The Maha Bodhi Society is a South Asian Buddhist society founded by the Sri Lankan Buddhist leader Anagarika Dharmapala. The organization's self-stated initial efforts were for the resuscitation of Buddhism in India, and restoring the ancient Buddhist shrines at Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Kushinara.
Although some Indians had remained culturally Buddhist for centuries after the decline of Buddhist philosophy, they did not self-identify as "Buddhist" and were not interested in preserving the teachings of Buddhism. The Maha Bodhi Society renewed this interest, and spawned the Ladakh Buddhist Association, All Assam Buddhist Association, and Himalayan Buddhist Society, as well as laying the grounds for the Dalit Buddhist movement.
In 1891, while on pilgrimage to the recently restored Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya, the location where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment, Anagarika Dharmapala had experienced a shock to find the temple in the hands of a Saivite priest, the Buddha image transformed into a Hindu icon and Buddhists barred from worship as a result of which he began an agitation movement. The Buddhist renaissance inaugurated by Anagarika Dharmapala through his Mahabodhi Movement has also been described as "conservative" for it considered Muslim conquest in the Indian subcontinent responsible for the decay of Buddhism in India, in the then current mood of Hindu-Buddhist brotherhood.
The Mahabodhi society at Colombo was founded in 1891 but its offices were moved to Calcutta the following year. One of its primary aims was the restoration of the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya, the chief of the four ancient Holy sites to Buddhist control. To accomplish this Dharmapala initiated a lawsuit against the Brahmin priests who had held control of the site for centuries. After a protracted struggle this was successful with the partial restoration of the site to the management of the Maha Bodhi Society in 1949.
After the defeat of the Palas by the Hindu Sena dynasty, Buddhism's position again began to erode and was soon followed by the conquest of Magadha by General Ikhtiar Uddin Muhammad Bin Bakhtiyar Khilji. During this period, the Mahabodhi Temple fell into disrepair and was largely abandoned. During the 16th century, a Hindu monastery was established near Bodh Gaya. Over the following centuries, the monastery's abbot or mahant became the area's primary landholder and claimed ownership of the Mahabodhi Temple grounds.
In the 1880s, the-then British government of India began to restore Mahabodhi Temple under the direction of Sir Alexander Cunningham. In 1891, Anagarika Dharmapala started a campaign to return control of the temple to Buddhists, over the objections of the mahant. The campaign was partially successful in 1949, when control passed from the Hindu mahant to the state government of Bihar, which established a temple management committee. The committee has nine members, a majority of whom, including the chairman, must by law be Hindus. Mahabodhi's first head monk under the management committee was Anagarika Munindra, a Bengali man who had been an active member of the Maha Bodhi Society. Sarnath
In 1931 the Mulaghandakuti Vihara was erected at Sarnath, an ancient Buddhist site. Kushinara Kushinagar
The site of the Buddha's parinibbana (physical death) at Kushinagar has once again become a major attraction for Burmese Buddhists, as it was for many centuries previously.
Maha Bodhi Society branches have been established in several countries, most significantly in India and Sri Lanka. A United States branch was founded by Dr. Paul Carus.
The Maha Bodhi Society has a robust tradition of publications, spanning from Pali translations into modern Indian vernacular languages (such as Hindi) to scholarly texts and new editions of Pali works typeset in Devanagari to appeal to a Hindi-educated Indian audience. They have also published books and pamphlets in local/regional languages and dialects, sometimes in partnership with other presses.
As of as of 2003[update], the Maha Bodhi Society of India's general secretary is Dombagoda Rewatha Thero. On September 27, as of 2004[update], B. K. Modi was elected president; he was previously vice-president. Modi was, until recently, an office-holder in the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.
There is also a Maha Bodhi Society of Bangalore, founded by Acharya Buddharakkhita in 1956, which is not a part of or tied to the Maha Bodhi Society of India or Sri Lanka. Leadership
At a meeting in September 2008, the Maha Bodhi Society passed a rule that only persons born into Buddhist families will be eligible to serve as president or as one of the Indian vice-presidents of the Society. The outgoing president, B. K. Modi, was a Hindu; he assumed the position of patron. At the same meeting, the 14th Dalai Lama was given the new title of chief patron.
Buddhist festivals are joyful community functions whereby one re-asserts faith in goodness, one rededicates oneself to the path of purity, wisdom, loving kindness and compassion.
1. Buddha Jayanti - Vesakha - Buddha Day
The full-moon day in the month of Visakha (May) marking the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha, is celebrated as a week-long program of intense spiritual activity and humanitarian service, such as, Week-long Pabbajja retreat program, hospital dana service, seminars, meditation courses, etc.
2. Dhammacakka Pavattana Day - Dhamma Day
After his enlightenment, the day on which he delivered his first discourse and thereby set in motion the Wheel of Dhamma is celebrated with solemnity. This discourse epitomizes the entire teaching of the Buddha. This is on the full-moon day of July. This day also marks the beginning of the Vassa Vasa - Rains retreat for monks for three months. 3. Pavarana Day - Sangha Day
Pavarana day signifies the conclusion of the Rain's Retreat, a three-month long period of intense spiritual practice and meditation. This day is observed as Civara dana day by the lay devotees who take this opportunity to offer robes and other requisites to the holy order of monks.
4. Dhammapada Festival
Dhammapada epitomizes the entire teachings of the Buddha in 423 verses of pure wisdom. The festival comprises of Puja and discourses, seminars on the Dhammapada, so as to be a guide to practical living. This is also celebrated as Founder's Birthday on Full-Moon-Day of March.
Mahabodhi Loka Shanti Buddha Vihara
The Mahabodhi World Peace Buddha Temple is a magnificent structure, with imposing Gopuras, towers. It is the replica of the famous Mahabodhi Mahavihara of Buddhagaya, where the Buddha attained Supreme Enlightenment.
The commodious shrine hall of the temple, with a seating capacity of 500, is dominated by a large effulgent statue of Buddha, donated by the Thai royalty along with the two standing statues of the two chief disciples of the Buddha, Venerable Sariputta and Venerable Mahamoggallana. All public functions, devotions, observances, Dhamma discourses and meditation sessions are conducted in the hall of this Vihara. 24 beautiful paintings depicting salient incidents in the life of the Buddha adorn the walls.
This Vihara also houses a community hall with stage facilities. This hall is used for social functions, artistic and cultural shows, seminars and for Dhamma-study activities.
Mahabodhi Meditation Center
The path leading to cessation of suffering is basically a process of
Mahabodhi Vishwa Maitri Stupa
This Stupa, a typical architectural edifice is located on the right side of the Loka Shanti Buddha Vihara. Stupa means a shrine, the object of veneration. The granite Vishwa Maitri Stupa at Maha Bodhi Society enshrines a relic of the Buddha and the entire Pali Tipitaka. Its structural design symbolically represents the fundamental teachings of the Buddha, as the four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Progress from the gross to the Subtle, etc.The four Buddha figures depict the Buddha in action. The Pathway around the Stupa is used for circumambulation while reciting the Cetiya Puja.
The ornamental gateway to Stupa is of the same artistic design as that of the great Sanchi Stupa.
Sacred Bodhi Tree
The premises of Maha Bodhi Society includes a luxuriant Bodhi Tree,
Sunday discourse is the most significant program of the Mahabodhi society. Since its inception in the middle of June 1956, the society has been conducting this program every Sunday without a break.
The program commences at 9.30 and runs till 11.15am at the Mahabodhi Loka shanti temple, starting with a short puja, then undertaking refuges and precepts and practice of meditation.
It is conducted by Ven. Acharya Buddharakkhita and his senior disciples. Ven. Acharya now delivers talks on every Sunday through video conferencing since he is not able to sit in the preaching hall for long due to his age. It is translated into Kannada by Venerable Ananda. Everybody is welcome to attend the program irrespective of caste, gender or religion. How you can Help?
Mahabodhi Society is a non-profit organization and all its activities are run entirely with the generous support of the donors and well-wishers. You may support the activities in the following ways.
1. Making donations for any of the programmes
Buddha Jayanti Celebration (May full moon day) Dhammacakka Pavattana day (July full moon day) Pavarana day (October full moon day). Dhammapada Festival (March Full moon day) Sunday Dhamma discourse & meditation Program Maintenance of the temple, Stupa and Bodhi tree. Offering of candles, incense sticks and flowers
2. Volunteer in organizing the above listed programmes.
3. Support a project.
4. Sponsor Sunday Dhamma and meditation program.
Contact Maha Bodhi Society at info@mahabodhi.info or Tel: 080-22250684
Welcome to Mahabodhi Academy for Pali & Buddhist Studies! This is an opportunity to study and practice the noble teachings of the Buddha to bring happiness and peace in your life apart from development of your knowledge.
THE AIM
1. To conduct Buddhist Study programs through correspondence courses in a non-formal and cost-effective way.
2. To prepare candidates for two types of courses and award diplomas in Buddhist Studies in an official convocation ceremony on the Buddha Jayanti day.
3. To present Buddhist teachings in a comprehensive and practical way. Practice of Buddhist meditation and moral precepts called Panca sila will be taught as an integral part of these courses.
The courses are knowledge and practice oriented and not specifically for employment. Interested people after completing the course can take up Dhammacari programs or organize Dhamma study circles.
The Academy is located at the Maha Bodhi Society premises in Bangalore. A team of dedicated workers is managing the administration and other departments.
The Courses
1. DBS - Diploma in Buddhist Studies - Part I, II - 2 years
SELF-INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL
Candidates are supplied with printed materials. Each text book is in interactive self instructional style and under different heads to facilitate easy reading and learning.
CONTINUOUS EVALUATION THROUGH ASSIGNMENTS
Assignments form an integral part of the Academy's system of appraising candidate's performance. The students are required to submit the assignments as per the questionnaire sent to them. The assignments are returned after evaluation, giving adequate feedback to students. Hence it acts as a powerful learning device.
PRACTICAL SESSIONS
Since practice of meditation is part and parcel of the course candidates should try to practice at their places. In Bangalore every Sunday mornings meditation and talks are conducted where the candidates can freely participate.
PROJECT WORK
The Academy insists on candidates to prepare a project report based on their study and practice in real-life situations as well as experiences based on research.
EXAMINATIONS
At the end of the course annual examination will be conducted over correspondence. After evaluation marks cards will be sent. At the end of each course in a convocation held during Buddha Jayanti diplomas will be awarded.
PROGRAM DELIVERY
The Academy has adopted a multimedia style of education that comprises self-learning print material, lessons through internet, personal contact sessions in a place where there are adequate number of candidates (comprising lectures, seminars and counseling, audio, visual components etc), practical sessions, assignments and real life-related /research oriented project work.
EVALUATION
Students' performance is evaluated on a continuous basis - 25% through assignments and at the term-end 75% through examinations. The minimum passing marks will be 45 in each paper.
LANGUAGE
The medium of instruction is English or Kannada.
Fees Structure
Admission and Registration fees
DBS courses - Rs.120
The Course Fees
DBS courses - Rs.500 per year
The Academy is going to be upgraded into Lord Buddha University of Pali and Theravada Buddhism and will conduct the following courses:
1. Bachelor course in Buddhist Studies (BBS)
2. Master Degree in Buddhist Studies (MBS)
3. Doctorate in Buddhist Studies (BSD)
The payment should be made by cheque or DD or MO in the name of MAHABODHI ACADEMY FOR PALI & BUDDHIST STUDIES, Bangalore, payable at Bangalore. or with information to our office transfer money to our account at
Mahabodhi Academy for Pali & Buddhist Studies
A/c No.353102010008915, IFSC Code: UBI0535311
Union Bank of india,
Gandhinagar, Bangalore-560009
The candidate can apply for the course at any time.
Address for Correspondence
Mahabodhi Academy for Pali & Buddhist Studies (MAPBS)
14th Kalidasa Road, Gandhinagar
Bangalore-560009
Tel: 080-64501433
Fax: 080-22264438
Email: mbou@mahabodhi.info
Website: www.mahabodhi.info
MAHABODHI CENTERS IN INDIA & ABROAD
Head Office:
Maha Bodhi Society
#14 Kalidasa Road, Gandhinagar
Bangalore - 560 009
Tel: 080-22250684
Fax: 080-22264438
E-mail: info@mahabodhi.info
Web: www.mahabodhi.info
For Diploma course
Mahabodhi Academy for Pali and Buddhist Studies
#14 Kalidasa Road, Gandhinagar
Bangalore - 560 009
Tel: 080-64501433
Fax: 080-22264438
E-mail: mbou@mahabodhi.info
For Books and Magazine
Buddha Vachana Trust
Maha Bodhi Society,
14, Kalidasa Road, Gandhinagar
Bangalore 560 009, India
Tel: 080-22250684
Fax: 080-22264438
E-mail: books@mahabodhi.info
MYSORE ADDRESSES
Mahabodhi Carla Students Home,
No.6, Swimming pool Road
Saraswathipuram, Mysore- 570 009
Tel/fax: 0821-22341603
E-mail: mysore@mahabodhi.info
Venerable Bhikkhu Sangharakkhita (Director)
Sponsorships:
E-mail: sponsorship@mahabodhi.info
Mr.Vittho (Sponsorship Coordinator)
Mahabodhi School
No.6, Swimming pool Road,
Saraswathipuram,
Mysore - 570 009
Tel/Fax: 0821-2341603
E-mail: mbsm@mahabodhi.info
Mahabodhi Mettaloka Youth Center-1
No.701, 3rd Main, 3rd Stage,
Gokulam, Mysore-570002
Tel: 0821-3266111
E-mail: mettaloka@mahabodhi.info
Mahabodhi Mettaloka Youth Center-2
No.40, 14th Cross, 4th A'S Main Road,
Behind Gokulam Telephone Exchange,
2nd Stage, Mysore-570002
Tel: 0821-3269976
E-mail: mettaloka@mahabodhi.info
Mahabodhi Arunachal Pradesh Addresses
Mahabodhi Maitri Mandala
Dist. Changlang,
Arunachal Pradesh 792103
Tel/Fax.03807 - 244372,
E-mail: ap@mahabodhi.info
Venerable Kassapa Thera (Chairman)
Venerable Bhikkhu Panyaloka (School in charge)
Venerable Bhikkhu Dhammacitta (Hostel in charge)
Sponsorships: apspon@mahabodhi.info
Mahabodhi Maitri Mandala,
Post Box No.23, Post Office,
Thana Road, Tinsukia-786125
Mahabodhi Center Tawang,
Vill: Teli, P.O and Dist: Tawang,
Arunachal Pradesh - 790 104
Tel: 03794-202118, 09436692031
Venerable Bhikkhu Panyarakkhita (Director)
E-mail: tawang@mahabodhi.info
Mahabodhi Deomali Project
C/o Buddhist Temple,
S.O. Deomali, Dist: Tirap,
Arunachal Pradesh - 786 629
Mahabodhi Tripura Address
Maha Bodhi Society,
Chiching Chera, Sarat Karbari Para,
P.O. Sivbari Bazar - 799275,
P.S: Manu, Dist: Dhalai,
Tripura State
Tel: 09862152191
Ven.Visuddhananda - In charge
Mahabodhi Ladakh Address
Mahabodhi International Meditation Center
P.O. Box 22, Devanchan,
Leh-Ladakh - 194 101
Tel. 01982-264372
Fax: 0091-1982-26432/264905
E-mail: mimcdevanchan@hotmail.com
E-mail: www.mahabodhi-ladakh.org
Mahabodhi Associates Abroad
Mahabodhi Switzerland
Mahabodhi Metta Foundation,
C/o Ms.Monica Thaddey,
Hochruetihalde 5
6045 Meggen
Switzerland
Tel: 0041-41-377 12 38
Fax: 0041-41-377 12 78
E-mail: monica.thaddey@bluewin.ch
E-mail: mahabodhi-swiss.com
Kurt Haverkamp Nyaya
Sagenbachstrasse 23,
CH-6442 Gersau
Switzerland
0041-41-828 28 71
E-mail: kurt.haverkamp@bluewin.ch
Mahabodhi Germany (DBHV)
Deutsch-Buddhistische Humanitaere Vereinigung (DBHV e.V)
Mr.Gustav Buettner,
Bodelschwinghweg 6
64297 Darmstadt, Germany
Tel/fax: 0049-6151-392 70 57
Email: dana@dbhv.de
Web: www.dbhv.de
Sponsorship Coordinator:
Elke Karuna Heß
Erbacher Str. 97 B
64287 Darmstadt
Germany
Tel. +49-(0)6151-1590256
mobile: +49-(0)178-1757202
Email: moosie_64@yahoo.de
Mahabodhi Germany (MBB)
Mahabodhi Buddhistische Begegnungsstätte
Family H. Euler Foundation
Ms. Lilli Euler
Wilhelm-Baur-Str. 8
D-64678 Lindenfels/Odw.
Germany
Tel/ Fax: 0049-6255 25 78
Email: mahabodhi-germany@freenet.de
Mahabodhi France
Association Mahabodhi Karuna
Ms.Jacqueline COLON
22, Chemin de Beausejour
26200 Montelimar,
France
Tel/Fax: 33-47 50909655
Email: jacqueline-colon@laposte.ne
Mahabodhi Belgium
Mahabodhi Karuna Belgium
Mr.Phillippe D'Haeyere
Avenue de la Foret 117/7
B-1000, Bruxelles, Belgium
Tel: 32-81-26 14 36
Fax: 32-81-26 19 07
Email: avocat.dhaeyere@skynet.be
Mr.John Borremans
Rue De Coquelet, 20
B-5000 NAMUR
Belgium
Tel: 0032-81-26 14 36
Fax: 0032-81-26 19 07
Email: borremans.john@belgacom.net
Sponsorship Coordinator:
Martine Beckers
Place de l'Europe 4
BE - 1342 LIMELETTE
Belgium
Email: martinebeckers@yahoo.fr
Mahabodhi USA
Ms.Carla Montagno
Mahabodhi Metta Charitable Fund
31147 Blue Jay Court,
Coarsegold,
California 93614
USA
Tel: 001-559 683 2512
Fax:001-559 229 8642
Email: drpins@sti.net
Mahabodhi Spain
Association Mahabodhi Metta Bhavana, Catalunya,
Jordi Carulla Pauels
C/Mexic, 21-23,
08759 Vallirana (Barcelona),
Spain
Tel: 0034620810675, 0034936832009
Fax: 0034-93-254-17-02
Email: dru-ida@hotmail.com
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