Our Vision for India
The essence of Buddha’s discovery is suffering and it’s cessation.Suffering is a natural phenomenon which all sentient beings are subjected to. It arises due to presence of some conditions and ceases in absence of them.To assist in overcoming this very existential stress and for preservation, practice and realisation of the truths he had realised, he formulated the dhamma-vinaya. In his words the world will always have awakened beings as long as people practice in accordance with the dhamma-vinaya.
The dhamma here is also referred to as 37 bodhipakkhiya dhamma (wings of awakening) which in its details,relationships and approaches is the topic of Sutta Pitaka. The Vinaya is mode of comportment for monastics which includes 227 precepts and various minor offences. This is the topic dealt in Vinaya pitaka in addition to process of ordination, settlements, offence purification and other procedures which aid in harmonious cohabitation of a virtuous commune.
Due to various reasons the dhamma-vinaya was lost to our country. In the past few decades various attempts have been made to revive some or the other aspects of the teachings of Buddha. The Hard labour of Dr B.R .Ambadekar have helped to realise many of the socially relevant aspects of Buddha’s teachings. Shri Satyanarayana Goenka ji has on other hand helped to revive Insight practice which forms the backbone of Buddhist meditation. Mahabodhi society and other organization’s have also played critical role in bringing about monastic tradition in India. With the contributions of the above mentioned among others the ground seems ready to attempt at a total revival of the dhamma-vinaya as expounded by Buddha.
Our aim then is to train aspirants systematically in following all the vinaya rules by taking guidance and support from our parent monastery, Na-uyana Aranya, Sri Lanka. The practice of Vinaya is a living tradition in Sri Lanka and monks have become well acquainted with living celibate life without using money and depending on alms food.Prior to higher ordination monastics have to train in theory and comport as novice and prove there understanding in written exam. Na-uyana can aid for similar training for Indian monastic aspirants.
Additionally the Buddha also trained students using a unique method called Gradual training which includes but goes well beyond Vinaya training.With growth in morality the practitioners develop noble sense development which unlike restraining senses is a unique training of perceiving without signification ,a cultivation unique to Buddha’s vision. Furthermore the practitioners are trained to develop clear apprehension of all activities they undertake. With foundation of these three trainings and contentment, a purification and settlement of mind occurs which is called samma samadhi. Such development is not possible by controlling or suppression of mental defilements as is common in various methods of concentration.
With methodological development of practice in accordance with the teachings of Buddha the lay practitioners can avail accurate guidance and also accrue great merit in supporting virtuous monks.Without conscious effort the dhamma is bound to fall in traps of mysticism, metaphysics or even politics. But with conscious and intelligent exertion we can reduce suffering of the individual and simultaneously reduce the conflicts arising in society due to delusion.As our country contains various social, ethnic, linguistics and religious views, we would like to reduce emphasis on religious and ritualistic aspects of Buddhism which are superficial and create distinction instead of harmony.Such practices make the gift of truth realised by the Buddha inaccessible to capable and interested individuals belonging to non-Buddhist faith or having a scientific or skeptic disposition. Also we would like to pay more emphasis on the quintessential aspects, the four noble truths which appeal equally to all beings irrespective of their religious preference and thus lead to social harmony.
We wish that with the clear vision of Buddha expounded in the Sutta and Vinay pitakas, the able guidance of our teacher Ven Ariyananda Mahathero, the support of the Sangha of four directions and the generosity and kindness of lay practitioners, the Forest Monastic Tradition may be revived in India.Begining on the fertile ground of Andhra- the very land that nourished monasticism in its glory for centuries,the land of Nagarjuna and Bodhidharma- we wish that dhamma spread to all parts of India and illuminate the world. May this meritorious act lead to health, happiness and welfare of all beings.
