Past projects > Ven Hsuen Tsang Retreat Centre

Residential retreats are the most direct way for people, especially beginners, to experience the benefits of Dhamma practice. They are especially important for the newly converted Buddhists in India, most of whom are very poor and live in overcrowded homes where it is very difficult to study and meditate. Getting away on retreat they understand, often for the first time, the deeper benefits of Dhamma practice. This gives them the confidence to take Buddhism forward into their daily lives. Such facilities are essential if the slender new bud of Buddhism in India is to flourish and not wither.

The Venerable Hsuen Tsang Retreat Centre, near Wardha, was opened in 1993, the first retreat centre catering for Buddhists in the whole of central India. Since the opening thousands of people have attended retreats and deepened their understanding and appreciation of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.
 

Photo of retreat and outside of shrine
 

Past projects > Dhamma Tapes Project

There are thousands of towns and villages in India where there are no Dhamma teachers or workers and the local newly converted Buddhists have no way to develop their understanding of Buddhism. To help alleviate this12 tapes on basic aspects of the Buddha Dhamma were recorded and 500 copies made, and 500 tape recorders were bought. 400 sets were distributed in Maharashtra where most of the newly converted Buddhists live, and another 100 were kept for North India. Many of these are now circulating. Friends in Taiwan made this possible.

 

Past projects > Latur Earthquake

In 1993 an earthquake hit eastern Maharashtra around Latur, killing over 10,000 people. Friends in Taiwan donated funds which were used to purchase land for a hostel for children affected by the earthquake.

 
 

Projects