SPECIAL FEATURES:

• Message from Well Wishers • Int’l Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh• Milarepa Rock Cave• Flood Relief Efforts

• Sambodhi Retreat Centre • Global Family Home• Home for the Elderly People• Sustainable Projects

Compassion in Action, Meditation in Action

Prayer of CompassionO! Lord Buddha

The embodiment of compassion and wisdom,Please accept our most reverential salutation at your lotus feet.

Kindly bestow your blessings on us to remain always…A source of water for the thirstyA source of food for the hungry

A source of healing for those who are illA source of light for those in darkness

A source of companionship for those who are lonelyA source of protection for those without protection

A source of help and friendship for all in needA source of crutches to the broken limbs

A source of parental love and care for the orphansA source of shelter to the homeless

A source of asylum for those who have no safe placeA source of warmth of real love and compassion

To those abandoned in coldness of war and hatredMay the Buddha be on our heads

May the Dhamma be in at our hearts andMay the Sangha be at our side to protect

And guide us alwaysMay all enjoy real peace, real happiness,

And real harmony.

- Bhikkhu Sanghasena

6 Motto of MIMC7 Note from the Editorial Board8 President’s Message10 The Multifarious Humanitarian

Activities Undertaken by MIMC11 Messages20 Devachan Campus22 Brief History23 The Founder of MIMC

Cont

ents

EVENTS26 Buddhist-Muslim Conference 201027 International Seminar on Buddhism

in Chandigarh28 International Meditation and Yoga

Festival 29 The 1st International Festival of

Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh31 The 2nd International Festival of

Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh 2013 32 Annual Events33 Annual Karuna Day Celebration –

201436 Sitagu Shanti Stupa37 The Third Pole E-Base, MIMC

Devachan38 Jammu Committee Reshuffle39 Dhamma Tour of Ven. Sanghasena42 Visit by MIMC member to various

places of the world44 Visitors to Devachan Campus

spirituAlity50 Milarepa Rock Cave at Sambodhi

Retreat Centre 51 Rock Garden52 Healing Garden at the Sambodhi

Retreat Centre53 Sambodhi Retreat Centre56 Mahabodhi Int’l Meditation and Yoga

Centre, Changspa-Leh57 Meditation Programs in Delhi,

Chandigarh and Jammu58 Mahabodhi Int’l Meditation Centre,

Chandigarh 59 Mahabodhi Jetavana Monastery60 Mahabodhi Nunnery

EduCAtion64 Mahabodhi Residential School 68 Mahabodhi Boys and Girls Hostel70 The Branch Schools 72 Mahabodhi Higher Education

Program73 Mahabodhi Padmaloka Girls Hostel,

Chandigarh

Cont

ents

EMpowErMEnt of woMEn74 Mahabodhi Women Literacy Project

huMAnitAriAn SErVicES76 Mahabodhi Home for the Elderly and

Destitute77 Mahabodhi Visually Impaired Hostel

MAitri/ChAritAblE projECt80 Flood Relief Project82 Health Program82 Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable

Hospital

MAhAbodhi youth wing84 Mahabodhi Youth Wing85 Basic Buddhism Course 85 Karuna Day Celebration

sustAinAblE dEvElopMEnt projECt74 Eco-friendly Project88 Self-reliance Project88 Global Family Guest House 89 Mahabodhi Zita Norberg Studio89 Mahabodhi Publication Office

gift to MiMC90 Sitagu World Peace Stupa93 Sponsorship Form94 Representatives of MIMC Abroad

• WeendeavourtopayourhighesthomagetotheTripleGem with utmost reverence and actively devote our lives in propagating the messages of love, compassion and wisdom as taught by the Buddha.

• Weupholdthehumanistic,scientific,andnon-sectarianteachings of Buddhism based on right understanding.

• Wepractice theBuddha’s teachings in our daily livesand share the merits of this practice with all beings.

• We welcome all people, irrespective of caste, creed,religion or nationality to join us as honourable members of our organisation, greeting them warmly on every occasion.

• We practice the five Buddhist moral precepts andmeditation in our daily lives for the eradication of ignorance and all defilements.

• We seize every opportunity to work for the welfareand happiness of all beings through spiritual and humanitarian services.

• We respectallBuddhist traditions, andpledge to liveand work in unity for the peace and happiness of all.

• Werespectallreligionsandtheculturesofallnations,and promote inter-religious and inter-cultural harmony and peaceful co-existence.

• Westrivetoeradicatepovertyand illiteracywhereverit exists, particularly by providing holistic education for children.

• We promote equality, fraternity, liberty, spirituality,amity and unity in society.

• Wearegrateful to theMotherEarth, thewater, treesand animals and undertake not to consume more than our actual needs. We pledge to protect and preserve the natural environment for the benefit of all living beings.

• We propose and work for the creation of a GlobalFamily.

• We fully endorse the United Nation’s MillenniumDevelopment Goals.

Motto of MiMC

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notE froM thE EditoriAl boArd

f irst of all, many warm greetings from the Devachan family to all our sponsors, well wishers, members and

donors of MIMC. We are here with our latest edition of 2014 Devachanmagazine, which took sometime to getpublished due to some unforeseen circumstances.

But never the less, we have managed to come up with this edition that includes all the major events and activities since 2009 onwards. The format of this magazine hasbeen slightly changed this year to provide our valuable readers to have more accessibility with the comprehensive informations under the various major headings and its sub-headings. For example under the Introduction section, we deal with the brief history of our Founder-President and the origin of the MIMC Institution along with its aims and objectives for our new well wishers and friends.

Then followed by the Events section which provide all the major happenings during the last three years specially on the International Festival of Buddhist heritage of Ladakh which marked the rich and harmonious contributions of Ladakh’s Buddhist culture to india and to the world.

Under Spirituality, we shared all the vibrant spiritual actitivies that are so famous amongst our spiritual aspirants specially that of Milarepa Rock Cave with its energetic presence in healing in the environment within and without. Under Education, we have been successfully able to keep up with the latest brilliant performances of our dear students in the Main as well as in its satellite schools on their studies and that of the latest infrastructural developments in the schools.

Under Humanitarian services, we have briefly illustrated on the general services meant for the upliftment of under-priviledged sections of our Ladakhi community and specially on Home for elderly people and that of the Home for the Visually Impaired Children with their impressive track record on their general studies.

Under the Maitri Charity Project, we have included information about all the related rehabilitation projects under taken by MIMC during the devastating flash flood of 2010 along with the support and help received from variousorganizationsaroundtheworld.

Under the Sustainable Development Project, we are proud to present all the initiatives and innovations in bringing about the sustainable environmental development and economic self-reliance project by introducing the latest scientific and agricultural technology in the campus for generating the long term economic and environmental stabilityoftheorganization.

Under the Gifts to MIMC Section, we have included all the giftsreceivedbyMIMCfromvariousorganizationsaroundthe world for the noble cause. We deeply appreciate the valuable contributions and further favouring for your generous cooperations. Due to the limited space, we couldn’t able to summerised all the topics. Here we would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every individual who rendered their unwavering support in times of need.

Although we have tried our best to cover every individuals, but our sincere apology to those individuals if we have failedtomentioninourMagazine.We,therefore,solemnlyrequesttoyounottotakeittoheart,aswereallyhavedeep consideration, love and concern for each and every one of you.

Last but not the least, we welcome and appreciate your valuable suggestion for this as well as for the upcomingfuturemagazine,inthehopeofcreatingbetterunderstanding and care with all of you along with the smooth development of the institution.

At last I would like to thank all the members of editorial board,Mr.StanzinGurmetandMr.TseringDorjeewhoputtheirsincereefforttobringoutthemagazine.Ialsowouldlike to thank Mr. Lim Teik Leong for his help in editing some of our texts and Ms Su See Lim (Sujata) who has very kindly edited the entire text as well as final proof reading oftheMagazine.

With this, on behalf of the editorial board, I also wish a very successful and prosperous 2014 to all our readers!

Chief Editor : Ven. Nagasena Compiledby:Mr.Tsedor,Mr.StanzinGurmetPhotograph by: Ivonne Rocthig

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prEsidEnt’s MEssAgEDearest friends, supporters, and well-wishers of MIMC, Leh, Ladakh.

f irst of all, please accept many heart-felt greetings from Mahabodhi, Devachan.Wesincerelypraythatthismagazinefindseachandevery

one of you in the very best of your physical, mental and spiritual health.

We are certain that you will be delighted to have received this latest edition oftheDevachanmagazine(Spring2014),albeitquitesometimeafterwepublished our last edition in 2009. We hope you will rejoice in reading news of the various progresses being made in spiritual and humanitarian projects delivered by MIMC.

It has been a sincere wish of ours to publish this Devachan magazineannually, to keep our friends, supporters, and well-wishers informed of what is happening at Mahabodhi, Devachan. We know that many of you would be keen on receiving it before now. Unfortunately, there have been many unavoidabledelaysandunforeseendifficultiesinpublishingthemagazine.

As well as the relatively high cost of printing and postage, we also have a serious shortage of appropriately skilled people to work on producing such a publication. We certainly feel very sorry for not being able to publish this magazinemoreregularly.

I’m very happy that members of our staff, Ven. Nagasena, Mr. StanzinGurmet and Mr. Tsering Dorjee, in spite of having very limited resources at their disposal, have worked exceptionally hard to bring about this latest editionoftheDevachanmagazine.

We are also deeply grateful to Upasaka Paramito and Mr. Lim Teik Leong fortheirunreservedhelpineditingforthismagazineandourappreciationfurther goes to all those who directly or indirectly participated in providing variousarticlesinthismagazinetomakeitcompleteandcomprehensive.

SomuchhashappenedsincethelastissueoftheDevachanmagazinewaspublished. We have so much information to share with you - our friends and supporters. It is simply impossible for us to include detailed information on all our various activities and projects. We thought of providing such details, butthenthismagazinewouldhavebeenfortoovoluminous!Besidestheincreasing cost of postages, we are also a little afraid that you might be put-off by such a substantial publication!

It is certainly our sincere hope to maintain the continuity of the Devachan magazine hereafter. Should you find the information contents in thiseditionoftheDevachanmagazineareinsufficienttomeetyourneeds,weask for your forgiveness and understanding. We will certainly endeavour to publish complete and comprehensive information on all MIMC activities and projects in future issues.

We sincerely apologise for not being able to mention all the names of those who have been associated with MIMC over the years and those who are still associated with us, we simply do not have the space to mention you all in person. We hope you won’t mind too much.

Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena

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We hope you enjoy reading the magazine and that you will rejoicewholeheartedly in the significant progress that is reported for the various activities.

As many of you know, we humbly began our work in this windswept high altitude desert (which is now known as the “Devachan” campus) in 1991. Since then, thanks to your kindness, generosity, a continuous support and best wishes, and the hard work of all our dedicated staff and members, it has transformed into an oasis of peace and has become a vibrant hub for various spiritual and humanitarian activities in the Himalayan region.

Today, the Devachan campus, which was once such a bleak and windswept area of desert land - a desolate expanse closely resembling the surface of the moon, has truly flowered, becoming an incredibly beautiful home for nearly 500 people.

Whenever an individual cultivates a new and revolutionary vision and mission, they certainly have to face many challenges and obstacles. It is therefore no wonder that MIMC also had to face such difficulties in its establishment and development. In spite of these, we have remained clear and resolute in our vision and mission: Compassion in Action, Meditation in Action.

After couple of decades from its inception, I am now glad to witness the coming of second generation of MIMC taking responsibilities in holding some of the key significant positions at Devachan and thereby shouldering many of the tasks in managing its numerous social activities. Such developments are the real source of encouragement in furthering our social work and the source of inspiration for the younger generation to take active participation in the society.

This beautiful campus would not have come into being without your goodwill and generous support over the years. So, we take this precious and rare opportunity to thank everyone associated with Mahabodhi, past, present and future, and in whatever ways. For all of you who have enabled us to achieve this together.

In 2010, Ladakh experienced devastating floods, which killed hundreds of people and destroyed thousands of homes and many villages. The Devachan campus was also not spared from this natural disaster, but, yet again, so many of our very dear friends and supporters have so kindly and so very generously extended their support to our flood relief programs.

I, on behalf of all beneficiaries of this organization, aswell as onmyownbehalf, would like to express my heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to all those of you who have extended your kind help and support to MIMC over the years.

Your continued support of MIMC is enabling us to bring relief, joy and a palpable sense of personal dignity to so many, who have discovered a real sanctuary within the safe and supportive environment of the Devachan campus.

May the fragrance of pure love spread everywhere!May all beings be happy and well!

With a most profound gratitude and the deepest affection to you all.

Venerable Bhikkhu SanghasenaFounder President, MIMC

the Multifarious humanitarian Activities undertaken by MiMC Mahabodhi Meditation Program Dedicated to physical and mental health, social harmony, world

peace and ultimate truth realization

Mahabodhi Jetavana Monastery Dedicated to providing education and monastic training of

young monks

Mahabodhi Residential High School and Mahabodhi Boys and Girls Hostels

Dedicated to holistic education and providing home for the deprived children

Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable Hospital Dedicated to the welfare of the ailing masses

Mahabodhi School and Hostel Project for Blind Dedicated to visually handicapped children to unfold their

human potential

Mahabodhi Home for the Aged and Destitute Devoted for care and respect to the elderly and destitute

Mahabodhi Adult Women Literacy Project Dedicated towards empowerment of women and capacity

building of women

Mahabodhi Environmental Project Dedicated toward afforestation and nature conservation

Mahabodhi Interfaith Program Dedicated to inter-religious harmony and co-existence

Mahabodhi Phandeyling Nunnery Dedicated to upliftment of the nuns and women

Mahabodhi Mobile Health Clinic Dedicated to health care of the communities of remote and

inaccessible areas

Mahabodhi Maitri Charity Program Dedicated to emergency relief programs

Mahabodhi Youth Wing Dedicated towards character building of youth

Mahabodhi Right Livelihood Enterprise A step towards self-reliance and self sustenance

Mahabodhi Eco Resort Camp To live in harmony with nature

Mahabodhi Milarepa Meditation and Trekking Camps Dedicated to spiritual life with nature

Mahabodhi Educational Programs ~ a holistic education movement

Dedicated to eradication of illiteracy and poverty

Mahabodhi Tingmosgang Branch School Dedicated to advance of education for rural children

Mahabodhi Bodhkharbu Branch School Dedicated to providing educational opportunities to deprived

and neglected rural children

Mahabodhi Padmaloka Girls Hostel Dedicated to higher studies of the talented students

Mahabodhi Handicap Rehabilitation Project Dedicated for rehabilitation of the physically and mentally

handicapped

Proposed project to erect 75ft Lord Buddha statue on the Mahabodhi Hillock

Dedicated to world peace

Mahabodhi Global Family Home (Guest House) Dedicated to creating a global family

Mahabodhi Zita & Norberg Studio Dedicated to promote harmony through music and videos

Mahabodhi Publication House Dedicated to disseminate love and compassion through

publication

Mahabodhi Metropolitan Branch Dedicated to the seekers of truth in Delhi, Chandigarh & Jammu

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Dear Bhante Sanghasena Ji

Some time has passed since you have been with us to share your knowledge and love with us. Our hearts are still full of gratitude for the gift of your visit.

A lot of small and big things have touched our hearts. May it be your words of wisdom and compassion - simple, clear and profound - may it be presents, always full of love and openness or may it be your participation in all the different programs.

Most of all, however, I appreciate your coming to my 20th birthday celebration of my Monkhood.

Without you, I wouldn't be a monk - my gratitude is beyond words. It is now 20 years that we have this wonderful and growing friendship, not only between the two of us but also of our precious projects: Mahabodhi-Devachan-family and the Buddha-haus family.

Our karmic relationship however is definitely much older - how old? - who knows?I am very much looking forward to visit my dear Devachan family again this year and to deepen our friendship even more.

May you and your big family be always safe and protected !May you be blessed and well guided !May you be well and happy and may your work be an example and of benefit for the whole world !

With deep love and friendship,

Ven. NyanabodhiThe Abbot & the Spiritual Director Buddha Haus and Lotus Vihara,Germany

ven. nyanabodhi the Abbot & the spiritual

director of buddha haus and lotus vihara,

germany

Message

Warm greetings from Malaysia to everyone at the Devachan campus.

Our thoughts always go to you and the wonderful work done by Mahabodhi Int’l Meditation Centre (MIMC) in Ladakh. The practice of Metta and Karuna (loving kindness and compassion) is highly regarded in the Buddhist way of life, and it is wonderful to see these virtues being put into action by MIMC. To be really meaningful, these virtues should go beyond the level of the mental thought processes and translated into action, so that the lives of others are enriched.

This will be another year when I will bring an international delegation to visit the Devachan Campus in September. In our visit last year, the members of my group expressed how much they were inspired by the wonderful work undertaken by MIMC. I am certain that the group this year will feel the same.

I admire the great religious, humanitarian, social and welfare work performed at Devachan under the able leadership, guidance and vision of Venerable Sanghasena. This work coincides with the motto of Buddhist Gem Fellowship Malaysia (BGF), which I lead. Our motto is: “Growing People, Inspiring the Future”.

From what I see, at the present juncture in Ladakh, there is no work as important as growing human potential and helping people to gain a better footing in life. This could be seen from the education and training programme for the young Ladakhis at Devachan as well as other centres. The training of young monks and nuns are also important so that they are able to contribute more to the Buddhist community and heritage in the future. The provision of shelter and care to the aged is the practice of love and compassion.

Let me wish you every success in your wonderful work and that more will benefit and be inspired by your outstanding effort of translating Compassion into Action.

Datuk Dr. Victor WeePresidentBuddhist Gem Fellowship, Malaysia

datuk seri dr. victor wee

president buddhist gem fellowship,

Malaysia

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Lotos Vihara, Berlin 29.06.2013

Dear Venerable Bhante Sanghasena,Dear friends of the Mahabodhi Devachan family in Ladakh, I send you my warmest greetings from Berlin to you in the Himalayas.

I am often thinking of you and if I close my eyes, I see right in front of me, venerable and dear people, the wonderful Mahabodhi-Centre, the impressive landscape of the snowy mountains. And I wish with all my heart, that our friendship, which began several years ago, also in the future further increases.

"Nothing grows without food", mutatis mutandis, the Buddha taught. Food for a friendship is, to tell each other, to write each other and of course visiting each other.

At first glance, we all are different. We live in different parts of the world, we have different lives and experiences.

But if you cannot be deceived by these appearances, we have many similarities in depth. We all want security, human contact and a fulfilling life and we all are disciples of the Buddha.

The Buddha called noble friendship as essential to our spiritual development. Buddhist practice often means - especially here in Europe - to swim against the current. On our spiritual path, we are geared to take care of wholesome and avoiding unwholesome. Of course we will make mistakes, we will experience times of discouragement, uncertainty and doubt.

Then not to come off, we need friends to support, to comfort and exhort us. An important aspect in all phases of our spiritual path is, again and again to open the heart. This will be much easier in a warm and friendly atmosphere in which one can talk about difficulties and feels accepted.

Spiritual practice allows development out of all the constrictions and oppressions. Everyone can develop only himself.

But by the one who strives development, he can inspire others to own growth. And on both, we can facilitate the conditions for each other.

Dear Bhante Sanghasena, dear friends, in Berlin we would like to make our contribution to a lively friendship.

In this sense, we look forward seeing you again next year at the Mahabodhi Centre.

Dr. Wilfried ReuterSpiritual Director of Lotos-Vihara, Berlin, Germany

dr. wilfried reuterspiritual director of lotos-

vihara, berlin, germany

Dearest friends,

We visited Ladakh for the first time in 2001, and at that time we had no idea what woulddevelopasaconsequenceofourvisit.Butvery soon,afteronlya fewdays,werealizedthat"Devachan"isaveryspecialplaceindeed.Sharingourtimewiththechildren in the centre, the experience of the Old Age Home and our discussions with Bhante Sanghasena - all this touched us so very deeply, such that we returned home having undertaken the sponsorship of two children.

In 2005, fate conspired to bring Venerable Nyanabodhi, from Buddha-Haus in Germany, and ourselves together at the Mahabodhi Centre. Whilst there, he was able to witness, and experience at first hand, our close bond with all at Devachan. When we returned to Germany, he asked us if we could take over the project management of Buddha-Haus for the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, and we immediately replied: "Yes!" Justlikein2001,wehadnoideaatthattimewhatwoulddevelopasaconsequenceof our positive reply.

Now, in 2013, looking back over 12 years of deep-felt connection with all the people of the Mahabodhi Centre and Ladakh, we are so very thankful for this wonderful time, in which we have always been so generously gifted.

We are enormously grateful that Bhante Sanghasena, despite facing many challenges and difficulties, never doubted his own vision, and succeeded in creating a place like the Mahabodhi Centre, where needy children receive a holistic education, where elderly and disabled people have a place they can stay without the concerns of providing for themselves, and where young monks and nuns receive both a spiritual and secular education.

In the remote valleys of Tingmosgang and Bodhkharbu, Bhante Sanghasena has founded successful Branch Schools, so children no longer have to leave their families in order to receive a holistic education.

The Devachan and Mahabodhi Branch Schools are not merely educational institutions in the conventional sense, for the whole project was conceived to articulate and foster the idea and vision of universal responsibility for this world, promoting a deep sense of connection between all people, transcending the customary boundaries of culture and religion.

Mr. gerhard & Ms. helga weinmann-

Adamthe president

buddha haus, germany

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It is to the great credit of Bhante Sanghasena that he has managed to create a place where so many people from all over the world can meet and learn from one another.

Over the past 12 years of our friendship with Mahabodhi, we have been able to follow the tremendous development of the centre. During this long time we have also witnessed the personal development of many of the Mahabodhi students - we still remember the touching moment when the students of the first intake left Mahabodhi, after finishing their 10th Standard examinations, to continue their higher education studies in Bangalore.

For us, it is such a great joy to see that many Mahabodhi students, having successfully completed their higher education studies in Delhi, Bangalore, Chandigarh and Jammu, have returned to Ladakh and are now working at the Mahabodhi schools, in the office and at the residential hostels. These former students are certainly giving something backtotheoranizationthatencouragedandsupportedthemovertheyears,andwiththeir support in turn many other children are receiving an excellent, holistic education. In fact, these former students help not only other children at Mahabodhi, but they are also an important part of the continuing development of Ladakh.

At this point, we would also like to say “Thank you” to all the many people who support Mahabodhi through donations and the taking up of sponsorships. Together, we are enablingthevisionofBhanteSanghasenatobefullyrealized.

All those who have experienced the cordiality of the children at the centre, have felt theuniqueatmosphereoftheOldAgeHomeorhavefelttheopennessoftheyoungmonks and nuns will probably never forget that experience.

Being together with our friends at Devachan and the schools in Bodhkharbu and Tingmosgang we feel very happy, and we thank Bhante Sanghasena, all the staff, Nomole, Nonole, Abile and Memele for this great gift of friendship and humanity.

You all at Devachan - the children, the staff, the teachers and everyone - are bridge builders, who create bridges that connect people - what a great gift for all mankind.

A warm "Julley" and "Tashi delek" to all our friends at Mahabodhi, and once again thank you very much for your friendship and closeness.

With much metta,

I am proud to be associated with Bhante Sanghasena and Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre since 1991. Since that auspicious day in 1991, when I met the Venerable in the lobby of the Buddhist Mahavihara Kuala Lumpur, I never regret knowing this compassionate Bhikkhu who gave me a great impression of Compassion in Action.

After assisting to collect funds for his noble work, I decided to gather a group of Buddhist friends to visit Leh and see for ourselves the noble work and efforts. This happen in 1996 and we were enthralled and captivated that every sum that we remitted was put to reality and charitable causes. From then onwards, I never failed to play host to the numerous visits by Bhante Sanghasena to Kuala Lumpur and neighbouring states.

Everywhere he speaks, crowds were convinced and interested to contribute towards this noble cause and the trust they showered upon Bhante was unparallel and unmatched. We in Kuala Lumpur decided to form the Friends of Mahabodhi Ladakh to channel all the support and aid in a more organised way.

It was in 2006 when I organised a large contingent of 38 Friends of Mahabodhi Ladakh which was led by Venerable Mahinda of Australia and that visit produced a number of philanthropist and one of them is none other than Sister Ramona Lai. She has been the chief supporter of a number of valuable projects such as the Artesian Water Supply Project, Solar Hot Water Project, Orchard Project, Jetavana Monastery and Global Family House Extension Project. I and Uncle Lee Kiat Hin were indeed very proud to be associated with her in the implementation of this project.

From then onwards, it was an annual affair in leading one group after another to witness the transformation and development of Mahabodhi and many of the guests and participants from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, USA and Australia who join the annual trips have returned home with great memories and gratitude. They expressed their happiness in participating the great efforts in putting into reality “Compassion in Action”. Indeed I am now recognised synonymous with Mahabodhi Ladakh amongst most Malaysians.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre Leh, Ladakh many more years of success and also best wishes to Bhante Sanghasena for the great work done and May he have good health and peace to continue the noble mission.

Best RegardsCharlie Chia

bro Charlie ChiaMalaysia

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MAhAbodhi pAdMAloKA girls hostEl, ChAndigArh brAnCh (rAMgArH)

Ven.Sanghasena,agreatBuddhistmonk&zealoussocialreformer,feltthatChandigarhwould be an ideal place for the girl students for their higher studies. Thus, the decision was made select Chandigarh as a destination for the students of Mahabodhi School at Leh. In 2008, Ven. Sanghasena with Mr. N. K. Gupta, a strong supporter of Mahabodhi offered his building for the girl’s hostel at Ramgarh in Panchkula near Chandigarh till a proper hostel is constructed. The first batch of girls from Mahabodhi School at Leh arrived in the year 2008.The hostel was also provided a school bus, a warden & a cook. A meditation hall was constructed above the top floor of the building, where students couldassemblefordailyprayers.Simultaneously,effortswereontoacquirelandforMahabodhi hostel. Finally, suitable landwas acquired very close to the temporaryhostel.

On 11 Aug 2009, foundation stone laying ceremony was performed for the new hostel. Many hon’ble guests, including some from foreign countries, attended the ceremony. On 4 Dec 2010, the new hostel was inaugurated, wherein many dignitaries from within India as well as from foreign countries were present. Guests for the inauguration included Dr Victor Wee, Bro. Chairle Chia and members of MDL & BGF from Malaysia, Ven. Lama Lobsang, Lt Gen SS Grewal,

Lt Gen MS Butter, Mr. VK Gupta & many others. The new hostel was inaugurated with much fan-fare & the hostel was named ‘Padmaloka Girls Hostel, Chandigarh Branch (Ramgarh).The ceremony concluded with the cultural performance by students of MIMC & dinner for esteemed guests.

Hereafter, the students were shifted to the new hostel which provides them the best possible environment, facilities & home like comfort. In addition to the school bus, a light vehicle ‘Ecco Van’ was also provided for the smooth functioning of the hostel. The hostelnowhasadedicatedwarden,cook&adequatetransportationfacilities.

The erstwhile hostel building was also purchased by MIMC & has been converted into ‘Mahabodhi Meditation Centre’. This provides spiritual guidance to the students away from home; as also to the residents of Chandigarh & Panchkula cities.

Over a period of time, with the vision of Ven. Sangasena, a large number of educational & social organizations have come forward & got associated as well wishers with‘Padmaloka Girls Hostel’ & MIMC. Interaction of well wishers of Mahabodhi with the students residing in the hostel is a regular feature & they are always more than willing with their help, guidance & counseling. The hostel students, in addition to their academic studies are offered facilities like refinement of communication skills, career planning & variety of counseling programmes. It can be confidently assumed that the hostel students are pursuing their value based studies combining with the spiritual way of life, which is so very essential for their growth into a good human being.

Col. V.S.JamwalVice Chairman,Mahabodhi Branch, Chandigarh

Col. jamwalvice Chairman,

Mahabodhi branch, Chandigarh

Elke

pr devachan-Magazine 03/13

I first met Bhante Sanghasena at a meditation retreat at the Buddha House in the Allgaeu, southern Germany, in early December 2012. Right from the beginning I was delighted by his casual nature, his contagious laughter and the stories through which he taught. I especially found the Dhamma talks, in which he spoke about meditation, Buddhism and the philosophy of life, very enriching. Bhante Sanghasena’s use of metaphors and stories were always appealing and comprehensible. They were demonstrative and everyone was able to learn something from it, or at least given some food for thought.

In particular, his eastern point of view towards our western problems caused me to hold a mirror up to my face, and immediately made me see certain things in a different light. That was an aspect that trulyamazedme.Thiscausedtheideaofajoint book project, about this exact topic, to come to life. After only two conversations Venerable Sanghasena agreed, and we spontaneously started off shortly after New Year.

The works and interviews began in January 2013 in Berlin, and were continued in February, always during Bhante Sanghasenas visits to Germany. My goal was to accomplish as much work as possible in that time, because I feared it would be difficult to do a joint book project over the vast distance between Germany and Ladakh, India.

Since Bhante Sanghasena was travelling continuously during his stay in Europe, and also had many fixed appointments, it wasn’t easy to fit such an unforeseen project into his schedule. However, while organising this project, I had yet another pleasant experience. Complete strangers spontaneously declared their willingness to help and support us. Helga and Gerhard Adam assisted and supported us with all travel plans, appointments and available time windows. Jutta Kadegge and Dr. Wilfried Reuter helped us with their sincere hospitality in the Lotos Vihara in Berlin, as did Jutta Mattausch and Pala Namgyal in Zirndorf.

Ewald Balser, a German actor, once said:“The world lives on people, who do more than their obligation.”

I was allowed to experience this first hand. Aside from the delight of writing a book about, and with, an impressive person, I enjoyed all these other encounters as well. And for that I am truly grateful.

May all beings be happy,with warmest greetings from Germany,

Elke Nuernberger

Bhante Sanghasena visiting a small Chapel

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Claudia

A special Christmas day ...

In Germany, Christmas is not only an important religious festival, it is a time when family and friends get together and celebrate with food and presents and everybody is seeking for Harmony, Love and Peace.

So it was a great honour and pleasure that Venerable Bhante Sanghasena and Venerable Bhante Nyanabodhi came on the 26th of Dec. to our house for a few hours on their way from Metta Vihara to Munich.

Ven. Bhante Sanghasena came to Buddha-Haus, Germany to celebrate the 20th anniversary of monkhood of Ven. Bhante Nyanabodhi, because he was and is his preceptor at his ordination.

I am always a little nervous, when we receive such important guests. But as the monks arrived, soon the atmosphere changed and became very warm and relaxed. Ven. Bhante Sanghasena with his amiable open heart made it very easy for my family to ask him about Ladakh and the MIMC. He was also interested about things around the house and garden and curious in the welfare of our grown up children, nieces and nephew.The hours flew by and soon the monks had to go – what a shame that we didn’t have more time to talk, but as I am going to visit Ladakh and the MIMC this summer, I will be able to see everything with my own eyes.

What a happy and joyful afternoon we had together.

And what a special Christmas day for us all.

A julley from Bavaria to our friends in Ladakh ~

Claudia Wildgruber & Adam Stubley

devachan CampusToday, the Devachan campus become a home and refuge for thousands of

deserving people who live happily and peacefully together. Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, who dedicates his whole life in creating the integrated community at Devachan with his team of dedicated staffs and social workers in providing a comprehensive care to all segments of society: underprivileged children, infirm elderly people, monks and nuns, the sick, as well as those seekers of love and truth. The community has become a model for the region through harmonious sustainable and ecological development. In fact, people from various parts of the world have come to learn and want to emulate a similar community in their own countries. With the continued support from like-minded people around the world, we hope to be able to contribute our part towards this goal by serving the people of Ladakh. We welcome anyone who would also like to be a part of this initiative.

panoramic Aerial view of Mahabodhi international Meditation Centre, devachan, ladakh, on july 2012.

brief historyThe Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) has its

humble beginnings in one small rented room in Leh city in 1986 whenVenerableBhikkhuSanghasenarealizedtherewasagreatneedto offer both humanitarian and spirtitual services to the people of Ladakh. From there the centre moved to the main Devachan campus in Choglamsar which is on an impressive 200 acres of desert land in 1991. Against all odds, with no water, no proper roads and just harsh desert sand, through the tenacity, compassion and resourcefulness of Venerable Sanghasena and his team, the Mahabodhi Devachan campus began to grow and flourish and his dream slowly became a reality.

VenerableSanghasenarealizedthatthemainrootcauseofpovertyand social unrest was illiteracy. He knew that when people were given proper holistic education, the cycle of poverty and social evils could be broken. With this in mind, he started the first residential school for underprivileged children who came from the far flung corners of Ladakh. From this initial project, other desperately needed humanitarian services were identified and added to the Devachan campus which now houses a home for the aged, visually impaired, a monastery, a nunnery, a meditation and yoga centre and so on.

Establishment of the first ever building of MiMC at the deserted land in 1992

the front view of the Main Administrative block

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the founder of MiMCbiography of guruji sanghasena Mahathera

Awards received for spiritual and humanitarian projects

1 In public recognition of his selfless service to society, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, presented him with the "National Award for the Welfare of People with Disabilities" in 2000.

2 The Gandhi Peace Foundation, India, honoured him with its prestigious "World Peace Award for the Year 2004" in recognition of his work for world peace, interfaith service and inter-religious harmony.

3 In 1999, his namewas included in the prestigious book "Marquis'Who'sWho". "Marquis'Who'sWho" believesmen andwomen around the globewhose achievements influence people of today are worthy of permanent record.

4 He was nominated as the Chancellor of the International Association of Educators for World Peace (IAEWP), based in Huntsville, USA, for the Jammu and Kashmir State Chapter, India.

5 On the occasion of the United Nations “World Environment Day, Third World Congress”, which was held in Verbania, Italy, in 2005, the “Peace Environment Award” was presented to Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena in recognition of his invaluable contribution to a “culture of peace through education and international friendship”.

6 The International Centre for Advanced Studies and Regional Director, the International Centre for Advanced Studies and Research in Global Environment and International Institute of Ecology and Environment, Delhi has also appointed Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena as their Global Ambassador and Regional Director.

7 The Ladakh Buddhist Association Youth Wing presented the “Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkat Award 2009” to Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena in recognition of his invaluable humanitarian and benevolent services to the needy people of Ladakh.

Venerable Sanghasena Mahathera was born in a noble Amchi family of Lharjay in Tingmosgang village, about 100 kms from Leh city. He was brought up within a deeply religious and traditional Buddhist medical family who

believed in peacefulness, humility and innocence as the natural way of life. At the age of seventeen he joined the Indian Army, where he developed a strong sense of personal discipline and responsibility.

1977 was a particularly significant year in his life, for this was when he felt the inner spiritual calling and decided to leave the army. He left the mountains of Ladakh far behind him and became a committed disciple of the renowned Buddhist scholar and celebrated monk, Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita Mahathera, the abbot of the Maha Bodhi Society Vihara in Bangalore, South India.

In 1986 Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena founded the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) in Ladakh. For thepast25yearsVenerableBhikkhuSanghasenahastirelesslyandselflesslyworkedtoprovidehighqualityeducationand a safe shelter for underprivileged children, first-class healthcare for the sick and needy, empowerment and literacy programmes for women and other socially disadvantaged groups, a caring home for the aged and destitute, and many other humanitarian services.

Gandhi Peace Medal

Rajiv Gandhi Award

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8 The Ashwagosha Buddhist Foundation, based in Nagpur, India, presented the "Sakyamuni Buddha International Award 2009" to Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena.

9 The Dharma Buddhist University of Malaysia conferred their Honorary Degree of the Doctorate of Philosophy to Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena in 2009.

10 On the occasion of the "World Management Congress", Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena was awarded with the "Lifetime Achievement Award" in the area of spirituality and religious studies, which was jointly constituted and awarded by the International Association of Educators for World Peace (IAEWP) (affiliated to the United Nations), based in the USA, the Global Open University Nagaland, Confederation of Indian Universities, the Educational Standards and Testing Council of India at the India International Centre, New Delhi on 30th -31st Dec, 2010.

11 On 15th May, 2011, the Amarapura Sambuddha Sasanadaya Sangha Committee conferred Sambuddha Sasana Sobhamana Vishwakeerti sri and Sangha Nayaka for the northern India to Ven. Sanghasena in recognition of the great contribution to world peace and the welfare of society in Leh-Ladakh, INDIA and other lands.

12 Honorary title of Tripitaka Grantha Visharada conferred to Most Ven. Sangahsena for his great contribution toward Buddhasasana by Tisarana Buddhist Foundation of Matara on Sambuddhatwa Jayanti 16th May, 2011 at Matara, Sri Lanka.

13 Amarapura Sri Saddhammawansa Maha Nikaya conferred Chief Sangha Nayaka of northern India to Most Ven. Sanghasena on 15th May, 2011 at Colombo, Sri Lanka.

14 TIMES NOW (Leading Indian News Channel), In its prestigious program Amazing Indians, where they selected extraordinary stories of compassion, dedication, selfless service, pioneers, educators, and ambitions that are not for the self, but for the nation. Ven. Sanghasena was selected for this prestigious program for his selfless spiritual and social welfare activities undertaken by Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Leh-Ladakh in the month of November, 2011.

15 The prestigious award of ”Presidential commendation Award“ by Shri Rajapakse, the hon’ble President of Sri Lanka on 9th of May,2012 for his selfless spiritual and humanitarian projects undertaken in Leh-Ladakh, INDIA.

16 On the most recent, Venerable Sanghasena was honored for the ‘World Buddhist Outstanding Leader Award’ from World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth, Bangkok, Thailand 2014

Bhim Rao Ambedkar Award

Certificate from Sri Lanka

World Buddhist Outstanding Leader Award

Lifetime Achievement AwardBLIA AwardPresidental Commendation Award

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buddhist-Muslim Conference 2010

M IMC strongly believes and participates actively in all forms of events which promote interfaith understanding and

harmony.

In 2010, it co-sponsored the 3-day International Buddhist-Muslim Dialogue, together with the Global Family for Love and Peace and the Museum of World Religions. The theme for the Conference was “Conflict Resolution through Buddhist-Muslim Dialogue” and was held at the Devachan Campus.

The International Buddhist-Muslim Dialogue was actually initiated by the most Ven. Dharma Master Hsin Tao, founder of the Museum of World Religions and the Global Family for Love and Peace, and the first Dialogue was held at Colombia University, New York City in March 2002. This was followed by further Dialogues in Malaysia, Indonesia, Iran, Spain, France, Morocco and China. It is an on-going series of Dialogues held worldwide and proudly, MIMC has successfully hosted one in Ladakh.

The primary goal of the Dialogue is to create a deep and enduring partnership and understanding between Buddhist and Muslim Communities, enabling each to successfully overcome the various challenges they face on a peaceful basis, mutually strengthened by generous co-operation and genuine friendship. The local religious organizationslike Ladakh Buddhist Association, All Ladakh Gonpa Association, Anjuman Moinul-Islam and Anjuman Imamia actively participated making the mega event a huge success. Many eminent scholars and religious leaders from around the world attended the historic event to share their extensive knowledge, experience and insight.

international seminar on buddhism in Chandigarh

27M IMC successfully organized a one-day Seminar based on the theme “Resurgence of Buddhism in the Landof its Birth” on 5th December, 2010. This was held at the Inderdhanush Auditorium, Panchkula Sector 5. HE

Shri Jagannath Pahadia Ji, the Honorable Governor of Haryana was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Many eminent scholars from both India and abroad presented papers to a huge audience that included many Ladakhi families and students residing in Chandigarh city. The students of Mahabodhi Residential School added a touch of culture by presenting a colorful traditional cultural program as well.

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international Meditation and yoga festival

f or the first time, a 2-day International Meditation and Yoga Festival was organised at the Devachan Campus as part of the

Ladakh Festival celebration 2011. It was much appreciated by the local Ladakhi community as well as foreigners who witnessed the grand opening. The 2 day program included separate meditation and yoga sessions and also a podium for open discussion on relevant topics. Participants were welcomed with true hospitality and were served lunch on the opening day. MIMC hopes to make this festival an integral part of the Ladakh Festival in the coming years. As such, the Meditation and Yoga Festival will see its coming every year for 2 consecutive days.

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the international festival of buddhist heritage of ladakh

following the success of the “International Yoga & Meditation Festival” in 2011,

MIMCorganized “The InternationalFestivalofBuddhist Heritage of Ladakh” from 4th- 9th September 2012 in collaboration with Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Deemed University under the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, Nalanda, Bihar, the Asoka Mission, a premier Buddhist institution based in New Delhi and The Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir.

The festival was held under the umbrella banner of the Annual Ladakh Festival, which is a one of its kind event promoting Ladakh’s rich ethnic and diverse heritage.

The objective of the festival was to promote an understanding and appreciation of the diverse ethnic culture of different parts and tribal communities of Ladakh, encompassing its ancient and vibrant Buddhist heritage, art and philosophy of Buddhism. The participants and tourists alike were treated to a comprehensive appreciation of all that Ladakh had to offer through the help of talks by eminent masters and scholars, a seminar, an ethnic exposition, Buddhist films,

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cultural performances, a photo exhibition, books, handicraft, a culinary festival as well as international cultural performances.

The festival proved to be a resounding success, gaining admiration and appreciation from participants and observers alike.

Apart from gaining a deeper understanding of the Ladakhi Buddhist heritage, the primary objective was to promote tourism and increase the flow of tourists to the region. Since it was an international festival, there was strong participation from various countries like Australia, Bhutan, Europe, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and USA.

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the 2nd international festival of buddhist heritage of ladakh 2013

With the last year's mega success of the 1st Int’l Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh, the 2nd Int’l Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh as an annual featurewas once again successfully organized byMIMCin collaboration with Nava Nalanda Mahavihara from 16th to 18th September 2013.

The 2nd International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh was mainly focused on showcasing the Buddhist teaching and cultural heritage through organizing Buddhist Seminar on ‘Buddha’s Teaching on InnerWisdom’, Meditation and Yoga, along with International Buddhist Film Festival and touring Ladakh's cultural and heritage sites.

Lighting the Festival lampduring the inaugural ceremonyand launchingof the souvenirmagazine andplate atSindhu Sanskriti Kendre, Leh-Ladakh on the 16th of September 2013.

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From the Left on the Front RowVen. AnandaGeneral Secretary,Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore

Ven. Ani Choying DrolmaRenowned International Vocalist Nepal

Swami AgniveshRepresentative of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji Art of Living Foundation, India

Swami AtmanandSpiritual Guru and Social ActivistIndia

Geshey Konchok NamgyalHon’ble President,All Ladakh Gonpa Association, Leh

Ven. Dodanvala Dhammaratana MahatheraDeputy Chief Sanghanayaka of Sambuddhasasanodaya Mahanikaya, Sri Lanka

Most Ven. Wei WuChairman, International Buddhist College, Thailand

Most Ven. Thich Quang BA Founding President,United Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation of Canberra, Australia & New Zealand

H.E. Skyabje Drukpa Thuksay Rinpoche Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad,Hon’ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India

Shri Nawang Rigzin JoraHon’ble Minister of Urban Development& Urban Local Bodies, J&K State

Shri Rigzin SpalbarHon’ble Chairman/CECLSHDC, Leh-Ladakh

Dr. H.C.MahadevappaHon’ble Minister for Public Water Department, Govt of Karnataka

Shri P.NamgyalFormer Union Minister Govt. of India

Shri Simrandeep Singh (IAS)Deputy Commissioner/CEO LAHDC, Leh

Shri Vivek Gupta (IPS)SSP, Leh

Datuk Dr. Victor Eng-Lye WeePresident, Buddhist Gen Fellowship, Malaysia

Mr. Paitoon Songkaeo Hon’ble Minister-Counsellor,The Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi

Mr. Jamie Cresswell,President,European Buddhist Union, United Kingdom

Ms. Ursula GottingerPsychotherapist and spiritual healer Germany

Dr. Tondup TsewangHon’ble President,LBA, Leh-Ladakh

From the left on the Back RowDr. Ravindra PanthDirector,Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Bihar

VajramalaFormer PresidentGerman Buddhist Union

Shri Sonam DorjayExecutive Councilor,LAHDC Leh

Shri Tsering DorjayFormer Chief Executive Councilor,LAHDC Leh

Shri Sheikh SaifuddinPresidentMoin-ul-Islam, Leh

Ms Aruna VasudevFounder President NETPSCand Director Inner Path Festival, Delhi

In the academic sessions, we have recapitulated on the resolution unanimously adopted by the delegates in the last year’s festival which are listed below:ToemphasizeupontheconservationandpreservationoftheBuddhistheritageofLadakh;To undertake efforts to explore, preserve and promote the archaeological and cultural Buddhist sites in Ladakh;To promote and revive Ladakh as a significant destination for Buddhist pilgrimage as it was in ancient times;To document and promote the tribal Buddhist communities of Ladakh in relation to education, culture, health, and spirituality;To conserve and promote the Bodhi language as it contains the teachings of the Buddha;To include Bodhi language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution;To enlarge the scope of regional harmony and global understanding through spiritual integration; andTo keep the identity of the festival in making it an annual event.

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From the Left on the Front RowVen. AnandaGeneral Secretary,Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore

Ven. Ani Choying DrolmaRenowned International Vocalist Nepal

Swami AgniveshRepresentative of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji Art of Living Foundation, India

Swami AtmanandSpiritual Guru and Social ActivistIndia

Geshey Konchok NamgyalHon’ble President,All Ladakh Gonpa Association, Leh

Ven. Dodanvala Dhammaratana MahatheraDeputy Chief Sanghanayaka of Sambuddhasasanodaya Mahanikaya, Sri Lanka

Most Ven. Wei WuChairman, International Buddhist College, Thailand

Most Ven. Thich Quang BA Founding President,United Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation of Canberra, Australia & New Zealand

H.E. Skyabje Drukpa Thuksay Rinpoche Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad,Hon’ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India

Shri Nawang Rigzin JoraHon’ble Minister of Urban Development& Urban Local Bodies, J&K State

Shri Rigzin SpalbarHon’ble Chairman/CECLSHDC, Leh-Ladakh

Dr. H.C.MahadevappaHon’ble Minister for Public Water Department, Govt of Karnataka

Shri P.NamgyalFormer Union Minister Govt. of India

Shri Simrandeep Singh (IAS)Deputy Commissioner/CEO LAHDC, Leh

Shri Vivek Gupta (IPS)SSP, Leh

Datuk Dr. Victor Eng-Lye WeePresident, Buddhist Gen Fellowship, Malaysia

Mr. Paitoon Songkaeo Hon’ble Minister-Counsellor,The Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi

Mr. Jamie Cresswell,President,European Buddhist Union, United Kingdom

Ms. Ursula GottingerPsychotherapist and spiritual healer Germany

Dr. Tondup TsewangHon’ble President,LBA, Leh-Ladakh

From the left on the Back RowDr. Ravindra PanthDirector,Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Bihar

VajramalaFormer PresidentGerman Buddhist Union

Shri Sonam DorjayExecutive Councilor,LAHDC Leh

Shri Tsering DorjayFormer Chief Executive Councilor,LAHDC Leh

Shri Sheikh SaifuddinPresidentMoin-ul-Islam, Leh

Ms Aruna VasudevFounder President NETPSCand Director Inner Path Festival, Delhi

The All Ladakh Gonpa Association in collaboration with MIMC, organised a national level seminar at the Dharma Centre, Choglamsar on the topic: “Buddha’s Path to Inner Wisdom” which was participated by many scholars.

The cultural tour to Buddhist places around Leh district has been very much appreciated by both the national and international delegates participating at the Festival.

The Culural show at the MIMC campus was well entertaining and much appreciated by all.

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eventsAnnual Events 2014

The huge gathering of crowd at the Polo ground at Leh.

Mahabodhi Int’l Meditation Centre participating in the celebration.

A grand function was organised on 5th November, 2013 at the historical Leh Polo Ground to observe the 10th passing away anniversary of 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, Thupstan Chognor, who is regarded as the ‘Architect of Modern Ladakh’ for his post independence contribution to Ladakh as a visionary and selfless political leader. The function was organised by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council to pay tribute to the legendary spiritual and political leader of Ladakh who has been recognised nationally as well as internationally. All the students of government and private schools participated in the special occasion.

inter school debate Competition 2013

An Inter School Debate Competition in which around 54 students from various schools of ladakh participated including Mahabodhi Residential School on the topic ‘Voting in Election should be made a fundamental duty', whichwasorganizedbyNationalHydroelectricPower Corporation (NHPC) on 14th November 2014 at Sindhu Sanskriti. The debate also saw witty rebuttals apart from smart delivery of the content by some speakers.

Mahabodhi Int’l Meditation Center (MIMC) Dewachan Choglamsar won the winner of the running trophy 2013-14 overall and Miss. RigzinDolmaofMahabodhiResidentialSchool,Choglamsar won the third position in Individual Category.

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Annual Karuna day Celebration – 2014 The annual Karuna Day celebration, organised by the Chandigarh branch of the Mahabodhi Int’l Meditation Centre and the Mahabodhi Youth Wing in collaboration with the Ladakh Students' Association Chandigarh, took place on 7th January 2014 at the Punjab University Chandigarh. This date, 7th January, is also the birthday of Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder-President of the Mahabodhi Int’l Meditation Centre, Leh, Ladakh.

This year's Karuna Day was yet another historic and memorable day; wherein more than five hundred people, including a large number of Mahabodhi students studying in Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu, Nagpur and Leh came together to participateinthecelebration.TheMostVen.LamaLobzang,FounderandGeneralSecretaryoftheInternationalBuddhistConfederation, New Delhi, was the Chief Guest for the occasion whilst Mr Thupstan Chhewang, former Union Minister of the Government of India, Mr P. Namgyal, former Union Minister of the Government of India, General S.S. Grewal along with several other high ranking military officials, Mr N.K. Gupta and Mr Pradeep Pathak were among the highly esteemed Guests of Honour. Many other eminent dignitaries also travelled from Delhi, Jammu, Chandigarh, Panchkula and Ladakh to be a part of this most auspicious occasion. Thirty-five venerable monks and nuns from Vietnam, Myanmar, and Thailand also came and offered a special prayer for world peace, creating a deep sense of purity, serenity and unity that pervaded the entire audience.

In addition to the inspiring speeches and messages delivered by the distinguished guests and eminent speakers, students from the Ladakh Students' Association Chandigarh, Mahabodhi students from Padamaloka Girls Hostel Chandigarh, and students from Jammu, Nagpur and Delhi also played a very active part in the day's vibrant celebrations. The renowned singer, Mr Phunsog Ladakhi, and the musical band from 2 Ladakh Scouts, Chandimandir, thrilled the audience with their beautiful, harmonious and melodious spiritual songs and dynamic performances. The local media, both electronic and print, provided excellent coverage of the whole event.

events

in the heart of MIMC campus, a very beautiful and a magnificent Burmese style Dhamma Dipa Swezigon Pagoda has been

constructed, which was gifted to MIMC by Most Ven. Ashin Nyanissara Sayadow from Myanmar and the devotees from Myanmar.

In2009,worktoconstructtheDhammaDipaSwezigongPagodaatMahabodhi Int’l Meditation Centre, Ladakh was started following the ground breaking ceremony by Most Ven. Ashin Nyanissara Sayadaw from Myanmar and devotees from Myanmar. The first phase of the construction work on the Myanmar-style stupa began in the same year and continued till the beginning of the winter of 2009. However, the construction had to be temporarily suspended due to the unfortunate flash flood tragedy which occurred in 2010, after which work continued the following year.

Finally in August, 2012, the final stages of completion of the Stupa began with the arrival of a group of experienced artists from Myanmar who worked tirelessly on the project. Within a month of their arrival, the Stupa was completed with the most beautiful and intricate designs and paintings on it.

In spite of his hectic schedule, Most Ven. Sayadaw and his devotees came to install the Ceti umbrella and relics into the Stupa. In 2013, the complete work on the Pagoda was finally completed with the roof of the stupa being painted with a golden colour and on 20th August

sitagu shanti stupa

2013, the Pagoda was finally inaugurated by the chief disciples of Most Ven. Ashin Nyanissara Sayadaw, Ven. Ashin U Kumara and Ven. Ashin Sundhara.

We would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to Ven. Sayadaw for his involvement in this meritorious project.

May the merits of this generous work benefit all sentient beings!

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the third pole E-base, MiMC devachan

what is E-base? details on infrastructure and location.?The Third Pole E-Base is a structure built next to the Mahabodhi Residential School at Devachan campus, using sustainable buildingmaterialsandpoweredbysolarpanels.Equippedwithdigitalande-learningtools,theE-Baseprovidesamediumfor the students to understand a topic by working on real life projects as well as watching documentaries using tablet/computers. The E-Base aims tomake learning fun and interactive,while shaping the students to be equippedwithsolutions on sustainable & clean energy.

why it is needed in ladakh?The flash floods in Leh in 2010 were an unprecedented event for the local community and one that many feel was directly connected to climate change. It was an eye opener on the effects of global warming. Ladakhis didn’t just pack up and leave. They rebuilt, and rebuilt better using natural and local building ideas. It was imperative that we shared the benefits of clean and sustainable source of energy & infrastructure with the people of Leh. The students are the obvious choice to work with since they are the future of the region. While the face of education has changed vastly in the rest of the world, especially in the past few decades, with students having increasing access to multimedia tools, in Ladakh it’s still done the old way i.e. books and a dated curriculum. The E-Base aims to give a boost to this, by being a pit-stop in the school journey, where the students emanate for experiential learning.

what it will do for students of leh? The E-Base supports the sustainability curriculum around 6 main themes – water, energy, food, waste, biodiversity, and Ladakhiculture.Thenewcurriculumwilltheallowstudents,facultiesandvisitorstoeffectivelyutilizethefacilitybothto research information and to communicate learning with others. The E-base is a great area to educate and create awareness among students on renewable energy, especially solar, as this region has extreme weather patterns and also has 300 days of solar throughout the year

why and how it will connect various schools?Children in Leh are born in an environment, which is more secluded that most places in the world. By opening a window totherestoftheworld,theywillabletobroadentheirhorizonsconsiderably.Theideaistoinculcatethethoughtamongthe students that a center like E-Base is made to support meaningful climate change, education and positive action to local challenges and opportunities — think global, act local. The E-Base sustainability curriculum is an extension of textbook learning to the realworld learningon theground throughprojectsandenquiries. With the supportofthe Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE) team, the E-Base will partner with local schools in Leh while simultaneously connecting with international schools, starting with Ashley School, London.

the mentorship program at last.The E-Base has also started a mentorship program for the children in the higher grades (age around 15 years). Handpicked volunteermentorsfromacrosstheglobewouldbepairedwith1-2studentstohelpaddressanyqueriesthestudentsmay have. This interaction would happen through emails and Skype calls and will introduce the students to new things, enabling a holistic and positive dialogue. The program would eventually play an important medium in nurturing the dreams of the local students.

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events

jammu Committee reshuffle

it had been long since Venerable Sanghasena has visited Jammu Branch of Mahabodhi (MIMC). On 29 Mar 2014, he visited the boys’ hostel, presently in a rented accommodation and had interaction with the students staying there. The

hotel accommodation had been arranged by Dr VK Kundal and also supervised by him. On 30 Mar 2014, the meeting of all Mahabodhi well wishers started at 3 PM at KANGRA FORT location. The following well wishers were present: - 1. Mr SS Kapur,IAS, former Chief Secretary of J&K and presently the Chairman of J&K Water Resources Regulatory Authority 2. Mr KN Singh, Managing Director, Anuradha Group (which includes KANGRA FORT Resorts) 3. Mr RL Jarangal, ex DC 4. DrSmanla5.Col(Dr)Smanla6.ProffesorBaidyanathLabh7.MrTRAzad,retdlecturer8.MrManishKumar,AccountantGeneral 9. Ms Sunita Kumari 10. Mr Satish Kumar Borkar 11. Er VK Kundal 12. Col VS Jamwal (Mahabodhi Chandigarh Branch).

Venerable Sanghasena opened the discussion by extending a warm welcome to all well wishers of Mahabodhi for taking out time and be there for the meeting. He gave out a short review of the activities of Mahabodhi Int'l Meditation Centre Leh, its branches at Chandigarh/Panchkula and the Delhi branch. He sincerely hoped to be more active at Jammu, which he had not been able to do so for various commitments at Leh, inside and outside the country. But he felt confident that with the noble support of all the honb'le members from Jammu the development of Mahabodhi centre will get a boost inthemuchrequiredpendingworks.Onthisallthemembersshowedgreatdealofenthusiasmtodotheirbestfortheorganization. Venerable Sanghasena also mentioned about the proposed Buddhist Conference at Jammu, which would be coordinated by Professor Baidyanath Labh, along with its modalities. It was also proposed to have at least two meditation sessions every year, at Jammu Centre. After this minor issues related to Mahabodhi Centre Jammu were discussed. There after the composition of Mahabodhi Jammu Branch was proposed and approved, which is as follows:- Patron (s)- Mr SS Kapur and Mr KN Singh Vice Chairman- Mr Rl Jangral Secretary- Er VK Kundal Asst Secretary- Mr Kuldip (nominated in absentica) Hon'ble Members- all other well wishers were very special and important of Mahabodhi In the concluding remarks Venerable Sanghasena thanked everybody for their kind support to the noble cause of Mahabodhi and taking out their valuable time to come and attend the meeting. He made special reference and thanked Mr SS Kapur,IAS, for his continued support for the cause of Mahabodhi. He also thanked profusely Mr KN Singh for his magnanimous support in all aspects, especially by making availability of the accommodation, food and on allied issues. Mr KN Singh had very kindly offered the availability of premises at KANGRA FORT Complex. With these remarks and thanking once again, the meeting was closed.

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dhamma tour of ven. sanghasena

for the past 25 years, Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena has travelled extensively,

visiting many countries around the world to share the Buddha-Dhamma through numerous international conferences, seminars and workshops. In particular, he has made many regular visits to the USA, Canada, Brazil,Australia,theUK,Germany,Austria,Switzerland,Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy, Israel, Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar and several parts of India.

Wherever he goes, and whomever he meets, Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena urges all to promote positive cultural and spiritual values, literacy, environmental protection, non-violence, inter-religious harmony and peaceful co-existence, the concept of a single global village and world peace. He actively supports the elevation of the status of women, the provision of compassionate care and support for poverty-stricken people, and raises his voice against destructive armaments, degradation of the environment and ecology, human injustice, consumerism, economic imbalance and racism.

Most ven. Khampo lama from Mongolia during the vesak celebration in thailand

during the fund raising function in Malayasia for MiMC activities

Most ven. hui hai, Chairman, dharma university, Malaysia confering honorary doctorate degree to ven. sanghasena Mahathera

Elijha inter-faith Conference in israel

datuk seri dr. victor wee and bro. Charlie Chia and friends of MiMC in Malaysia sister ramona lai from Malaysia

2009

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2010

2011

2012

ven sanghasena with Acharn shulak shivaraksha and goutam salyasheel in thailand

prof. dhammajoti, hong Kong hod, buddhist department, hongkong university

ven. bhikkhu sanghasena with Most ven. nyanabodhi

dato tan seng sung , Ambassador of Malaysia at his residence during a fund raising ceremony for MiMC activities

Most ven. lioa Chung, president, wbsC and other hon'ble member monks of wbsC in taiwan

ven. bhikkhu sanghasena with Ms. helga & gerhard

ven sanghasena in conversation with his holiness shri shri ravishankar.

with most ven. dharma Master hsing tao in taiwan

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2013

bhikkhu sanghasena and MiMC staffs at buddhist fellowship Center, singapore

bhikkhu sanghasena and MiMC staffs with the vice Abbot lungpho dattajeevo, thailand

bhikkhu sanghasena with sister ramona lai and other important suporters of MiMC

ven. sangasena at vEn. ZhEn yAo temple tAngKAK , Malaysia

h.E. somdejphramaharatchamangala- jarn acting supreme patriarch of thailand honouring bhikkhu sanghasena at the world buddhist outstanding leader Award

inEb Confrence, Malaysia

see off gathering at bgf, Malaysia

with ven. hu hai and his students at dhamma buddhist university, Malaysia

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events

visit by MiMC member to various places of the world

Mahabodhi being an international organisation has friends and supporters

all over the world and Venerable Sanghasena since from its inception believes in keeping good relations with our well-wishers. So keeping that in mind he sends many of the members to participate in seminars, conferences, culture exchange tours representing MIMC on various functions. Following pictorials are some instances.

Members of buddhist gem fellowship Malaysia being hosting a lunch dana to visitors monks of MiMC

group photo with the head nun of fo gong shan, singapore

Members of MiMC with Mr dangmant in Malaysia ven. padma, Miss Kunzang & Miss pami at fo gong shan for bliA Conference

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ven nagasena & ven jinanda presenting a souvenir to Most ven pannyavaro, sangharaja of indonesia theravada sangha & organiser of

the wbsC Conference

Miss pami & Miss Kunzang representing Mahabodhi at bliA conference

ven nagasena & ven jinananda with hon'ble member monks of world buddhist sangha Council in Medan, indonesia

ven. sanghasena, ven. sangharakkhita & Mr. t namgyal in taiwan

ven jinananda with Most ven. seck hai siong, secretary of wbsC and Chairman of the organising committee of the Conference

MiMC members with bro Charlie Chia, bro lee & members of bgf, Malaysia

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events

visitors to devachan Campus

shri hassan Khan, hon'ble Mp visiting the devachan Campus

Every year many well-wishers of the organization visit to see the progress of

the activities personally. The Devachan Family warmly welcomes and extends all possible hospitality during their stay with us. We welcome all peoples of the world, irrespective of religion, country or caste. For the last three years many important personalities and dignitaries as well as well-wishers from far and near have come to visit and we always extend our warmest welcome to all.

2009

2010

sister swee li & group from penang, Malayasia

bro. Charlie and group from Malaysia

Most ven. dr. nyanissara sayadaw and his disciples from Myanmar during their visit to

devachan Capmus

dr. wilfried reuter and Mrs. juta Kadegge & group from lotus vihara, germany during

their spiritual tour to MiMC, ladakh

Mrs helga and Mr. gerhard from buddha haus, germany being welcomed at devachan

Campus

Mr. nasir Aslam wani then the Minister of state for tourism and Culture, j&K

bro. Charlie and bro. vijian from Malaysia

h.h. gyalwang drukpa rinpochey being welcomed to grace the buddhist Muslim

dialouge at MiMC

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2010

2011

2012

with Maulana umair Ahmed ilyasi (president All india organisation of imams of Mosques, india) and Most ven. dharma Master hsin tao

Most ven. skabjey gadentri rinpochey blessing the elderly people of old Age home

ven. phasura of dhammakaya from thailand at sambodhi retreat Center

the famous singer sonu nigam, being welcomed at devachan Campus

ven sanghasena welcoming the Most ven. tokdan rinpochey sri. nawang rigzin jora, then hon'ble Minister of tourism, j&K at MiMC Campus

Most ven. hui hai, vice Chancellor dharma buddhist university, Malaysia during the

festival

hE sri devanand Konwar the governor of bihar and lady governor being welcomed by

ven sanghasena during a festival

dr roos, jimmi love & the harlem praise family, ray lynch & the brooklin tap dancers

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2014

his Excellecy shri gulam nabi Azad, hon’ble Minister of health & family welfare, govt. of india visiting the devachan Campus

ven. nyanabodhi from buddha haus and lotus vihara, germany

shri nawang ringzin jora, hon’ble Minister of urban development & urban local bodies, j&K state

datuk seri dr. victor wee, president, and members of bgf, Malaysia

Ms. helga & Mr. gerhard and members of the buddha haus, germany

h.E. drikung Chesang rinpoche blessing the Milarepa rock Cave

Mother park Chung soo & Mr. Kim sang Kon, south Korea

shri ghulam Ahmad Mir, hon’ble Minister of tourism, j&K state

Mr. Charlie and his group from Malaysia

Most ven. Alubomulle ratanasiri thero from Malasia

A MEMoriAl tributE to

the Most venerable Acharya buddharakkhita (1917-2013)

On the sad demise of Bada Bhante Acharya Buddharakkhita on 23rd Sept. 2013, Ven. Sanghasena and some senior monks from MIMC went to attend Funeral ceremony at Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore and atthesametime,agrandPujawasorganizedattheDevachancampus,whichwasattendedbythemonks,nuns, members, staff and students of MIMC to express their sincerest condolences.

The loss and vacuum we all are experiencing was unfathomable. He was an embodiment the Dhamma that he taught and lived a life of samana, ever disseminating the light of the Buddha-Dhamma. We, Bhikkhu Sanghasensa and Devachan family members, would earnestly like to pay our countless salutations with profound gratitude at the lotus feet of the Bada Bhanteji.

the last song of the EnlightenmentAll human beings are destined for Buddhahood,And Buddhahood is the ultimate destination of all human beings!All human beings possess the seed of Buddhahood,And all seeds are destined to flower!All living beings are potential Buddhas from the very beginning!It is like water and ice: Apart from water, no ice; outside living beings, no Buddhas!Not knowing it is so near, we seek it from afar! What a great pity!It is like a fish in the ocean who cries out through thirst, not knowing he is surrounded by immeasurable water!It is like a bird confined to a small cage for too long, who has forgotten his wings could carry him into boundless space!It is like the child of a wealthy family who has strayed and found himself among the poor!The cause of our endless circling through Samsara is that we have been treading the dark path of ignorance!Circling and circling, relentlessly treading this dark path of ignorance!How and when shall we finally escape the darkness of Samsara? The light of the Buddha alone is capable of dispelling the deep darkness of ignorance!Crystal meditation of the Gautama Buddha, which is beyond all praise and worldly value, is the only way!Practicing meditation is experiencing the Buddha within oneself!Practicing love is seeing the Buddha in the person next to you!Practicing compassion is spreading the sweet fragrance of Buddhahood everywhere!Developing wisdom is seeing the Buddha and Bodhisattvas everywhere!How fortunate are those upon whom the light of the Buddha shines!

Observing precepts; maintaining discipline; offering prayers; performing wholesome Karmas; These are the groundwork for the effective exploration of meditation!All must come back to the practice and experience of this meditation alone!Crystal meditation of the Gautama Buddha is beyond all praise and worldly value!By entering into a single deep meditation one can destroy innumerable accumulated Karmas!The teachings are always clear to the genuine seeker of truth and lover of peace!When a faithful seeker hears and embraces even one word of pure Dharma, he gains limitless merits!Nirvana is not far!

When one reaches the pinnacle of meditation - Samadhi:All dualities and dichotomies of Samsara are completely destroyed;All cause and effect, confusion and conflict is completely resolved;All clouds of ignorance and confusion are completely dispersed;All storms of desire and craving are completely pacified;All mountains of Karma accumulated over countless lives are completely eroded; All shackles and bonds are completely broken;All thick and high walls of illusion and delusion are completely demolished;All hatred and envy is transformed into eternal love;All greed and craving is transformed into generosity;All the darkness of ignorance is transformed into the eternal light of Nirvana;The hard ice of ego is completely melted, and evaporates into the infinite blue sky forever;All crowds are transformed into one, and the one is transformed into none;All crying is transformed into divine laughter;All differences - God and Devil, heaven and hell, divine and demonic, Samsara and Nirvana - are transformed into one, and the one is transformed into none;All forms are transformed into formless flowers;All sounds are transformed into celestial music;All thoughts are transformed into the sweet fragrance and eternal bliss of Nirvana;All activities are transformed into cosmic dance;All struggles are transformed into cosmic celebration; All time - past, present, and future - are transformed into the timeless time of eternity;The unconditional, immeasurable, inexhaustible, indestructible, eternal, And illuminating sun of wisdom shines brightly;The beginningless, long, and tiring journey is completed;The beginningless and endless bliss of Nirvana is found;He has reached his blissful home of eternity;This very earth, the Lotus paradise;This very house, the house of the Buddhas;

This very Mettavihara, the Brahmavihara;This very movement, the movement of all the Buddhas;Nothing remains to be sought;No more words;Only countless “Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu! -Bhikkhu Sanghasena

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spiritual i ty Milarepa rock Cave at sambodhi retreat Centre

TheamazinglargeandmagnificentMeditationCaveisdedicatedto the great Tibetan saint, yogi and poet, Milarepa.

At the site visitors are greeted by the majestic paintings on Milarepa, Lord Buddha and the Green Tara as well as the famous mantra Om Ma Ni Padmi Hung. Beautiful and sweet-smelling herbs, flowers and apple trees grow all along the footpath making this a place of great peace and beauty. The Milarepa Rock Cave is crowned with an abundance of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind - sometimes waving gently, sometimes raging; a dance of shadow and light. The most sacred and eye-catching Milarepa Rock Cave provides silent spiritual encouragement to all who visit it.

Milarepa is probably one of the most famous saints, yogi and poet to ever appear in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. He is a holy and captivating figure who developed from an avenging black magician to a supremely powerful yogi, pointing the way towards spiritual liberation within one lifetime.

Milarepa is one of the most loved and highly respected Gurus of Venerable Sanghasena, the founder president of Mahabodhi. During meditation sessions, Venerable never forgets to mention the life and teachings of the great master Milarepa and often quotes words ofwisdom from the wonderful and famous book, The Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa.

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rock garden

The Rock Garden is situated at the Sambodhi Retreat Centre next to the Healing Garden

and the Milarepa Rock Cave, just below the kutis on a small sloped rock. The Rock Garden was designed to conform to the natural rock formations and is arranged artistically to simulate natural conditions. The rocks are piled and made into colored pillars to enhance their natural beauty. The natural rocks themselves are so beautiful and look good all year round.

The Rock Garden is spacious enough for meditators and visitors to sit and view the beautiful sunset and just relax.

spiritual i ty

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healing garden at the sambodhi retreat Centre

The holistic Healing Garden tries to express three stages of life. Life,

created out of eternity is coming into form through water, spreading out life and light by flowers and healing plants and the upper part, where the stupa is standing, expresses the final step, the end of life.

so, what is needed?

we like to create this holistic healing garden for all our beloved visitors

and meditators from all over the world to enjoy the highest, most beautifull and silent place to meditate in Himalaya. We would deeply appreciate your humble support in any form.

following elements are planned:1 Space for different kinds of meditation

2 Zen and Rockgarden

3 Herbal garden with plants of the region

4 Flower and rose garden

5 Fireplace

6 Wind chimes

7 Global water fountain

8 Place for five Buddhas

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sambodhi retreat Centre

The incredibly beautiful Sambodhi Retreat Centre, an inspiring oasis of tranquil

contemplation, is situated in a secluded corner of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre campus. The Meditation Centre is surrounded by fascinating landscape and natural beauty. It is flanked by rocky mountains on one side and golden sand dunes on the other. The sweet scent of fragrant and jewel-like flowers which line the footpaths of the centre, play joyfully on the senses. Thereareappetizingappleandapricot trees nestled among enigmatic stupas, reclusive meditation kutis (cells),and numerous prayer flags fluttering in the clear blue sky. The sacred and eye-catching Milarepa Rock Cave provides silent spiritual encouragement while the healing garden aims to meet the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of meditators and visitors.

The Sambodhi Retreat Centre is exceptionally well designed. Venerable Sanghasena has personally overseen all aspects of the Centre’s design, construction and management with a singularly humanitarian vision: to create a unique, world- renownedcontemplative venue which is appealing to all seekers of truth and lovers of peace, irrespective of their religious inclinations, caste or creed. As a consequence, the Centre provides anincredibly warm welcome to all who are looking to incorporate timeless and universal spiritual truth into their lives.

An incredible view of the sun-set at sambodhi retreat Centre

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facilities at sambodhi retreat Centre

The Centre is blessed with a beautiful meditation hall; separate dormitories

which can accommodate 40-50 male and female residents at a time; a delightful dining hall for more than 50 people and a beautiful garden where meditators can practice walking meditation and yoga or simply rest on the lawn under many fruits trees.

It is also intriguing to see different types of birds wandering in the garden and among the trees. In addition to the spacious accommodation and the first-rate facilities for groups, the Sambodhi Retreat Centre has a number of comfortable meditation kutis (with attached bathroom, small kitchen, bedroom and meditation room) for experienced solitary practitioners. We are also looking forward to building more such kutis in the future, as and when the necessary resources become available.

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Courses at sambodhi retreat Centre

The Sambodhi Retreat Centre offers both short and long duration meditation courses

with yoga classes. The tremendously popular and highly successful three-day meditation courses are regularly scheduled throughout the summer months and we receive incredibly positive and encouraging feedback from all those who have attended. The Sambodhi Retreat Centre continues to harmoniously develop and gracefully evolve with time and we welcome all, whether one is a beginner or experienced practitioner to the Centre.

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spiritual i ty Mahabodhi int’l Meditation and yoga Centre, Changspa-leh

Many people visit Ladakh looking for an encounter and experience with the Buddha Dhamma, its monks, nuns and

monasteries. The Mahabodhi International Meditation and Yoga Centre in Changspa was established to offer daily guided meditation and yoga classes and Buddhist public talks occasionally to those who make Leh their base. The Changspa sub-centre is located well away fromthemainLehbazaarareaand isnot toonoisy.Here regulardaily meditation classes and Dhamma talks are conducted from June to September during the peak tourist season. For the last two years we have experienced yoga teachers conducting classes there as well.

This winter, we initiated a 3-week long Basic Buddhism Course for the students and youths of Ladakh , which was a great success and we hope to continue with this program which will benefit the local community.

sitting meditation in progress

group Meditation at the Changspa Centre

yoga practice souvenir shop at the Centre

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Meditation programs in delhi, Chandigarh and jammu

we have been organizing aseries of meditation programs

in other parts of the country, namely Delhi, Chandigarh and Jammu during the winter season. There is great demand for spiritual programs like meditation and yoga in today’s society where people want to find a way to cope with the stress, anxiety and fast pace of living in the modern era. The main aim of organizingthese noble programs is to share the sacred teachings of the Lord Buddha and the importance and benefits of meditation. The courses are designed in such a way that it can be adjusted to accommodate the needs and expectations of every single participant coming from different backgrounds, religions and age.We receive amazingly positiveand encouraging feedback from all those who attend the courses and we aim to continue this program in the future for all seekers of truth and lovers of peace.

Meditation Camp at jammu

Mahabodhi int'l Meditation Centre, Chandigarh

gautam buddha university, greater nodia, up

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spiritual i ty Mahabodhi int’l Meditation Centre, Chandigarh

The establishment of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre Chandigarh, on 4th December, 2010 by Ven. Lama

Lobzangcertainlyaddstothespiritualbeautyandsimpleeleganceto the most well planned of Indian cities. The branch centre offers meditation courses and talks on various aspects of Buddhism, which will be relevant to today’s modern life and the present world situation.Thecentrealsoorganizesseminars,workshops,discussionsand forums, all aimed at promoting inner and outer peace and harmony through inter-religious and inter-cultural understanding.

front-view of the Mahabodhi int'l Meditation Centre, Chandigarh

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Mahabodhi jetavana Monastery

Despite all the humanitarian work undertaken by MIMC, Ven. Sanghasena has not lost sight of the primary goal of

introducing Ladakhis to both the theory and the practice of the Buddha’s teachings. In fact, the Dhamma or teachings is the foundationoftheentireorganization.Withouttheguidanceof the Buddha’s teachings, MIMC might have developed into an organization without a goal. Therefore, to ensure thefuture existence of MIMC, in 2004 Ven. Sanghasena took an essential and visionary step to establish a Monastery at the Devachan Campus to train a new generation of monks.

The Mahabodhi Jetavana Monastery was established on 17th July, 2004 with only a few monks in training. In 2005, the first group of 10 new young monks were ordained as novices and began their monastic education at MIMC. Today, the Mahabodhi Jetavana Monastery is the only Theravadan Monastery and training centre in the entire western Himalayan region. Presently 25 young monks receive an innovative and comprehensive training program from Venerable Sanghasena Mahathera and two other senior monks. They study and practice the teachings of the Buddha as preserved in the Pali Canon (Tipitaka). Additionally, they also receive a complete, modern secular education approved by the Indian Ministry of Education at the Mahabodhi Residential School. The monks will become proficient not only in Pali, but also in

English and Ladakhi languages so that they can become competent teachers, healers and leaders of the community in the future.These monks are and will continue to be the community leaders of MIMC, guiding and ensuring the moral and spiritual integrity of theorganization.

The first batch of monks will be completing their schooling this year. Ven. Sanghasena is contemplating sending some of the monks overseas or to other institutions in India to broadentheirhorizonandcontinue intheirstudy of the Buddha Dhamma. We are very confident when these first sown seeds start to bear fruits, they will become the great Ambassadors of the Dhamma for people around the world and especially for the people of Ladakh.

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spiritual i ty

Mahabodhi nunnery

Venerable Sanghasena also established the Mahabodhi Nunnery, the first of its kind with first batch of young nuns in the year

1996.Herecognizedtheneedtoimprovethestatusandimpoverishedliving conditions of nuns and to restore their self esteem and dignity in society. Previously non-existent, a comprehensive secular and religious education is provided to the young nuns in this safe and healthy spiritual environment. This has provided them with an opportunity to develop and grow to their fullest potential and offer their services for the development of their fellow sisters in the remote and neglected communities of this region.

The Mahabodhi Nunnery has trained over 30 nuns from all parts of Ladakh as well as the less well known Buddhist communities in the areas such as Arunachal Pradesh. The combining of secular and religious education, the monastic discipline and the exposure to many different cultures at Mahabodhi have enabled these Buddhist women from the Himalayan region to choose between a secular life rich with spirituality or give a lifelong commitment to a monastic life of service and meditation. The senior nuns and students were sent abroad to participate in several International Buddhist Women Conferences. For the first time, Venerable Sanghasena invited and hosted the International Buddhist Women’s Conference (Sakyadittha) at Devachan Campus of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre in the year 1995.

Presently 25 young nuns are at the Nunnery receiving their monastic training which includes the practice of Vipassana meditation, the study of basic Buddhist philosophy, Buddhist history, Ladakhi, Tibetan, English and Pali languages. They also attend the Mahabodhi School at the campus with other regular children. This gives them

both a sound secular education as well as an opportunity for integration with the broader society. Unfortunately, the part of the building had to be dismantled due to a crack in the foundation wall during the 2010 devastating flash floods. We are very much thankful to the members of Buddha Haus, Germany who very kindly funded part of the reconstruction of the building.

Venerable Sanghasena certainly aspires and wishes very strongly to train and make the Mahabodhi nuns socially engaged Buddhist nuns, respectful and skillful Dhamma and meditation teachers, community leaders, religious administrators and healers. They will be encouraged to shoulder leadership responsibilities in carrying out the various educational, medical, spiritual and charity projects on the campus. They will be encouraged to help in organizing special pujas and giveDhamma talks to the residents at the campus. In the long run, their work will enhance the status of nuns and women and enable them to play a significant role in promoting the welfare and preserving the cultural heritage of the Ladakhi communities.

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A life worth living

In the midst of majestic Himalaya

Stands a heavenly home Devachan

With a gem of loving family at its heart.

Blessed with peace and the bliss of heavenly blessings

Guided by the vision of a noble being.

Like the radiant rays for the gloomy path,

May His gem of compassion spread far and wide.

May He, the reverent master, live a long blessed life.

For me as a disciple, Guruji is truly a living Bodhisattva. Spreading the Buddha’s teaching far and wide and practicing the real “Compassion in Action” Guruji has become a radiant light of hope for thousands of Children in Ladakh and a source of inspiration to people around the globe.

Personally, I feel myself as an extraordinary child among my siblings as I received the opportunity to be a student and humble disciple of my reverent teacher most venerable Sanghasena. I firmly believe that my karmic power has brought me into this divineassociationwithmyguruandmemberof thisunique family. I received love,care, a holistic education and respect for my individuality in this institution, I couldn’t have expected more than this. I am entirely grateful to my Guruji for making my life worth living.

I have one more year to complete my 10th grade, thereon I have to move out of Ladakh to pursue my higher studies. I just love to imagine the day when I finish my higher studies and return back to render my humble service as a mark of gratitude to my Guru and this esteemed institution.

I am and shall always remain grateful to my Guru and above all the BUDDHA DHAMMA for blessing me with such a meaningful life.

Thank You

i wanted to be a good nun and i am !

I always wished to become a nun to learn and contemplate on the teaching of the Lord Buddha. I firmly believe that a nun’s life is peaceful and contended, detached from the worldly things and their apparent happiness. I am happy I am living a life which involves the search of the real peace and eternal happiness.

WhenIwas9yearsofage,myfatheraskedmeaquestion,“Whatwouldyouwanttobe?”IrememberedmysisterStanzinShenrap,whoisanun,thoughtforawhileandreplied, “Father I also want to become a nun like my sister, it is possible?” My father had a smile of pride on his face and expressed that he is happy to know that I wanted to become a nun and that he would admit me to the best institute to achieve my aspiration.That ishowIcameto incontactwithMahabodhiOrganizationandthePhadeling Nunnery based here. Though I found it difficult to adjust in the beginning, but as time passed by, I found my way to the happiness that I was searching for long, a peaceful and happy life.

bhante dhammananda jetavana Monastery

supadma pandeyling nunnery

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I am learning the sacred teaching of Lord Buddha and so many good things from my Guru, Ven. Sanghasena. It give me lots of joy to imagine that I have the opportunity to spend the rest of my life as a nun and serve the Mahabodhi organisation in my own capacity. I am grateful to my respected Guru, supporters, my teacher, parents and all the Dhamma friends for helping and guiding me to live my life as a nun. I am very happy and feel myself fortunate to be here.

Thank you all.

nun life at Mahabodhi nunnery I am Paduma Citta and I hail from Arunachal Pradesh which is in the north-eastern part of India.

At the Beginning, Mahabodhi appeared totally strange to my eyes as the terrain, language and culture were completely new to me and I began to feel like an alien in this place. However, with the passage of time, my anxiety, fear and astonishment settled down and a new feeling and a sense of belonging started to bloom in me for thisplaceanditspeople.Ibegantofeelverymuchpartofthisorganizationwithinashort span of time. Thanks to the blessing of my Guruji and the love and affection of the residents of this family that made my transition so memorable and comfortable for me.

I am lucky to be a resident of this huge family, although I don’t belong to this state ortheregion.Igottoknowthefamilyanditsactivitiesandgraduallyrealizedthatthis place is something that will enlighten my life and lead me from darkness to light. Being a nun I reside in the Nunnery, where besides listening to Buddha’s teachings, learning and practicing meditation, we also have special opportunity to study and learn the modern secular education in subjects like Mathematics, Science, Social and Languages, which I believe is the rarest of rare opportunities. I don’t know whether there are other nuns in Ladakh who receive a complete education of this kind. If I am not wrong, this nunnery is the first in the history of Buddhist nuns in Ladakh which has the entire facilities to study Buddha’s teaching along with modern secular education. We are truly blessed with these rare opportunities and I must say, my dhamma sisters at Mahabodhi Nunnery and I are really fortunate to receive such a holistic education in our lives.

It is said that 20 years back from now, the condition of the nuns in Ladakh was very poor compared to the monks. There was no proper nunnery, where the nuns could live and dedicate their lives in practicing the Buddha’s teachings. It was Ven. Sanghasena who got inspiration from dynamically educated nuns during his first visit to Taiwan and initiated the first nunnery for venerable nuns in Ladakh. Guruji saw the dignified spiritual life that nuns in Taiwan enjoyed and determined to provide a similar learning environment for the aspiring nuns in Ladakh. Accordingly in the year 1996, Guruji, established the first nunnery at MIMC where the nuns could learn the Buddha’s teachings and practice meditation and receive the modern education as well in a holistic manner. Guruji also organised, for the first time in the history of Ladakh, the 4th Sakyadhita International Association for Buddhist Women Conference which was held at MIMC, Ladakh in the year 1995. These events marked the remarkable beginning for some wonderful initiatives which drastically changed the status of nuns in Ladakh forever. Today there are many nunneries where many nuns receive spiritual and secular educatedtowidentheirhorizonofknowledge.

padumacitta pandeyling nunnery

63

My dhamma sisters at Mahabodhi nunnery and I receive the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world and this helps us to open up and become friendly with visitors and foreigners. We share our little knowledge with them and in return we gain more knowledge from those interactions. Every such opportunity helps us to improve our knowledge of English and it gives us confidence to communicate with people with ease.

At the nunnery we live like a big family, with respect for the elders and love for the younger and take care and help each other. I would like to express my highest gratitude and thankful to Guruji for creating such a lovely home with every single necessities for us to live with peace and joy.

We thank you Guruji, for making our life so beautiful!!!!

light of lovE

Candle the light of love in your heart And let it shine far and wide

Like the virgin snow mountain of the majestic Himalayas! Then this world will become a heaven here and now.

You need not think and wait for a heaven After death somewhere else!

May the light of that great love shine In every heart of every human being

In every corner of this world!

-Bhikkhu Sanghasena

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education

Mahabodhi residential school

geographically situated at the crown of India, in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, the Mahabodhi Residential

Schoolisanaturalandtranquilinstitutionawayfromthehustleandbustle of the city which fosters an ideal educational environment for both students and teachers. Set amidst the beautiful snowcapped mountains, the school nurtures students coming together from the widespread hamlets scattered across the length and breadth of Ladakh. It is a unique schoolwhere youngmonks, nuns, boys,girls and visually impaired children receive secular education without bias and prejudice. Ever since its inception, the Mahabodhi Residential School has committed itself to providing quality andholistic education to its children to help them accomplish the vision andmissionofcultivatingacivilized society,aprosperousnationand a better world. The main objectives of the school are to nurture and develop the intellectual, physical, moral, spiritual, creative and social skills of the child as well as to infuse in them a sense of global responsibility and understanding.

The school has a heart-warming story to tell of its marvelous inception, growth and development. The origin of the school dates

back to the year 1992 when it was initiated with a few students by an individual who had nothing with him except the hopes and dreams for a better future for the poverty stricken people in Ladakh, especially the children. He dared to dream about turning the impossible into the possible and single-handedly faced countless obstacles and adversities with perseverance andoptimismtorealizehisnobledream.Withalmost no resources in hand but with boundless compassion and conviction, he established an organizationthatwoulddonothingbutcharityand selfless service. This man is none other than Ven. Sanghasena Maha Nayaka Thera, who has almost miraculously built an elegant oasis in a hopeless and unforgiving desert. The Mahabodhi Residential School began with 25 children who

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infrastructure

The school infrastructure consists of the KG (Kindergarten) wing comprising of one class each for the nursery, LKG (Lower

Kindergarten) and UKG (Upper Kindergarten), one creativity cum- play room for the kindergarten and an audio-visual room. The main school building consists of 12 classrooms for classes from 1st -10th Standard, one staff room, one composite science laboratory, one library, one computer laboratory, one teacher’s resource room, one sports room, one store room, a kitchen, a meeting room and the administrative block which includes the Principal’s office, Vice-principal’s office and the clerk’s chamber. Four additional rooms are

under construction for separate laboratories for biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and geography. The Mahabodhi School Multipurpose Hall is also under extension and renovation. The school has a huge playground and we are hoping to have new and improved fields for games like basketball; volleyball and handball in next year’s development plan.

The curriculum of the school includes regular subjects like mathematics, general sciences, social sciences, computers, games and languages. In addition to these mainstream subjects, we also teach the Dhamma as a crucial component of the school curriculum which imparts the basic knowledge about the life of the Buddha as well as Buddhism as a way of life. We also conduct meditation sessions every morning before initiating the regular classes with emphasis on “virtue-based” ethics and learning to use and apply these ethics in their everyday lives. On Saturdays ,the school conducts a wide variety of co-scholastic activities like debate competitions in different languages, elocution contests, drama, monologues, open talent hunts, sports, painting, calligraphy and cultural programmes. In a nutshell, the school strives to provide a well-balanced and holistic education for the children, with both a modern education complemented with a strong spiritual foundation.

were selected from areas which till today, are isolated from the basic conveniences and necessities of life like electricity, roads, modern education and medical care. The school laid its foundation with its first batch of students lodged in a single multipurpose room with three teachers-cum- support staff.

Over the years, the school has grown in sizeand infrastructure and now caters to the educational needs of around 520 students. 130 students reside in the boys’ hostel, 140 girls reside in the girl’s hostel, 25 monks in the Jetavana Monastery, 27 nuns in the Phandeyling Nunnery, 4 children with special needs are in the Home for the Visually Impaired Children and the remaining are day scholars.

The students residing in the Mahabodhi Hostels receive free accommodation, education, food, clothing and medical care. The School is affiliated to CBSE which is one of India’s reputed Boards of Education and has successfully established sister branches in three of the most remote areas of Ladakh embracing another 400 students under the ambit of its care and guidance. Currently the school has a staff strength of 30 members, of whom 22 are teachers and the remaining are support staff comprising of a librarian, clerk, office assistant, peons, sweepers and guardsman (chowkidar). In addition to these regular staff, the school invites volunteers from India and abroad during the summer season to work with children and the staff. It is a matter of great pride and joy for all associated with the school to be able to look back upon our activities and be thankful for what the school has been able to achieve within the past two decades and it is with much joyandhappinessthatwenowpresentaquickreport on this.

66 school’s achievements in different areas

scholastic

The school has managed to consistently achieve 100 % success rate in the 10th standard CBSE board results for three

consecutive academic years (i.e. 2009-10, 2010-11, and 2011-12) and we are determined to make it a priority to keep up the standards and improve upon them every passing year.

Co-scholastic

The school has been actively participating in various co-scholastic eventsorganizedandweareproudtosaythatourstudentshave

always stood out in prominence in them.

1 EnvironmentDay–Organizedbythe14CorpsoftheIndianarmy,wearehappytoreportthatourstudentsbaggedfirstprizesinthe Painting and inter-school debating competitions.

2 World Earth Day – 70 of our students participated in a relay procession while 20 took part in a painting competition. The functionwasorganizedbyNehruYuvaKendraSangathan.

3 Jullayladakh – 5 students from Mahabodhi participated and won certificates of merit for a painting competition based on the theme- “Alcohol and its repercussion on social life”.

4 WorldTourismDay–OrganizedbyAllLadakhTravelOperatorsAssociation (ALTOA) 20 students participated in a painting

competition while 30 -students performed a cultural song and dance for the occasion.

5 Outstanding Student Cultural Troupe - Our students have had a wonderful opportunity to perform in various national and international events:

a) Commonwealth Games, India 2010 - the Troupe performed in one of the closing ceremonies of this prestigious international event.

b) SAARC Cultural and Folklore Festival –

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the Troupe was also invited to perform at this festival in 2010 held in Chandigarh.

c) They also received the honor of performing in the India International Centre, New Delhi and at the Annual Buddhist Festival held in Nagpur, in Allahabad.

d) They have also been invited to showcase their talent in many of the closely associated schools like the Doon Public School, Panchkula, and the New Millennium School, Haryana. They have done both the school and Ladakh proud as they continue to showcase the rich cultural heritage of our homeland, Ladakh.

sports achievementThe school not only place emphasis on academic achievements but believes in giving the children a comprehensive and balanced education. It therefore has a good physical education program in place and we are happy to have performed well in the sporting arena as well.Some of our achievements include:

1 The school emerged as the Winner in the

Handball competition and Runner-up in Football at the Inter-school Tournament Leh Block (sub-district level) which was organizedbytheYouthandSportsDepartmentofLeh.

In the track and field events, the school bagged 5 gold medals, 3 silvermedals,5bronzemedalsand4certificatesofmerits.

2 One of our students got the opportunity to represent the Jammu and Kashmir State Women’s Team in the National Football Tournament, 2010. It gives us tremendous pleasure to look back upon the growth of the school and what it has been able to achieve over the past many years.

All these would not have been possible without Ven. Sanghasena’s unflinching hard work and the support he has received from well-wishers, donors and sponsors from around the world. We wish to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the many individuals working tirelessly at the school as well as the individuals andorganizationswhohave shown their trust andoffered their support from around the world.

the inter-house Annual Competition at the school

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education

Mahabodhi boys and girls hostel

both the Boys and the Girls hostels are functioning extremely well with 130 boys at the Boy’s hostel and 140 girls at the Girl’s

hostel who come from around 65 villages for the boys and 75 villages for the girls. Every year during the admission period in October, the selection committee faces an extremely difficult time as it has to turn away many children simply because there is a shortage of accommodating space for them at the hostels. There are many heart wrenching stories told as families from very remote villages have had to walk for miles just to catch public transport, arrive at the school only to be told that their child cannot gain admission to the hostels. One of the immediate goals is to expand our hostel facilities to admit up to 200 boys and 200 girls each but this of course is possible only throughadequate fundsbeingmadeavailable for theproject.Wewouldliketoappealtoanyphilanthropicindividualororganizationthat might be interested in supporting this deserving project.

pic require

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Education is a crucial key to helping eradicate poverty and we are fully committed towards fulfilling this dream and objective of Venerable Sanghasena.

There is also a need to expand the current facilities in order to accommodate students who are coming to join the main school from our Tingmosgang and Bodhkharbu branchschools in the coming years.

Despite huge financial constraints, we have extended a few dormitories and done some renovations to existing buildings. We have completely outfitted both buildings with new tiles in the corridors for a safer and more hygienic environment. Newly cemented pillars have been erected at the Girls Hostel in 2011 providing stronger support for the building. A complete new set of beddings (mattress, bedspread, pillow case and blanket) have been distributed to each student in both the hostels. An additional floor has been constructed at the Boys Hostel with 6 new rooms.

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the branch schools

we are happy to report that the branch schools are also functioning well. We have been able to substantially

improve the overall functioning and management of the schools due to the combined enthusiastic and passionate participation of the school working committee and parents. tingmosgang branch school

Mahabodhi Tingmosgang Branch School is a sister school of Mahabodhi Residential School which

was inaugurated in 1999. Over the years, the school has gained a reputation for providing a good standard of education and facilities and is now very popular with the local people and surrounding villages. At present there are 115 students, 11 teachers and 7 staff members. A residential hostel is also under construction for the deserving students from adjoining villages. The Branch School currently serves the needs of Tingmosgang and the surrounding villages of Ang, Nurla, Wanlaks, Tia, Lharsa and Tserey. The school is doing exceptionally well in all aspects and is at par with the main school in Leh. After the completion of their education up to 8th standard, the students will then move to the Main School in Leh to continue their education.

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Mahabodhi lochos school – ney

The School was established with the unreserved and generous support of philanthropists like Roland Wieser & Gunther Endres

oftheTakcholingCharitableOrganization,Germany.Atpresenttheschool is affiliated to the Mahabodhi Residential School and the academic part of the school is looked after by us. With the positive support of the villagers of Ney, there are 60 students who are studyingattheSchoolandareguidedby6wellqualifiedteachersalong with 3 non-teaching staff. Presently the classes are up to the 5th standard with plans to extend to higher classes in the future.

Mahabodhi branch school – bodhkharbu

Mahabodhi Bodhkharbu is yet another sister school of Mahabodhi Residential

School which was opened in 2004. Presently there are around 150 students along with 11 teaching and 2 non-teaching staff. There is a residential hostel which currently houses 17 students from remote villages like Hinaskut, Kanji, Kundik, Photoksar and Kukso village as well. It was inaugurated by Dr. Wilfried Reuter and Ms. Jutta Kadegge along with members of Lotus Vihara, Germany during their visit to Ladakh in 2011.

The school currently provides education upto 7th standard. Next year, the 8th standard classes will also be started. Students who complete their education here will then move to the main school for continuation of their secondary school education. A new multipurpose hall is being constructing with the help of the Councilor of Bodhkharbu.

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education Mahabodhi higher Education program

over the last two decades, there has been a positive major overhaul of the school education system in Ladakh with the

help of private institutions and organizations keen to help in theeconomic and social development of the region. However despite this, the students who complete their schooling here face several problems when they move to other parts of India to pursue higher education. This is because Ladakh has its own unique cultureand language and the students find it difficult to gain entry into institutions outside of Ladakh. It was also an almost unheard of thing for girls who have completed their 10th standard of schooling to be able to pursue further education, particularly leaving the safe confines of Ladakh.

When the first batch of female students completed their 10th standard, Ven. Sanghasena, despite lots of objections, took the bold step to send them out to continue with their education. He felt strongly that if they had a dream, they should be given the same opportunity to pursue those dreams. Initially he sent them toBangalore,South India.Howeverhesoonrealizedthatasmorestudents completed their studies, it was not financially viable to send and sponsor each student for all their educational, tuition and living expense needs in the cities.

In view of this, yet another landmark decision was made to find a location to establish a Hostel near a city which had good institutions of higher learning. Ven. Sanghasena finally decided on Chandigarh, which is a good educational hub where many of the educational institutions and colleges provide a wide range of subjects, offering students a diverse choice of curriculum to choose from for their

studies. Again with good financial support from Mahabodhi well-wishers and donors, the Mahabodhi Padmaloka Girls Hostel was established. Today there are more than 30 students who reside at the hostel while pursuing their further studies in various institutions in and around Chandigarh.

Although the girls have been given priority, Ven. Sanghasena does not want to neglect the boys who also have dreams and wish to pursue their further education. Although there are no hostel facilities at the moment for the boys, Mahabodhi has sent boys out to Jammu for their further studies and have financially supported them by putting them up in rented rooms there. A better solution would be to also build a boys’ hostel and although it is in the pipeline, we are seriously looking for sponsors who would be willing to help us make this a reality in the near future.

At present, there are also three students studying in Delhi and we have put them up in a small flat in the city. Apart from studying, they also help coordinate transport arrangements for our guests who transit in Delhi and assist the main campus in the procurement of necessities and goods which cannot be obtained in Leh.

Mahabodhi would certainly like to see a great many more students pursue their further education in the many fine higher learning institutions throughout India or overseas. However this needs careful planning and adequate funding and we sincerely appeal towell-wishes to help us in this noble cause as most certainly, education is the key to economic and social freedom for the needy. Your charity dollars would help bring much needed new skills and technologies back when these young people finish their studies and return to Ladakh.

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Mahabodhi padmaloka girls hostel, Chandigarh

The construction of the Mahabodhi Padmaloka Girls Hostel was completed in the year 2010 and its inauguration was the talk of

the town with the presence of dignitaries from the local scene and from abroad. The building was inaugurated by Datuk Seri Dr. Victor Wee, President of the Buddhist Gem Fellowship, Malaysia on 4th December, 2010. The funds for the construction of the new hostel was collected at the Fund raising Dinner held at the Sunway Convention Centre in Malaysia. It was a joint initiative of the Malaysian Desk Ladakh and the Buddhist Gem Fellowship, Malaysia. The new building can accommodate 100 students with comfort. At present, there are 33 students residing at the hostel with family-like comforts and pursuing their higher studies at various reputed institutions in and around Chandigarh.

empowerment of women

The Women’s Literacy Project was started in 1998 in the village of Stakmo with an

enrollment of 33 learners. It was inaugurated by Ven.Sanghasena, under the guidance and supervision of Madam Tsewang Dolma Tsarpa, Madam Tsewang Dolma and Madam KunzesDolma. After the successful running of the initial project, two more projects were started at Gonpa and Saboo villages. So far the following centres: Stakmo, Gonpa, Saboo, Nurla, Sakti, Stok, Katpa and Diskitsal (Housing-Colony) have successfully completed the learning courses.

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Mahabodhi women literacy project

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Today following centres are running in the respective villages: Choglamsar, Palam, Tukla, Yangthang, Saspotse, Ney, Umla, Skalzangling,Sankar,chubi,MotikMarketandDiskittsal.Theseelderlypeopledidn’tgetopportunitytogotoschoolintheir young age therefore they don’t know reading and writing even local Ladakhi language(Bodyik). Hence through this project we teach them basic knowledge of reading and writing of Bodyik language together with basic arithmetic. We like to illiterate the members of the Int’l Association of Liberal Religious Women (IALRW), Netherland & Japan and Fujisawa Rotary Club, Japan for their kind financial assistance and support to run the above mentioned centres for the benefit of illiterate women of Ladakh, INDIA.

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humanitarian services

Mahabodhi home for the Elderly and destitute

ladakh has experienced good economic growth

in the past two decades. However with modernizationcomes also a change in lifestyles and attitudes of the people of Ladakh. In the past, traditionally most of us lived in extended families with a close knit relationship between the young and the old. This ensures peace of mind and security for the elderly who feel safe and looked after by the younger members of the family. Sadly this idyllic family situation is slowly changing as the pressures of modern lifestyles forces the younger population to migrate from the villages to Leh city in search of better employment opportunities to fend for themselves. They are forced to leave their elderly relatives to live alone back in the villages.

At this age, the elderly are at their most vulnerable and often need medical care most. They need to be looked after, more so especially in Ladakh where the climatic conditions are harsh and they cannot afford to be left homeless or isolated. With this in mind, Venerable Sanghasena set out to build a shelter for the elderly in Ladakh. In July 1995, the Old Age Home was established with the guiding principles and objectives of providing the elderly, destitute, and handicapped members of Ladakhi society with a homely, peaceful, secure, healthy and spiritually uplifting environment.

At present the Mahabodhi Old Age Home provides comfortable accommodation for 32 elderly residents including a few mentally and physically handicapped adults. They are provided with all the necessary facilities, a clean dining hall, a special room for prayers, and comfortable rooms. A part of the building was destroyed in the 2010 flash floods and thereafter the part of the building had to be dismantled and reconstructed with the generous support of the Hauser Group, Germany (travel company). A new building block especially designed to cater to the needs of the elderly was completed in 2012. The new building has constructed based on passive solar house design to keep the residents warm and cozyin the cold winter weather and is designed to be wheelchair and

disability friendly. The Home is located such that the residents are living near the school children and the well-equipped hospital. It thereforegives the opportunity for the elderly to have frequentcontactwithchildrenandtheyouthsat Mahabodhi. This helps to make them feel involved and not isolated. There is a conscious effort to always include the elderly in all the programmes at Mahabodhi so that they feel a sense of involvement and purpose in their lives. We have now been able to also establish a modern Physiotherapy center with the kind help and generous support of Help Age India.

ven. sanghasena having a moment with the elderly residents of the home

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Mahabodhi visually impaired hostel

The Hostel for Visually impaired Children is yet another humanitarian project of

MIMC. On 28th July 2006, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, former President of India inaugurated the opening of the School and Hostel. Today there are 7 students staying at the Hostel. One ofthestudents,Mr.LobzangChosphelwassentto Mumbai for a three and half months basic rehabilitation course for blind adults, conducted

by the Department of Rehabilitation of the National Association for theBlind(NAB).NABisoneoftheleadingorganizationsworkingforthe welfare of the blind in India.

As a special case, NAB has planned an internship program for Lobsang in their workshop, which will give him real work experience and improve his ability to share knowledge with other blind adults in Ladakh. Another talented inmate of the Hostel, Miss ChuzinAngmo has successfully clear her matriculation exam and she is now

undergoing her high-school education outside Ladakh at Chandigarh and stays at our Padmaloka Girls Hostel at Chandigarh.

Recently, through the generous sponsorship of Zukunftsstiftung Entwicklung e.v, from Germany, we have been able to build a new passive solarised building that ensures warmer winters for the inmates. The children are given the same opportunities as their sighted peers, both in terms of their academic and spiritual education, nurtured to feel that they are part of the whole Mahabodhi family despite their handicap.

Ven. Sanghasena’s main aim is to prepare them to become fully independent and confident individuals so that they can take their rightful place in society. Hence there is always a conscious attempt to fully integrate the visually impaired children with other sighted students of Mahabodhi Residential School. This not only brings the children much closer together from an early age but it alsomakesthemawareofeachothers’uniquepotentialsand helps create a greater level of understanding for both parties.

Mr.

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Ms. tsering lamo warden for the old Age

home

Miss. Chonzin Angmovisually impaired senior

student

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My experience at the Mahabodhi old Age home!!! IamstanzinLamo fromNubravalley. I joinedMahabodhiorganisationback in theyear 1999.

I am glad and happy to express that I am still serving in this organisation at the Old age home in the best of my capacity. Truly speaking, I feel very fortunate to give my service to the old, handicapped and homeless elders.

Initially when I joined the Home for the Old and Aged, there were only 14 elderly people which gradually grew up to 62 members. Out of these 62 members, 30 passed away and 32 are residing at the home living a comfortable and contended life. The inmates mostly belong to remote and poor families of Ladakh, many are homeless and many who are physically handicapped and mentally retarded do not have anyone to take care of them.

At the beginning, I felt very difficult to take care of these elderly people having different emotional, medical and nutritional needs, but inspired by the compassion and sympathy as taught by our Guruji, I feel comfortable and happy with my responsibilities. I worked patiently and with utmost care with all the inmates and I am very happy that I was able to make everyone happy.

Few years back, I got an opportunity to visit Germany for two month’s training and it proved to be very effective. After returning back to Mahabodhi, I tried my level best to utilizethethingsthatIwastaughtduringmytraining.

I am ever grateful to my Guru Ven.Sanghasena for entrusting me with this heavy responsibility and also for sending me to Germany for the exposure trip. I thank all the sponsor and supporters for making my visit meaningful and possible. Lastly, I seek all of your blessings and good wishes to continue this noble service. I wish everyone a very happy and healthy life to all the inmates of Devachan family and all the supporters.

My new life experience!!!! MynameisChunzinAngmoandIhailfromasmallvillagecalledChangoinKinnorDistrict of Himachal Pradesh. Today, I would like to share with all of you a story of a real transformed life, a life that was destined to be hopeless but a miracle changed it all. It is the story of my own life and that I hope this would give all of you some hope to be hopeful in your life always.

I was like any other child of my age, laughing, jumping, playing and enjoying my childhood. The things that I saw around me brought me lots of joy, I was lucky to be able to touch whatever I could see. I saw the beautiful mountains of my village, the green environment, the chirping birds, the naughty peer group, my house, my school, my significant people and everything. However, this happiness did not last for long, I was only 8 years old when all the happiness that I had came to a standstill. It was then when I saw this world with my eyes for the last time in this life. I lost my eye sight all of a sudden. From that day I was cut off from my normal life and starting living in a dark world of my own, in silence and alone in a unknown corner of my house.

Iwasgraduallyacclimatizingtomyworldwithoutsightandhadalmostacceptedthe

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misfortune, and then something knocked again. It was a voice that made me realise that I was not alone and that opportunities are still waiting for me. I was taken to Mahabodhi Ladakh by some noble people whom I consider Angels. My smile returned to me and hope stayed with me thereafter. I was not at my home anymore but definitely at a home away from home. My heart got filled with glory and happiness, for my life had transformed from darkness to light again. Indeed a new birth, a fresh beginning, a new feel which gave me a strange power and an unflinching strength to live life with dignity. For I began to have a positive attitude towards life again and began to feel that I was not blind but was chosen to test the human perseverance and strength. I have now hundreds of Dhamma brothers and sisters who would always hold my hands when I have to walk, loving foster parents who would worry if I had eaten on time or not, honourable teacher who would take that extra step to see that I am learning with others and above all a respected Guru who made all these happen. This profound family of mine never made me feel that I am a hopeless blind child and gave me hope, strength and happiness to move along in life.

Besides these, the most interesting thing I learnt from Mahabodhi is the sacred teaching of the Lord Buddha, which was very new to me. By practicing and listening to it again and again I became a firm practitioner and it made me even stronger to face life’s biggest challenges with a smile and hopefulness.

Whatever I needed, I was given more than I expected, for which I am ever grateful to this family and in particular my most respected Guru, Ven. Sanghasena. He is no lesser than a bodhisattva for me, who truly transformed my life and showed me light despite the darkness surrounding me. Thank you very much. I am also thankful to my sponsor for extending the much needed love and support and helping me gain meaning to this life. I shall remain ever grateful to all of you and pray for all of your long lives.

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Flood Relief Project

The devastating flash flood of 5th and 6th August, 2010, caused massive destruction and damage to men and material in Leh

and its surrounding villages. Hundreds of lives were lost, thousands of people displaced and reduced to becoming homeless and landless. Villagers lost their agricultural land which was either inundated, washed away or covered with rubble, boulders and mud slush. It will not be possible for many farmers to cultivate these fields for many years to come. Since immediate relief of rations, clothing, cooking materials, construction of houses and relief for lost lives were taken up by the government agencies, NGOs and international agencies, MIMC immediately focused its efforts on the long-term rehabilitation and rebuilding of property for the displaced families. MIMC decided to form a Flood Relief Committee to focus specifically on this task.

reconstruction at the MiMC Campus

work which fell under the immediate and urgent categories were given top priority and carried out promptly. As such the debris

from internal roads were cleared to make way for traffic/conveyance of school buses, children and old folks to walk around and or vehicles heading towards the hospital with patients and attendants. The Old Agehomehaddevelopedcracksinthewallsandsubsequently,partof it had to be demolished and reconstruction work was carried out to replace it. Due to the short working season, it took two years to complete the reconstruction. The building is built with complete passive solar house design which will enable the old folks to stay in warmth and comfort throughout the year.

We are happy to report that the collapsed walls have now been rebuilt, roads damaged during the flood have been restored with black topping while the herbal garden which was washed away has been restored and fitted with a sprinkler system for drip-irrigation. The destroyed drip irrigation system has also been re-installed. Due to a labor shortage and the short summer season, it took a little longer than expected to complete the works.. Last year wealsorecognizedthatthenunnerywasalsopartly damaged by the flood with the backside of the building showing cracks in the wall. Our engineer warned us and told us to move the nuns out of the building immediately, which we did. It is projected that the new structure will be completed by 2013.

re-habilitation work in the villages

The Mahabodhi Flood Relief Committee made an initial visit to the affected villages

of Igoo, Phyang, Taru, Saboo and Leh. following the aftermath of the flood. Reconstruction and rehabilitation work have been completed at the various damaged areas. Modalities of allocation and deployment of the Backhoe Excavator (JCB) for the clearance of debris, boulders and mud slush from the agricultural fields were carried out on a large scale in these villages. A total of 17,000 square/metersof land was cleared.Excavation work was also carried out in the Ney and Shey villages.

maitri/charitable project

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rescue / Education support for the displaced school Children

During the committee’s visits to different villages, they came across school children

whose families had been severely affected by the flood where some have become orphans or rendered homeless. These children were either admitted into our girls’ or boys’ hostels or were helped with free education at our residential schools. They have been given sponsorships by the MIMC Flood Relief Committee which takes care of their educational expenses in the form of tuition, lodging and food. A total of 20 such children were taken under the care of MIMC and initially provided with free education for one year. Luckily enough, as there were sufficient funds, we have been able to extend the sponsorships to the children for yet another year.

relief to flood victim families

M IMC has played a key role in rebuilding houses for flood affected families. MIMC has also helped families to add new

rooms toexistinghouseandprovideothernecessities requiredbythe families depending on their needs.

Through the German Agro Foundation, we have also distributed 20 greenhouses to the flood affected families in various villages including those in Saboo, Phyang, Ney, Umla and Igoo.

Weoffer our heartfelt thanks to all individuals and organizationsthat have come forward to support and lend a hand during this difficultperiod.Ourgratitudeanddeepappreciationtoorganizationssuch as Buddha Haus - Germany, HQ, Buddha’s Light International Association - USA, Buddhist Gem Fellowship & Malaysian Desk for Ladakh - Malaysia, the Zukunftsstiftung Entwicklung Germany and many other donors who supported us to implement the various projects.

volunteering at Choglamsar village

maitri/charitable project

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health program

Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable hospital

The Mahabodhi health service was started with the setting up of adhocmedicalcampsintheremotevillages.Wesoonrealized

that there was a definite need to set up a proper permanent hospital and plans went ahead to search for funds and expertise to do this. In 1999, the Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable Hospital (MKCH) opened its doors for the first time and has now become a vital service in the region. We were fortunate that many doctors willingly came forward to run the hospital. As word spread about the hospital, volunteer doctors and specialists in various fields both from India and abroad have generously given their time and expertise to work here, conducting health clinics and performing operations for the less fortunate. For the last three years more than 300 operations have been conducted at the hospital. In recognition of its service, the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has conferred the Mother NGO status on the Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable Hospital to carry out health awareness programs in the far flung rural area of Ladakh through three field NGOs: Leh Netrition Project (LNP), Ladakh Environmental&HealthOrganization(LEHO)andSkarchen.

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free reconstructive plastic surgeries

Venerable Samten of Tseskarmo Monastery, Tingmosang in collaboration with

Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Devachan invited hon’ble members of Interplaster-Germany to conduct reconstructive surgery at Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable

Hospital (MKCH). In accordance to our request, a team of specialist plastic surgeonsof Interplaster from Germany offered their valuable services from 18th to 28th June, 2012 at MKCH. More than 90 major reconstructive plastic surgeries and hundreds of minor have been done. They were very happy that many patients had benefited by their service and held the second camp in 2013 which was also

very successful. On behalf of all the patients, we the members of MIMC would like to thank Ven. Samtan and the team of doctors of interplaster-Germany for offering their valuable service.

free orthopaedic Medical Camp

M IMC in collaboration with Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust, Mumbai, conducted a free orthopaedic medical camp from

15th to 18th Sept, 2012. Hundreds of medical appliances like wheel chairs, crutches, hearing aids and artificial limbs were distributed free of cost to needy people. We the president and members of MIMC would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the President, members and staff of RNCT, Mumbai for conducting the camp.

front view of the hospital

CEC shri rigzin spalbar consoling a patient

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mahabodhi youth wing

Mahabodhi youth wing

youthisthatmagnificentperiodoflifecharacterizedbythevibrantenthusiasm, an energetic capacity to work, and an irrepressible

spiritofadventure.Whenthesedynamicforcesarechannelizedintothe creative pursuit of individual and social advancement, then it becomes a source of great happiness and fulfillment in the young people and to the societies to which they belong.

Through Mahabodhi Youth Wing (MYW), we earnestly endeavour toorganizepracticalworkshopsand seminars for youngLadakhis,who are facing the many challenges in the rapidly changing society. Through such an effort, we are continually seeking to eradicate the various social evils presently afflicting our society, many of which directly and indirectly affect the lives of our precious younger generation.

This is a platform where all the ex-students of Mahabodhi get together in strengthening the aims and objects of MIMC. For the last several years, MYW has been under taking various initiatives in fulfilling its objectives.

thiksey monastery tour to the basic buddhism Course participants

L U Y A N G S

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basic buddhism Course

MYW offers the Basic Buddhism Course to all interested children during their winter

vacations.Itprovidesauniqueintroductiontothe Buddha-Dhamma for all children. It was first initiated by MIMC long ago, and now MYW is seeking to reinvigorate this vital program. Through various activities, including songs and stories, children are taught the basic moral values of gratitude, honesty, kindness, and respect. They are also taught the life story of the Buddha and basic Buddhist history, as well as sharing with them the fundamental teachings and principles of the Buddha-Dhamma. The children who attend this course will come to understand the Buddha’s essential teachings, and thereby develop an understanding of the relevance and importance of morality, concentration, and clear comprehension. The course was intended to provide a valid foundation for the effective cultivation of a peaceful and happy life ahead. More than one hundred enthusiastic students participated. Shri Rigzin Spalbar, the hon’bleCEC, LAHDC, Leh was the Chief Guest on the closing ceremony on 28th February, 2013. He appreciatestheorganizersforconductingsuchcoursesandrequestedformoreofsuchcoursesto be conducted in days to come for the benefit of many youths of Ladakh.

Karuna day Celebration

on the auspicious occasion of our Beloved Gyanlay’s Birthday, we the Devachan

family members wished the heartfelt gratitude and a very happy long Life to the Gyanlay. Mahabodhi senior students from Jammu, Delhi and Chandigarh gathered at Chandigarh to celebrate Gyanlay’s Birthday as Karuna Day where the ex. and senior Mahabodhi students expressed their wishes to celebrate such a day every year to offer the humble salutation and gratitude to his untiring, selfless and compassionate work undertaken for the benefit of many needy people by providing holistic education to underprivileged children, home for the elderly people, hostel for visually impaired children, free medical care to the sick people and spiritual guardians for the seekers of truth and the lovers of peace. In the morning, the students offered Puja and meditation for the fulfillment of Gyanlay’s noble aspiration in bringing about benefits to

the needy peoples at large. Some closed friends of MIMC Chandigarh were also presented to celebrate the day including Col. Jamwal.

Mahabodhi Luyangs Band: Mahabodhi Youth Band (also known as LUYANGS Band) was formed by a group of young, vibrant and talented students of MIMC in June 2011.Mahabodhi Youth Band's main objective is to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh and to promote the hidden talents of the students to the outer world. The musical style of the band can be best classified as mix of all good music.

Ever hear a band with a soothing sound? Yes, Luyangs band is one such band which makes a very soothing music. Luyangs band is a spiritual, versatile, electrifying and unpredictable. Band represents the entire family of MIMC on various significant occasions like Buddha Purnima and Losar. We believe in what we do and always try to give best performance ever.

Devachan Sporting Club: Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them -a desire, a dream, and a vision. -Muhammad Ali. Devachan Sporting is a platform for all the youngsters of Mahabodhi Devachan Family to come up and explore their hidden aptitude of sports in a true spirit and teamwork. Devachan sporting club has participated in various tournaments held in different parts of Ladakh and has performed well so far. Dewachan Sporting Club (DSC) promotes integration, teamwork and tolerance among our youths. We believe that “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships and heart of spectators.”

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sustaniable development project

Eco-friendly project

Afforestation

in line with our continuous effort to contribute towards Environmental conservation, each year thousands of trees are

planted in the campus. Poplar and Willow are the common variety of trees being planted each year. In order to save water, the drip irrigation system is installed at all feasible parts of the campus and is an extremely effective and efficient system to irrigate such a huge area.

herbal garden

The original Herbal Garden which was built in 2009 complete with a water sprinkler system (the first piece of modern agricultural

technology to be introduced in Ladakh) was completely washed away in the devastating flood in 2010. Now, the Garden has been relabeled and planted with sunflower and pea plants in order to restore the fertility of the soil. A new sprinkler system has also been installed.

water irrigation project

when the Mahabodhi Devachan campus was first conceptualized, the biggest

challenge it faced was the constant shortage of water. The success or failure of the entire plan depended crucially on whether MIMC could have a constant and dependable water source that could be tapped easily for the daily running of the campus. Ven. Sanghasena also realizedthat it would take substantial funding to make this happen.

The dream finally became a reality when MIMC found a remarkable and most generous sponsor in the person of Sister Ramona Lai from Malaysia. Through her generosity and support, the water project became the biggest and most ambitious project for MIMC. Upon its successful completion, this precious commodity now became available to all parts of the MIMC campus, day and night throughout the year. It was the first time this “luxury” was installed and Devachan residents were saved from having to fetch water from the surrounding rivers and streams, especially during the bitter cold winter months. In many of the surrounding nearby settlements in Leh, the other alternative wastoqueueforhoursto collect a gallon of water from the public tap opened for a short period of time every morning.

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orchard

After the completion of the water project, again through Sister Ramona’s help, Ven. Sanghasena was able to bring

yet another ambitious project to fruition i.e. to green the entire campus.

The objective to make MIMC Devachan self-sustaining began with the planting of fruit trees in the Sister Ramona Lai Orchard. Spread over a period of a few years, around 1,200 apple and apricot trees have been planted and are now bearing fruits to beenjoyedbytheresidentsofDevachan.Tooptimizetheuseof this precious water resource, a special Drip Irrigation System has been installed and has been proven to be highly successful.

solar hydro heating project

Atotal of 10,500 lpd (litre per day) capacity solar water heating system is installed in 7 different

wings of the campus. The residents of the Girls Hostel, Boys Hostel, Old Age Home, Visually Impaired Hostel, Hospital, Jetavana Monastery and Phandeyling Nunnery enjoy hot water throughout the year, even in the winter months when the outside temperature drops to -30 degree Celsius. The temperature of the hot water is maintained at 60-70 degree Celsius in the early mornings.

This Project has been running successfully for the last 5 years. According to TATA BP, the company that installed the system, it is a bewilderment for them as it is the first ever project to be installed anywhere in India that has proven to be successful even in such harsh winter conditions as in Ladakh.

In fact, a patient in the hospital was so astonished to find hot water in the bathroom of the hospital that he commented “It is like being in heaven! In other places in Ladakh, even cold water is difficult to find in winter whereas here, you get hot water round the clock for the whole year!”

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sustaniable development project

self-reliance project

global family home

being a Charitable Organization itself, MIMC runs all itsactivities depending on charity and donations as its main

source of income. Hence, it was thought advisable to find an income generating project that would help contribute to the smooth running of its activities. Though it is not very easy to get support for a commercial and profit-making project, once again Sister Ramona Lai understood the need and purpose of such a project and came forward to support it. She generously funded the construction of the first floor of the Global Family Guest House, which was completed in late 2012. The Guest House is furnished with 44 Rooms with attached Bathrooms and 18 Rooms with non-attached bathrooms, besides many other facilities like a library, dining hall, meditation hall and multi-purpose hall that can be used for activities like seminars and workshops.

Besides our own supporters and guests, we welcome all spiritually inclined tourists who would like to enjoy calm, serene and clean living accommodation while holidaying in Ladakh. One can attend all our daily yoga and meditation classes as well as Sunday special pujas and meditation sessions at the main meditation hall where the entire Devachan family gathers every Sunday.

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organic green house

As As Ladakh's climate is so harsh, the growing season is limited to a maximum

of five months a year i.e. from May to September. While some vegetables can be stored underground or dried for use in winter, they become extremely scarce at the end of the cold season. In an attempt to extend the growing season, Mahabodhi with the help from otherorganizationsandGovernmentAgencieshas constructed a few solar greenhouses in the last few years. The greenhouses make it possible to extend the growing season, and therefore greatly increase the availability of fresh produce the whole year round. The greenhouses which we have installed have been used to grow a wide variety of vegetables, including turnips, spinach, radishes and cabbage.

Up to three crops can be obtained in a winter season. In March and April, cabbage, cauliflower and other vegetables can be sown in the greenhouse, and transplanted outside when the outside temperatures rise. We would like to acknowledge the support of the German Agro Action (NGO) project that helped us construct these greenhouses which will not only make us self-sustaining but hopefully have enough to supply nearby villages as well. We are also thankful to (Ladakh Renewable Energy Development Authority (LREDA) who have provided two commercial greenhouses to us on subsidy.

Mahabodhi Zita norberg studio

Master Stanzin Gurmet, an alumni ofMahabodhi Residential School, who has

been doing Mass Communication and Film Making course from one of the reputed Media

collage in India has completed his course and has joined Mahabodhi Zita and Horst Norberg Studio. He will now fully run the studio and are expecting to produce many traditional music, hymn, and chanting and recordings. We are also encouraging our students especially the drop out ones to take part in this lively extracurricular activity. Apart from the direction for the self sustenance, this studio will be boon to school dropout students to showcase their talents.

Mahabodhi publication house

in today’s world of information, the media plays a crucial role in creating greater awareness in both the local as well as in global

scenario. Therefore, the media becomes an important part of any organization in promoting awareness on its various activitiesand thereby generating proper understanding in the minds of the interested individuals, especially the information shared are transparent and truthful in their own right.

Keeping these views in mind, Mahabodhi Publication Office was first established under the leadership of Ven. Sanghasena, solely aiming at bringing awareness to the greater community on the various spiritual and humanitarian activities undertaken by MIMC organization touplift the spiritual andmaterial conditions of thepeople in Ladakh.

The sole aim of this project is to create a self sustainable development in bringing about gains in both the spiritual and material perspectives in the long run.

gifts to MIMC

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sitagu world peace stupa

we were truly blessed in 2012 to receive a record number of Buddha images from various countries. Offering Buddha statues

is considered as one of the eight greatest meritorious deeds that one can perform. The President and the entire Devachan family would like to thank all the below mentioned donors for their meritorious deeds:

1 FourBigBronzeBuddhaStatuesbyMostVen.Phrakhrusittiwarakhom,the abbot of Wat Weruwan, Thailand.

2 OneBigBronzeBuddhaStatuefromThailand.

3 Two big marble Buddha Statues by the Most Ven. Dr. Nyanissara Sayadaw, Sitagu Int’l Buddhist Academic, Sagian, Myanmar.

4 Two fiberglass Buddha Statues by Ven. Chuehmen, representative Buddha’s Light Int’l Association, Srilanka Branch and Gamaga family from Galle, Sri Lanka.

5 Buddha Statue made of volcanic stone by Dr. Anand Krishna from Indonesia.

intheheartofMIMCcampus,averybeautifulandamagnificentBurmesestyleDhammaDipaSwezigonPagodahasbeen constructed, which was gifted to MIMC by Most Ven. Ashin Nyanissara Sayadow from Myanmar and the devotees from Myanmar.

With the generous help of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh we have been able to expand our cultural hall which is now able to accommodate around 1000 people for any functions and conferences.

Cultural hall

offering of buddha statues

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9 Lenovo all inbuilt desktops and 2 HP printers donated by group of Malaysian sponsors. Special thanks to Mr.P.Vijian and Malaysian Embassy, New Delhi

Cultural hall

MahabodhiMulti-purposeHallrenovationwascompletedin2012.Itisutilizeforholdingvariouseventslikeco-curricularactivities, meetings and seminars. Thanks and gratitude goes to M.P. Hassan Khan for sponsoring the project.

Mahabodhi Hostel for Bodkharboo school has been donated by Mrs. Judith Hohlfelder, Lotus Vihara, Berlin, Germany.

4 classrooms and an open air assembly stage construction was completed in 2012. It is utilizeforholdingvariousco-curricularactivitiesincludingschoolassemblyandculturalprogramme, etc. Thanks and gratitude to Buddha Haus, Germany and to Ms. Helga and Mr. Gerhard for their constant support and concern.

HP Laptops received in 2012 and 2013

which were donated by the British School,

New Delhi. Thanks and gratitude to all the staff members,

students and parents of British School

especially to Mr. Michael Spencer and Graham Renger.

Special thanks to Mrs. Deepti Sawhney (Academic Advisor Mahabodhi School) for her unflinching love and support.

thankful prayer

We are thankful to the Supremely Enlightened Master,

who has opened for us the gate of Nirvana.

We are thankful to our spiritual master who out of love and compassion,

Protect and guide us along the path of righteousness and liberation.

We are thankful to all those who are kind and friendly to us

We are thankful to our parents who gave us life and took care of our childhood

We are thankful to the earth, which gives our home

We are thankful to the rivers and lakes, which give away their water to us.

We are thankful to the trees, which give away their fruits and nuts to us.

We are thankful to the wind, which refreshes our life

And brings rain and snow to water the plants.

We are thankful to the sun which brings warmth

And light for all beings on the earth

The trees, the animals the sun, the wind the rivers and the lake share with one another

Theiruniquequalitiesandsohelpmaintainauniversalbalance

We understand that all human beings are members of one family -

the family of humanity.

We all live on one earth

We all live under one sun, one moon, and one sky

We all breathe the same air

We all drink the same water

We all have the same desire-desire to enjoy happiness, desire to avoid sufferings

We all have the same body and mind

We are born of the same bone, flesh and blood

We are all born b the same law-the law of being born,

The law of growing old and law of meeting the death

Wealllivingbeingshaveequalrightstoliveonthisearth

the air, the water, the earth and the sun are not the monopoly of human being;

Theyequallybelongtoalllivingbeing

We should respect and protect all life on the earth

We should respect and protect all trees and plants

We will not consume or use more than our actual needs

We will live and respect all religions and cultures

We will live in love and harmony with nature and animals

We promise to live in balance with all

- Bhikkhu Sanghasena

Sponsorship Compassion in Action

Bring out the compassion that is concealed with your heart.You can make a difference by transforming the life of a person/persons.I want to sponsor a (please {√} your choice)

• A child from the School & Hostel in Leh• A Day-scholar / child from the Branch Schools• A young Monk / Nun• An inmate of our Visually Impaired Hostel• An inmate of our Old Age Home

I enclose a bank draft for Euro / USD __________________________________

Draft No. _________________________________________________________

I shall remit payment by myself/through our representative___________________________________________

Name ___________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________

State ___________________________Country __________________________

Email ____________________________________________________________

Tel: _______________________________ Fax ___________________________

Please send your contributions to our bank account:

Account No: 0-412501-004

Name of Account:- Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre

Bank:- CITIBANK NA.,Swiftcode: CITIINBXIBD

Address of Bank: Jeevan Bharti Building, 124 Connaught Circus, New Delhi 110 001, INDIA

For more information, please contact our main office:

Secretary GeneralMahabodhi Int’l Meditation CentreDevachan, Post Box #22,Leh Ladakh—194101, INDIATel: +91-1982-264372mimcdevachen@hotmail.comwww.mahabodhi-ladakh.org

1. Sponsoring (a) a child at the hostel / (b) monk/nun / (c)visually impaired child including all expenses for a year (both school and hostel fees) in Leh - USD 700 / EUR 500 per year

2. Sponsoring an inmate at the old age home - USD 450 / EUR 360 per year

3. Sponsoring the education of a day-scholar / a child from our branch schools at Tingsmosgang and Bodhkharbu villages- USD 300 / EUR 250 per year

Transportation Rs 500 (2%)

Heating for winter Rs 1,000 (5%)Electricity and water Rs 600 (3%)

Music and sports Rs 500 (2%)Building maintenance

Rs 1,000 (5%)

Picnic Rs 500 (2%)

Office Rs 300 (2%)

Staff salary Rs 4,100 (20%)

Medical expenses Rs 500 (3%)

Toiletry items Rs 1,200 (6%)

Ration/Diet Rs 10,000 (50%)

School fees Rs 8,400 (57%)

Uniform Rs 3,500 (24%)

Education tourRs 300 (2%)

StationeryRs 2,500 (17%)

Hostel Expenses (per year for a child) School Expenses (per year for a child)

indiA

Mahabodhi Chandigarh BranchB-702, GH86, Sector 20Panchkula (Haryana) IndiaMob: +91-9417778426

Mahabodhi Delhi Branch116-A, 2nd Floor, Arjun NagarSafdarjung Enclave, New-Delhi -110029Mob: +91-9906 982025

gErMAny

Buddha HauzMs Helga and Mr GerhardUttenbuhi 587466 Oy-Mittelberg, GermanyTel: 0049(0)8376-502Fax: 0049(0)8376-592Email: info@buddha-haus.dewww.buddha-haus.de

Ursula GottingerPeter-Hans-Str. 10, D-84494 Neumarkt-Sankt VeitMob: +49 151 194 777 17Email: nini@spiegelbuch.dewww.praxis-goettinger.de

Ms Suri EckelChristian Egenolf Str. 8D-65589 Hadamar, GermanyTel: +49(0)6433-2556Email: surieckel@mac.com

Mr Pala NamgyalDunant Str. 23, 90431,Nornberg, GermanyTel: +49(0)9116 587532Email: palanamgyal@aol.com

MAlAyAsiA

Sis Mei Joon SecretariatMalayasian Desk LadakhC/O BJF, 60A, Jalan 19/3,46300 Petaling JayaE:mimc.malaysiadesk@gmail.com Mr. Charlie Chia71, Jalan SS2/43, 47300, Petaling JayaSelangor, MalaysiaTel: (R) 603-7875-7151Mob: 6012-289-3887Email: chialuimeng@gmail.com

tAiwAn

Ven. Shing ShangYuan Kuong Buddhist CollegeNo. 11, Lane 888, Set 1, Sheng Ti Road, ChungLi 320,Taiwan R.O.C.Mob: +886-989069422 +886-33397845Email: shing1971@yahoo.com.tw

KorEA

Ven. Shimsan SunimHongbeob Temple Shin Chang Farm, 1220-1, Dugu-Dong, Geumjeong-gu Busan, South KoreaTel: +82(0)51508 0345Mobile: +82 (0) 119307 5730Email: jottoda@hotmail.com

jApAn

Ms. Kayoka Yokota1-23-3-203 Mirokuji, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa-ken, Japan – 251-0016Tel: 0466-24-2017Fax: 0466-23-8875Email: ialrw@ba.mbn.or.jp

usA

Mahabodhi Metta Charitable FoundationMr. Tim Moore & Ms Carla Montagno31147 Blue Jay CTCoarsegold, California 93614, USATel: 559-229-8202 / 559-683-2512Fax: 559-229-8642Email: drpins@sti.net

Ms Lana K. Yang201 South 18th StreetPhiladelphiaPA 19103Fax: 215-545-4123Email: lanayang@mac.com

nEthErlAnds

Sister Jotika HermsenSt. Pieterspoortsteeg 29-11012 HM Amsterdam,Tel: 0031 (0) 20-62646984Email: jotikahermsen@gmail.com

itAly

Mr.PaoloVenezianiVia Mellegari 420122 Milano, ItalyTel: 0039 02 76009935Mob: 0039 335 6540818Email:pavenezi@tin.it

switZErlAnd

Dr. Maja Weisser & MartinBlasinring 194057 ZurichSwitzerlandEmail: maja.weisser@gmail.com

representativesFor further information kindly contact our representatives at your nearest place