its peak in the 1980s. I can still see a gang of shaven-headed tattooed thugs standing tall above us, hurling abuse as we walked to the local library to return our books. Ms Powlesland and the other teachers raced to us, held our hands firmly, and roared at the hate-filled bigots.

"‘Go away! Leave us alone,’ they would bellow to taunts of ‘Paki lovers’ from the thugs. Little did I know then that one day I, too, would be filled with abhorrence of others..."   (click here to read the rest of the first chapter online).

Sadhu Sraddhapushpa!

Jambudvipa reports on hard-hitting anti-caste work

Many readers of FWBO News will be aware that at the twelfth session of its Human Rights Council, the UN moved to declare discrimination based on the Indian caste system to be a human rights abuse.

TBMSG - as the FWBO is known in India - is a grass-roots Buddhist community which has been working for 30 years to spread the ‘Dhamma Revolution’ in India.  Creating a caste-free society open to all Indians has long been central to their vision, and besides their long-running Dhamma teaching and extensive social projects they have more recently moved into advocacy work. The Jambudvipa Trust, based in Pune, is their most active ‘advocacy’ project; their work is an inspiration.

We’re proud to reproduce here this editorial from ‘Padmapani’, Jambudvipa's annual report and magazine.

Lokamitra, their president, writes -

“The Jambudvipa Trust, under its Manuski project is at present targeting five of the most disadvantaged communities in Maharashtra. One of these, the Paradhi community, along with other similar communities, has been cruelly dismissed and marginalised by being termed a Criminal Tribe. The result is that as well as having to live in unimaginably appalling conditions, they are subjected to arbitrary killings by the police and administration. Jambudvipa is working with such communities to make known their plight and help them develop their own leadership.

“Dr. Ambedkar urged Dalits in the strongest terms to leave behind their traditional degrading work and live a life of dignity. And yet millions of people born into the Mehetar and other sweeper castes think they are destined to do only this work. Scattered in all the towns in India, they are still obliged to work in the most inhuman conditions and carry human excreta, despite the denials of the administration and government. Indeed the latter maintain this system. They need people to clean all the filth and sewers, and, given the caste-contaminated mindset of most people in India, can only turn to these people. To make sure these people do not try and break out of the caste mould, the government hands out sops like housing and a steady wage to the Mehetar community. But without education, and social support and stimulation, these result in little, if any, progress. [see photo on right]

“Manuski has been producing field reports to bring these denied facts out in the open, and working with other like-minded organisations to campaign to end these inhuman practices. Out of these activities Manuski has been encouraging the development of networks of activists from these exploited communities who can take this forward. At the same time it has continued to develop Its advocacy work with regard to the frequent atrocities these people are subjected to. Finally Manuski has been supporting the emergence of a strong network of Dalit women leaders, activists, educators and social workers in Maharashtra which has now developed its own momentum'.

“While our approach in social work is entirely secular, most of the Jambudvipa and Manuski team have become Buddhists, inspired by Dr. Ambedkar, who realised that only a complete change in mindset or attitude will bring about the social change required to destroy the extremely deep roots of caste and untouchability. To this end Jambudvipa works with the Nagarjuna Institute, TBMSG and other similarly inspired Buddhist organisations to teach people how Buddhist practice can bring about the transformation of mental attitudes. In March 2009 a three day retreat was held in Tamil Nadu, organised jointly by Jambudvipa and the Nagarjuna Institute. It was attended by members of the three most exploited Scheduled Castes in Tamil Nadu - quite an achievement in itself in that, as stated above, people from different castes rarely co-operate. The enthusiasm and determination of the participants to leave behind the shackles of their old designation and all that goes with it, is developing all over the country.

“India is entering into a period of the deepest and most extensive social transformation it has ever experienced, and we feel proud to be able to contribute to this. In the following pages you will be able to see some of the work we are engaged in to this effect. We would like to take this opportunity to appreciate all the support we get from all those who in one way or another have helped to make this contribution possible.

“Lokamitra
“Founder President, Jambudvipa Trust”

For more information check their website www.jambudvipa.org.

 In the UK, the FWBO’s Karuna Trust fundraises to support many TBMSG projects - you can contribute financially or by taking part in an appeal. It’s a great way to get your Dharma practice off the cushion and out into the world!

Jai Bhim! - links develop between 'Dalit' Buddhists in India and Hungary

Amitayus, an Indian member of the Western Buddhist Order, and Chair of the FWBO/TBMSG centre in Amaravati, central India, writes to say -

“Congratulations and Bon Voyage to Dharma Mitra Bharat Wankhade who leaves Amravati, Maharashtra, India this week for a 10 week visit to Sajokaza, Hungary, where he will meet with Roma tribal Gypsy communities.

“The visit, which has been organised by the Jai Bhim Network, an organisation dedicated to integrating marginalised Roma tribal communities into society, has invited Bharat who will represent Bahujan Hitay Amravati Boys’ Hostel.

“Inspired by the message of Dr. Ambedkar for parents of marginalised communities to educate their children, in order to escape oppression and poverty, Bharat’s mother and father entered him into the Bahujan Hitay Amravati Boys’ Hostel at the age of ten. For the next eight years, Bharat boarded at the hostel whilst completing his education. Bharat is now studying in his 2nd year of Chartered Accountancy at The Institute of Chartered Accountants, Pune, Maharashtra.

“Commenting before his departure Bharat said “My parents are marginal farmers which is the only profession in the small village where I am from. My mother read an article about the hostel in a newspaper and once she had enrolled me into the hostel my life started to change. I feel indebted to Dh. Tejdhamma, Dh. Nagabhadra and Dh. Amitayus who guided and cherished me both through my education and more importantly my spiritual development. I met with Tibor Janos, of Jai Bhim Network in 2004 when he visited the Bahujan Hitay Amravati night study class which I was leading at the time. We have kept in touch since then and each time we’ve met he has invited me to Hungary. Eventually I said yes. In Hungary I hope to share my life experience with the beneficiaries of his project. I will meet students and perhaps share my knowledge of accountancy too.”

“Wishing him farewell Dh. Amitayus, project leader, BH Amravati commented, “Bharat is a young man with a very compassionate heart; he is kind and generous and being with him gives people a sense of security. I wish him good health on his journey; otherwise, I am confident he will help meet the needs of many people.”

“BH Amravati Boys Hostel is one of 24 hostels run by Bahujan Hitay and TBMSG and supported by Karuna Trust, the FWBO’s main fundraising charity which raises and sends over £1m/year annually to many social and Dhamma projects in India. To contact the Hostel direct please email Amitayus.

If you would like more information about Karuna and the work they support in Asia please visit the Karuna website www.karuna.org - or to find out how to donate to Karuna please go to www.karuna.org/donate

Neo Natal Ambulance is donated by Rotary Club, Pune to TBMSG Pune’s Jeevak Medical Project

Milind Shakya, an Order Member from the Mahavihara, TBMSG’s large centre in Pune, India, writes with news of a generous donation to Jeevak, the long-running women’s social project. 

He writes -

"The Gandhi Bhavan Rotary Club of Pune recently donated a Neo-Natal Ambulance with Ventilator and Portable incubator to TBMSG Pune’s Jeevak Medical Project in Mahavihar.

"In this program the Rotary Club’s President Mr. Shrikant Mahajan, Vilas Jagtapji , Dr. Sudhir Rashingkar, Dr. Govind Datar, and Atul Joshi were present. They met with Yashosagar, TBMSG Chairman, and Karunadeepa, Director of Jeevak.

"Dr. Rashingkar said they approached Jeevak for this donation because of the credibility of the TBMSG and Jeevak’s medical projects in India and particularly in the Pune area. He expressed confidence that the new facility will allow the Trust to save many newborn lives. Dr. Datar expressed in his speech the importance of childcare and reducing the child mortality rate.

"Many Rotarians were present for this Program and they all appreciated the work Trust is doing. And extended their wish for further help".
Readers of FWBO News may remember the fire that gutted the building in March; we are delighted to report this improvement in their fortunes.
  

New issue of Varada: women's social projects in India

The Arya Tara Mahila Trust www.indiansisters.org (ATMT) is an all-women's project in India run by Order Members and Mitras from TBMSG. They've just released the second edition of their newsletter Varada. You'll find it on-line here.

They say -

"Welcome to the second edition of our newsletter and another chance to catch up on developments in women’s projects in India. Full details are on our website www.indiansisters.org

"Despite the heat of early April, another new project successfully was launched in Pune. It is a community-based social project for girls and young women living in slums. We have started work in five slums in the Vishrantwadi area, Pune. The project is for teenage girls from 11 to 20 years of age who either go to school or have dropped out for some reason. We are including aspects of personality development, helping to develop self-confidence, negotiation skills, communication skills and also vocational courses so that the young women will be able to earn something and develop confidence about life. Another new Right Livelihood venture we have helped with is Mudita Screen Printers in Nagpur".

Karunaprabha, the team leader of this new venture explains why these projects are needed: "In the news almost every day we hear about India's rapid economic growth. While increasing prosperity is happening for some people, this development is exacerbating the divide between rich and poor. In a recent Pune University survey, 89% of girls/young women were found to be suffering from anaemia. We arrange anaemia detection camps for the girls and then provide the treatment they need".

They continue -

"ATMT is steadily building international links and a network of supporters - in Germany, Karuna Deutchland has successfully raised an impressive Euro 6000 for ATMT projects. Amoghamati's hard work and the commitment of her team will enable new initiatives to support women’s development.

"Two of ATMT’s Trustees, Karunadeepa and Jayamani were funded to visit Europe in the summer. They gave talks and took part in retreats in UK, Germany and Holland, raising awareness about ATMT’s work and collecting some extra funding too!

"Shakyajata from Manchester, UK, took up the challenge and is now fundraising to sponsor an Indian woman Dhamma teacher to travel with Dhammajyoti team support. Indian women from many backgrounds tell us they benefit from learning to meditate and studying the Buddha’s teaching. They feel more confident and happy in their families and their working lives.

"And in Croydon, south of London, Sue Bolton has started a cushion making enterprise which will fund poor women to escape the pressure of their family situations by going on retreat where they can rest, study the Dhamma, meet other kindly women, eat good food and meditate. Even the $2 per day retreat cost is too much for these women to afford despite the benefits of retreat life".

"If you're interested to support us, please see our website where's there's forms to make a regular donation. There's also our JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/atmt.

"VARADA celebrates the generosity of ATMT’s friends across the world".

Tomorrow FWBO News looks at another fundraising project raising money for Dhamma and social work in India, using a green elephant in Sydney...

Fire in India: Jeevak social work building badly damaged

Karunadipa, Director of Jeevak, TBMSG's woman's social project in Dapodi, India, has sent us this report -

"For twenty years I have been working for Jeevak - we are a team of women doing social and educational work in the slums of Pune. We serve the needs of 200,000 women and their families, providing basic healthcare, life-skills training, legal support and a thriving micro-credit scheme.

"By now you must have heard that fire broke out last month in Jeevak building and the medical and creche in Jeevak has been burnt down because of a short circuit, especially the medical project has been completely destroyed, 5 fire brigade came for help.

"We are fortunate that the whole building did not catch fire or else it would have been a great loss. The fire broke out in the early hours in the morning about 4am on 16th March, since then we have been very busy clearing up the burnt heap. The ground floor looks terrible hence the medical unit has been closed down.

"WE NEED HELP to set up the ground floor for painting, fixing new doors, windows, grills, complete new wiring, electrification etc, which will cost at least 5 lac (about UK £7,000) for renovation of the building, it will be good if you will be able to give this news in the FWBO news letter.

We have a fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/karunadipa.

Thank you."

"With Metta Karunadeepa"