Inauguration program was held on 2nd July 2023, for the new students. Prof Vimal Thorat – (Prof. Hindi literature and language, IGNOU -Delhi) and Maitreyanath (Secretary- NTI) guided the students with their experience. The program was presided by Maitriveer Nagarjuna (Dy. Chair and Director- NTI)
The Dhammasekhiya Residential Course of 8th-month duration course continued during this year. The objective of this course is to train youths, from all over India, for making the Prabuddha Bharat envisioned by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. This course introduces the most basic Buddhist teachings including meditation such as the Anapanasati (Mindfulness of Breathing), Metta Bhavana (Cultivation of Universal Loving Kindness), as well as devotional practices or Puja with scientific and rational meaning. The approach is grounded in the basic teachings of the Nikayas/Agamas, but with an emphasis on the Bodhisattva ideal as exemplified by Dr. Ambedkar. Throughout the course, students will learn how to conduct basic Buddhist ceremonies and will be able to spread the basic Dhamma teaching to develop cultural aspects in terms of making India enlighten.
The course syllabus includes the major writings, speeches, and thoughts of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on Buddhism and the social/ Buddhist history of India. This includes his analysis of the annihilation of caste and his vision for creating a caste-free society based on the four principles of liberty, equality, fraternity, and justice based on Buddhist values.
