We completed our 11th Dharma Gathering in Sarnath, near Varanasi, India. The Buddha gave the first turning of the Dharma wheel in Sarnath to five yogis. We are turning the wheel as well with around 70 to 80 participating. Many live a nomadic way of life through regular visits to India and the East for weeks, months and for some years. …
Some modifications for the Sarnath Programme Read More »
Extracts from a report to teachers, managers and co-ordinators.
India (spiritual, not economic India) continues to act as a major turning point in people’s lives. Travellers living out of a backpack, attending retreats, Dharma Gatherings can experience profound shifts in consciousness that have a lifelong influence. Dharma teachers, managers and co-ordinators contribute to the process of change. We have a fine network of people involved in our programmes in India quietly determined to stay true to deep values, sustainable lifestyles, love and a liberated way of life. …
35th Year of Teaching in Bodh Gaya Read More »
Tiruvannamalai. On the edge of this modest sized Indian town in the state of Tamil Nadu, South India, about five hours on the local bus from Chennai, stands the renowned ashram of Sri Ramana Maharshi, the much loved teacher of Liberation, who has been adopted as the patron saint by the Western Advaita (non-dual) tradition, even though the saintly Ramana never referred himself as belonging to the Advaita tradition and dismissed advaita and vaita as relative concepts. …
At the foot of Arunachala … Read More »
The Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya desperately needs care and attention. The 60 metre Maha Bodhi Stupa immediately behind the tree forces the tree to grow in unnatural directions. The tree shows a sick appearance. It is in desperate need of pruning, and needs watering in the heat of the summer. Branches are lopsided and cracked, the leaves appear dry and dull and the level of pollution in the village affects the tree. The situation isn’t helped with the fears in the village. There is the possibility of the police taking action if anybody prunes a single branch. Is the intention to sell the branch to corrupt businessmen? Will one make bad karma by cutting limbs off the tree and so get sent to the hell realms? …
A Dying and Death Yatra along the Ganges Read More »
In a generation, the Lord Abbot of the Thai Monastery in Sarnath has transformed the monastery into a beautiful garden of trees, flowers, shrubs and pathways. There is a lovely, quiet meditation centre at the back of the monastery and ample area for our dharma discussion groups to meet in the shade of the temple or under trees. The Abbot of the Thai Monastery in Bodh Gaya shares the same dedication. …
The Hammer and Chisel Buddha Statue Read More »
